Maritime Transport and Marine Manufacturing in South Africa 2021

Maritime Transport and Marine Manufacturing in South Africa

The sea, coastal and inland water transport system facilitates trade and plays a crucial role in the movement of passengers and goods. Before the coronavirus pandemic, around 300 million tons of seaborne cargo moved through South African ports each year. The pandemic has brought into focus the critical role performed by the maritime transport industry in the delivery of medicine, food, fuel and other essential supplies, but has also highlighted the hardships facing thousands of crew members stranded at sea.

Developments

Ports operator Transnet National Ports Authority, a division of state-owned transport and logistics company Transnet, is to become an independent subsidiary, allowing revenues generated by the ports from lease income, marine services, cargo tariffs and other sources to be used to upgrade and expand port infrastructure and new equipment. Significantly, it allows for greater collaboration with the private sector. The ports authority will continue to be responsible for maintaining port infrastructure and providing maritime services.

Niche Competitive Advantages

Despite stiff competition from the subsidised boat yards of South Korea, China and Japan, the quality of locally-made boats has given the country a competitive edge in some vessel categories, particularly catamarans, where South African manufacturers are among the biggest globally and where exports are significant. South African boat yards have developed a niche advantage for custom-built boats. While competition among local boat yards is not high as companies are highly specialised, the repair market is more competitive.

Report Coverage

This report focuses on the maritime transport and marine manufacturing sector in South Africa. It includes comprehensive information on ports and harbours, the manufacture of vessels, the size and state of the sector, port infrastructure and statistics on vessel arrivals and cargo handled. There are profiles of 58 companies including shipbuilders such as Robertson & Caine and Southern Wind Shipyards, international companies such as MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and BP Shipping, local merchant vessel owner Vuka Marine and bunkering services company Minerva.