A locally-manufactured boat called JetRIB Sea Ranger won a global award for innovation this week at the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s annual celebration.
Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, James Vos, said he had the opportunity to inspect this revolutionary boat at the Bellville shipyard of Droomers Yahama, who partnered with Admiral Powercats in designing and producing the JetRIB.
The boat was specifically manufactured for the the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) who conduct complicated rescues along the 3000km coastline in South Africa.
In a statement, Vos said Cape Town’s boat-builders are industry leaders when it comes to innovation, design, and quality, and is the primary driver in helping the Western Cape become the largest marine manufacturing centre within South Africa, generating over R2,3 billion in 2018 in exports revenue, and housing approximately 45% of the country’s boat-builders.
The city’s boating exports have grown by approximately 20,5% year-on-year since 2014, ultimately attracting a positive trade balance of around R1,042 billion annually.
This specific industry has also supported more than 11 000 jobs in Cape Town.
“One of my proudest moments as a Mayco member was the launch of the City-funded BlueCape, which is working closely with companies to expand on the benefits of Cape Town’s ocean economy and provide jobs and social upliftment. By working together, we can take Cape Town’s boat-building industry to the next level while providing more job opportunities for the people of our city,” he concluded.
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