South Africa to Host Damen’s First Fishing Seminar

Damen Shipyards will hold its first Fishing Seminar in Cape Town, South Africa on 22 November in recognition of this important industry. To be held at Damen Shipyards Cape Town, the event brings together leading companies, the government and other stakeholders.

Damen is aiming to create a platform whereby the industry can come together with the government and exchange information about the latest developments in the sector and the new technologies and innovative ideas driving the growth of a sustainable fishing industry. Other major topics to be addressed include the progress of the fleet renewal programme and available financing vehicles for the industry.

Representatives from the Department of Trade & Industry and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), and leading industry figures will take part.

Sam Montsi, Chairman of Damen Shipyards Cape Town, said: “As it is clearly indicated in the White Paper for National Management of the Ocean, South Africa is a maritime nation with jurisdiction over one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the world. Our ocean space is resource-rich and relatively pristine environment.

“We have seen an increase in the usage of our maritime resources in our ocean space over time, and this is a good indication of the potential maritime economic opportunities that can be unlocked in the future. Additionally, the challenge of our aging fishing fleet as stipulated by Operation Phakisa is a concern for the future of the industry and needs to be addressed, for both the survival of the fishing industry and for the retention of the jobs it creates," Sam added.

“We need to be innovative in order to address these challenges and continuous engagement between the industry and government is of paramount importance in order to ensure the continuous growth of the industry. Damen Shipyard Cape Town is well positioned to support industry and government players in this sector,” he said.

South Africa has a vibrant fishing industry boasting 22 commercial, fish-related sectors. The fishery sector employs more than 26,500 people in the commercial sector, and the industry is estimated to be worth R6 billion per year (Sea Harvest Report May 2017).

Given the important role the fisheries industry plays in the South African economy, Damen believes its first seminar is a great opportunity for the various stakeholders to network and we are sure there will be plenty of interesting debates and new ideas discussed. Damen will also be presenting its own vessel financing solutions, which includes a dedicated lease fund specifically designed for the African market.

The programme kicks off at 09.00am with guest registration at Damen Shipyards Cape Town. After the speeches there will be time for questions and the afternoon session will be followed by a tour of Damen Shipyards Cape Town and a cocktail hour.