The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) has launched a programme aimed at supporting the marine sector. The AISI, Marine Manufacturing, Maintenance & Repairs, and Associated Services Development Programme seeks to assist suppliers in the ship and boatbuilding, maintenance and repair, and associated services value chain. With relevant industry players participating in this initiative, the programme serves as a pilot aimed at assisting suppliers with support in terms of marine standards and accreditations as well as technology enhancements. This ring-fenced programme also focuses on the improvement of competitiveness in the local marine supply chain and the provision of a better response to designated public procurements in the ship and boat-building industry.

One of the most important opportunities for local companies involved in marine manufacturing and repairs is to be positioned to respond to designated public procurement in the ship and boat-building industry. This programme provides industry with relevant tools, support and responses to sector-specific needs. The exponential growth in the participation of various companies has demonstrated the significant benefits the programme has contributed to the sector.

With fifteen contracted beneficiaries, mainly small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s), the the programme also aims to strengthen the participation of local companies and development of suppliers to improve competitiveness through localisation of technology and capacity.  While the central focus of this programme has been on assisting beneficiaries to obtain the relevant standards and accreditations, to participate in the marine manufacturing and repairs industry, technology enhancement projects are also supported as niche capability for the local manufacturing industry.