Marine Industries Global Market Analysis - Marine Institute

MARINE INDUSTRIES GLOBAL MARKET ANALYSIS
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almost 1.5 million people. In terms of direct value added, the United Kingdom has
the largest maritime cluster, closely followed by Germany and Norway. 11
However, some small countries such as Greece, Denmark and the Netherlands have
developed major marine industries. As a small country, in 2004 Ireland had a
correspondingly small share of world markets, largest in the key sectors of research &
development and marine commerce.
We believe that the future potential a small country such as Ireland lies in sectors that
are ‘internationally mobile’ and therefore receptive to advantageous tax regimes,
and/or would benefit from application of new technology; or are particularly suited
to Ireland’s natural environment. For example:
• Aquaculture – a growth sector where Ireland can be promoted as a ‘green and
clean’ producer.
• Maritime commerce – focused around Dublin’s shipping and financial community.
This however needs an attractive taxation environment.
• Marine renewable energy – Ireland has an outstanding wind, wave and tidal regime.
• Marine technology and biotechnology – capitalising on Ireland’s attractions
as a location for technological investments.
• Marine education – Ireland has made training investments and has a reputation
for academic excellence.
• Ocean survey – specifically related to building on Ireland’s recent EEZ
survey experience.
• Tourism – as cruise industry and watersports customers seek new destinations.
In developing any strategy for the marine industries it is important to recognise the
significance of commercial initiatives (as opposed to research initiatives), particularly
within the “traditional sub-sectors”. Examples of countries which have developed
positions of commercial leadership include Greece with the highest ownership of the
world’s ship tonnage, Germany in regard to container vessels, Denmark which
operates twice its owned tonnage and is a world leader in the manufacture of wind
energy technology, the UK in marine commerce (Greek shipping is mainly Londonbased),
and the Netherlands in ports and ocean survey (it claims some 11,800
companies active in marine sectors). 12 In comparison it has been noted that “New
York declined as a marine cluster due to tax changes”.
11
‘The Economic Impact of Maritime Industries in Europe’, Policy Research Corporation NV for the European Commission, 2002.
12
http://www.kvnr.nl/kvnr/engels.asp