The African shipbuilding industry is experiencing significant growth as several countries aim to strengthen their local capacities and enter the expanding global market. Local shipyards across Africa are stepping up efforts to build and repair vessels, while South Africa leads the way by constructing and testing AI-powered ships for export.
In recent development, a South African shipbuilding company has been working on an autonomous vessel that requires no sailors, signalling a new era for African shipbuilding. The firm, Legacy Marine, was reported in May to be building a 9.5-meter unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in Port Elizabeth, Gqeberha, in partnership with Noble Concentric Solutions. This project, expected to be completed by December, is a proof-of-concept for search and rescue and is commissioned for a Saudi Arabian client. The UK-based Robosys Automation has been tasked with delivering the AI-driven control systems for the vessel. Nigel Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at Robosys, expressed excitement about their involvement in this pioneering project.
South Africa’s shipbuilding industry is already established, producing a wide range of ocean-going vessels, including naval ships, tugs, fishing vessels, and luxury yachts. The country also boasts extensive repair and support yards that cater to deepwater exploration, drilling, and oil rigs. However, it’s not alone in this push. Other African nations, such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco, are actively developing their shipbuilding sectors to become significant players in the multi-billion-dollar global market.
While Nigeria focuses on its existing fabrication yards for the oil and gas industry, Kenya and Morocco are pursuing public-private partnerships to fund large-scale shipyard expansions. Morocco, for instance, has initiated an international tender for a 30-year concession of a new shipyard at the Port of Casablanca to meet the growing demand for ship repair services. This facility will include a 240-meter dry dock, a 5,000-tonne syncrolift, and a fitting-out wharf, among other amenities, enabling the shipyard to handle numerous vessels annually.
Kenya is also advancing its shipbuilding ambitions by exploring the viability of a new shipyard facility in Kisumu and Mombasa. The country recently commissioned a US$16 million cargo ship, the MV Uhuru II, built by the Kenya Defence Forces in collaboration with Dutch firm Damen Shipyards, to boost trade across Lake Victoria. In 2021, the government launched Kenya Shipyards, which is positioned to be the largest shipbuilding facility in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Historically, South Africa and Egypt were the primary shipbuilders in Africa. However, South Africa is now pushing to localize its shipbuilding industry further. Recent projects, such as the construction of multi-mission inshore patrol vessels (MMIPVs) for the South African Navy by Damen Shipyards Cape Town, showcase the country’s capabilities. With over 40 vessels delivered across Africa, Damen’s operations in Cape Town have significantly contributed to the local shipbuilding scene.
Other African countries are also seeking partnerships to boost their shipbuilding industries. In May 2024, South Africa’s Nouum Engineering and Mauritius-based Taylor Smith Shipyard signed a cooperation agreement, allowing for larger engine overhauls and expanding their operational reach. Tanzania, too, has attracted foreign investment, with a Turkish firm announcing a US$129 million shipyard project in October 2023.
The surge in African shipbuilding activities reflects a broader effort to harness the continent’s maritime potential. By investing in local shipbuilding, countries are not only reducing reliance on imports but also fostering the growth of ancillary industries, such as steel manufacturing, engineering, electronics, and logistics. As a result, African shipbuilding is set to make a substantial impact on both regional and global markets.
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