Innovation does not always require substantial capital investment or complex new technology. It can begin with better communication between suppliers and manufacturers, more effective project preparation, improved engineering practices and a willingness to challenge established ways of working.
That’s the conclusion from the Innovation for Growth, Technologies Driving Africa’s Sustainable Marine Future panel discussion at the African Boating Conference.
The panel believes Africa’s boatbuilding industry has an opportunity to strengthen its position in the global marine market by embracing innovation, improving manufacturing efficiencies and fostering greater collaboration between boatbuilders, suppliers, designers and technology providers.
European production models cannot simply be replicated
But, it cautions against assuming that European production models could be transferred directly into African boatbuilding facilities.
Oliver Dawson, Evolution Marine’s MD, says innovation needs to be adapted to local operating conditions, workforce capabilities and production requirements.
“You cannot take a European methodology and try to apply it to a South African yard overnight. It is never going to happen.”
He argues that improving existing manufacturing efficiencies should be a priority as African boatbuilders face increasing competition from international manufacturers, including emerging brands from Asia.
Collaboration between yards and suppliers is key to progress
Questioning traditional manufacturing practices and identifying opportunities to reduce waste, improve productivity and deliver better outcomes for customers is essential.
Adam Ramsden, Flexiteek CEO, says meaningful progress frequently originates through collaboration with suppliers and customers rather than within a business alone.
“Most of our innovations have come from either our suppliers or from our customers,” he notes.
While there is a continued reliance on manual processes and physical templates in boatbuilding, digital scanning and more accurate manufacturing systems can reduce material waste, production time and inefficiencies.
Timothy Vogelaar, key account manager for AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings, believes that innovation is most effective when suppliers engage directly with shipyards to understand their operational requirements, develop prototype solutions and test products under real-world conditions.
“Have open conversations with each other, talk about problems and challenges, and then come up with some things that you can do better and innovate for change,” says Vogelaar.
The post African boatbuilders urged to rethink traditional manufacturing in innovation drive appeared first on Marine Industry News.