Plymouth has a significant marine sector and ranges in scope from large organisations such as DML, who run the biggest ship repair facility in Europe, to small firms offering boat cleaning or dinghy instruction. The sector employs c13,500 people in nearly 300 companies. Via the Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership, Plymouth has one of the Europe’s largest regional clusters of marine science and technology expertise.
The sector includes watersports and Plymouth is home to the Mount Batten Centre which is capable of hosting world class events, and the Royal Western Yacht Club has run some of the world’s most prestigious races. Ship manufacture and repair are prominent. Princess Yachts International is one of Europe’s largest luxury boat builders and is a major exporter, exporting 90% of their production overseas. DML’s is a major stakeholder active in the military and commercial arena.
The Dockyard port of Plymouth is home to the largest naval base in Western Europe which sits alongside a thriving commercial port. More than 2 million tonnes of cargo pass through the port each year. Marine services include finance, brokerage, law, insurance and consultancy.
Sector Group
The lead organisation in the development of the marine sector is Maritime Plymouth. Maritime Plymouth provides a forum for companies and organisations within this sector in Plymouth. It’s driving motivation is to make and promote Plymouth as the “City on the Sea, not a city with its back to the sea.”
Action Plan
Maritime Plymouth seeks to achieve this vision by:
| - | Facilitating closer engagement between marine firms and the public sector, to ensure that provision of sites and premises, skills development and business support are tailored to the needs of marine companies |
| - | Capitalising on Plymouth's marine strengths - especially its environment and maritime heritage - and using these to promote a more positive image for the city |
| - | Strengthening links between marine and other sectors, especially tourism |
| - | Capitalising on growth opportunities in marine science and technology |