Sector Overview
The marine sector covers shipbuilding and repair, boat building
and repair, and marine equipment manufacture. Together these
industries have an estimated 56,000 direct employees and contribute
more than £1.9bn to GDP.
Key Facts
Shipbuilding and Ship Repair including Submarines
- The sector employs 24,000 people at 800 sites and up to 50,000
as contract labour.
- The merchant shipyards in the UK are expanding their business
in ship repair and refit.
- A market in converting former naval and fishing craft into
superyachts is developing.
Boatbuilding and Boat Repair
- Yacht building is a thriving high-export sector.
- UK yacht builders compete against strong international players
and strive to win an increasing share of a growing world
market.
- Some UK powerboat builders export more than 90% of
production.
Marine Equipment
- The UK has a number of world-class marine equipment
manufacturers seeking to strengthen their position in export
markets.
- UK suppliers of marine equipment and services for large vessels
have an annual turnover of £1.7bn of which 62% is exported.
This market comprises commercial seagoing vessels, warships, naval
auxiliaries, larger yachts and large workboats.
Future
There are new and growing opportunities and serious challenges
for companies in the sector to increase productivity and become
more competitive.
The worldwide leisure marine industry is expanding and the UK is
well placed to benefit from this.
The skills required to utilise cutting-edge technology alongside
superb craftsmanship are key to winning a greater market share for
the UK.
Demand for offshore oil platforms and supply vessels shows signs
of strong growth in Africa, Asia and North America. Oil
and gas prices are high and new activity is likely in the North
Sea.
These factors could keep the marine equipment market buoyant in
the UK in the medium term and allow UK yards to compete.
People and Skills
The sector needs multi-disciplined craftspeople to provide
specific technical skills at Level 3 and above. Upskilling
Level 2 employees through training in new technology and business
processes is key to getting the higher-level skills employers
need.
There is a demand for ‘work-ready’ graduates with relevant
degrees who have what it takes to move sector companies
forward. They include naval architects and marine electrical
engineers capable of using the latest technology and materials in
design.
Leadership is required to drive change. Leaders able to
manage fast-moving developments around New Product and Process
Development and Implementation (NPPDI) in large projects such as
naval builds are critical.
For the UK marine sector to compete globally it needs to train
in ‘lean’, ‘six sigma’ and other types of business improvement
techniques. Companies also need to train their staff in
NPPDI, supply chain management and project management.