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One of the biggest maritime powers in the world, with a maritime domain of 10.9 million square kilometres, France also has a shipbuilding industry that remains dynamic and is staying the course despite strong international competition and the impact of the Covid-19 health crisis on ship orders.
The level of activity remained strong in 2020, driven in particular by orders for military vessels that benefit the main French yards. If orders for civilian vessels slow down, France should still be able to do well thanks to its ability to adapt and its ability to respond to very diversified markets with "tailor-made" and unique vessels, adapted to the specific needs of owners, when its competitors are offering more and more "standard" products.
The future of the sector nonetheless depends on strong political will, to allow France not only to maintain its know-how, skills and maritime sovereignty, but also to continue to export French maritime excellence.
Sea to Sea, in partnership with the French shipbuilding organisation GICAN, has kindly provided Baird Maritime with an update on the state of the French maritime industry.
FEATURE | Towards a sovereign model of the French shipbuilding industry
– "The French maritime sector represented 11.25 billion euros in cumulative turnover in 2020, 45 per cent of which was exported. 6.2 billion euros came from defence and 5.0 billion euros from the commercial side"
– by Stéphanie Roos-Faujour, Sea to Sea
FEATURE | Vers un modèle souverain de l'industrie navale française
– "L'agence Sea to sea en partenariat avec le GICAN, Groupement des Industries de Construction et Activités Navales, qui fédère l'industrie navale française tente ici de dresser un état des lieux du secteur"
– by Stéphanie Roos-Faujour, Sea to Sea
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Any news or views about the French workboat industries? Send it through to editor@baird.com.au ASAP (between now and May 28), so we can add it to this current edition of France Week!
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