Davies launches new ship-repair facility in Durban

The ship and boat manufacturing industry in South Africa has a great opportunity to supply and service sub-Saharan Africa with working vessels as required by State agencies for various activities, Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies said on Friday. Speaking at the naming ceremony of the new multimillion-rand composite floating dock, held at the Dormac ship-repair facility at the Port of Durban, he pointed out that about 12 000 ships call at South Africa’s ports each year, while over 30 000 vessels sail along the South African coastline every year.   “The ship repair industry is estimated at above R1-billion in Durban in normal trading conditions. This is with all docks well maintained and working as well as all other challenges addressed. Dormac 1 will go a long way towards meeting the demand for ship repair in South Africa’s busiest harbour,” he added.    He said the ultimate goal was to boost, grow and industrialise the economy and to create employment.