Nautic addresses the challenges facing Africa's coastline

"If Africa is to continue developing, it is vital that we protect her waters," says James Fisher, CEO of Nautic Africa.

Fisher was speaking at the Subsea & Offshore Support Vessels Africa Conference, recenlty held in Cape Town.

Nautic Africa, which specialises in the construction of high-speed, ballistic-protected aluminium crew and patrol vessels, is recognised as one of South Africa's top ship building companies.

Fisher explained that the challenges of operating off Africa's coast are vast and daunting, including illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, piracy, smuggling, oil pollution, off-shore expansion and even terrorism.

"It is crucial that the ship building industry take cognisance of the challenges that are specific to our waters, and rise to meet them," he said.

Nautic Africa is doing just that by developing multi-role patrol vessels that are practical, functional and good value for money.

"The multi-role patrol vessels have been developed and built in Africa, specifically for African conditions. They are versatile and re-deployable, fuel efficient and eco-compliant, easy to maintain and sustainable."

In addition, they are compliant with local Navies and Maritime Authorities, and even meet the high demands of oil companies and/or clients.

Importantly, Nautic Africa also offers total vessel support to maximise vessel lifespan, including 'through-life' support, technical management, system-specific maintenance and integrated logistics support. It also supplies crew and system training.

The company already has bases in Nigeria and Ghana (in addition to South Africa), and has working relationships with local vessel operators, as well as the gas and oil companies.

"The protection of Africa's waters is crucial to the on-going development of the continent. Governments and private companies need to work together to ensure that we need never write 'here be dragons' on our sea-faring maps again!" he concludes.