Q&A: The more ships we build, the more we can build

By AfricaPost October 16, 2024146 views

Focus on localisation is key to growing shipbuilding industry

27 September 2024 – 05:00

by Michelle Gumede

As Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) charges ahead to implement several urgent interventions to address backlogs at the Durban port and ease congestion at Richards Bay to reduce the effect on the SA economy, the local arm of the family-owned Dutch defence, shipbuilding, and engineering conglomerate Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) says SA’s maritime industry has great potential, with the biggest customers in the government sector.

Business Day spoke with DSCT group directors Sefale Montsi and Jos Govaarts, who said consolidated investment in the country’s nautical industry — which has a strategic geographic positioning — would develop a sustainable shipbuilding business in SA that leverages local resources, goods and services on an ongoing basis, resulting in a positive ripple effect…