Damen 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, comments: “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.
 
“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” 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 (programme attached). 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.

The Damen Shipyards Cape Town team look forward to meeting you there!