FRIDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2003

Programme director, Mr Sam Montsi, Mr van der Calseyde, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It gives me great pleasure to be here at the launch of the first of three 47-metre fishery and environmental protection vessels, which constitutes a major step in the Department's programme to effectively manage South Africa's living marine resources and to increase its capacity to protect the marine environment from the effects of pollution at sea.

It is also significant that the three vessels will be constructed by a majority black-owned company, Farocean Marine Ltd, in partnership with Damen Shipyards of the Netherlands. This partnership marks one of South Africa's success stories in Black Economic Empowerment and demonstrates, once again, government's commitment to the empowerment of the previously marginalized so as balance economic distribution in the country.

This is indeed a milestone for South Africa's shipbuilding industry, opening previously closed doors and creating much-needed job opportunities for our people. This contract, I have been informed, will lead to Farocean Marine doubling its workforce to some 250 employees.

The commissioning of these new and refurbished workshops also constitutes a significant development in the South African shipbuilding industry and a major boost for the industry in the Western Cape. Mr Montsi has outlined the benefits that will accrue from this major commitment, both to Farocean Marine and the local shipbuilding industry. It is gratifying to note that the opportunities created by their recent activities were seized upon to make a long-term investment in an industry that is fiercely competitive and reflects well on their commitment to this industry.

Equally important, is the relationship that has developed over the years between Farocean Marine and Damen Shipyards. It is a relationship that holds considerable potential for the shipbuilding industry through the transfer of technology and skills, and the creation of direct and indirect employment through the building of Damen designed vessels in Cape Town.

Before I speak on the vessels, it is perhaps important to outline the environment in which they will work.

The South African coastline is approximately 3200 kilometres in extent, creating an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in excess of 1 million square kilometres. Within this EEZ, South Africa is blessed with substantial living marine resources and a coastline that offers enormous benefits for the tourism industry. The protection of these living resources and our marine environment are thus of great importance to the well being of our economy and their long term protection and development enjoy a very high priority within my department.

The commercial and recreational fisheries play a significant role in the South African economy, particularly in the Western Cape. These fisheries range in size from large-scale industrial activities, such as the pelagic and deep sea trawling sectors, down to micro scale activities such mussel and oyster collection. The annual landed value of the catch is estimated at R3 billion and if the value added by shore based processing is included, this figure rises to nearly R 4,5 billion. Direct employment for some 28 000 persons is created around the coast. In addition to the direct revenue generated, the fishing industry supports numerous secondary and tertiary industries. Further to these commercial endeavours, the recreational fishery plays a significant role in the tourism industry, coastal development, and the creation of local employment.

Like most fisheries around the world, illegal fishing, poaching, over fishing and other irregularities occur within the South African fishing industry. These activities generate huge profits, much of which leaves our shores without the knowledge of the Receiver of Revenue, thus exacerbating the financial cost to the economy.

The Department views such activities in serious light and is fully committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our living marine resources. We have achieved some success in cracking down on these illegal activities, particularly in the rock lobster and abalone fisheries. These successes have been achieved with the assistance of agencies such as the South African Police Services, the Scorpions, the Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency and the Department of Justice. As I said in Parliament earlier this week, government is determined to win the war against poachers - we are getting very tough and very dangerous on these criminal elements in our society.

The procurement of new protection vessels has been a long and difficult process and was originally started in 1991, when the responsibility for fishery protection was a provincial rather than a national government responsibility. A lack of funds prevented the project from coming to fruition. In 1996, this function was passed back to my Department and in 1998, protection vessel requirements were reviewed and the decision was taken to procure a single offshore vessel and three inshore vessels. Following a public tender process, the tenders were awarded to Farocean Marine and Damen Shipyards. I must point out that there was fierce international competition in the tender process and the Damen/Farocean tenders were successful because of their competitive price and technical superiority. The offshore vessel is 83 metres in length and will be capable of remaining at sea for up to 45 days while carrying seven fishery conservation officers. In addition to its fishery commitments, the vessel will carry 50,000 litres of dispersant and a range of oil spill countermeasure systems. Search and Rescue, fire fighting and towing facilities will further enhance its capabilities. A helicopter deck with refuelling facilities for the support of craft as large as an Oryx helicopter have been incorporated. Delivery of this vessel is expected in December 2004.

The three inshore vessels are 47 metres in length and their design is based on a number of similar vessels built for the Netherlands and British governments. These have proved to be highly successful and the Department will no doubt benefit from the experience gained in the design and construction of the first eight vessels. Key criteria that had to be met by tenderers were the ability to work off the inhospitable South African coastline and to remain at sea for periods of up to 14 days. The lack of suitable harbours north of Saldanha Bay added onerous range and speed requirements, which had a major impact on size of the vessels, which are slightly larger than their predecessors. Each vessel will carry two fishery conservation officers and will spend up to 220 days per year at sea. The vessels will also carry oil dispersant chemicals and oil spill countermeasure equipment. The first vessel is due for delivery in December 2004, with the remaining two following at three-month intervals.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are shortly to witness the first tangible step in the building of these three fine vessels. It may seem a fairly simple operation, but it belies the intense effort over several years by officials of my Department, of Damen Shipyards and of Farocean Marine. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all concerned in achieving this important milestone and to wish Farocean Marine and Damen Shipyards every success in their future ventures

Together let us build a better life for all!

Thank you