MARINE

Advancing technology in South Africa’s marine sector is key to unlocking the ocean economy, protecting ecosystems, and improving shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, and coastal management.

Tools like satellite vessel tracking, autonomous underwater vehicles, and digital port systems enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. By integrating robotics, data analytics, and renewable ocean energy, the country can support environmental monitoring, create high-value jobs, and strengthen its position in the global blue economy.

Our goal is to assist the marine industry to improve its competitiveness, productivity and quality management systems.

The AISI has supported projects to assist the marine industry to optimise its operations and procedures in order to ensure South African industry integration into global supply chains as well as open up new markets and opportunities through support of relevant standards and accreditations.

Expression of Interest

Deadline for application: 25 March 2027 Apply for support now

Marine Technology Development and Accreditation Programme

The AISI invites eligible companies to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) for participation in the Marine Technology Development and Accreditation Programme. AISI is an initiative of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. The programme is hosted and managed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

This EoI seeks to identify marine advanced manufacturing companies, including both SMMEs and non-SMMEs, for inclusion in AISI’s Marine Supplier Development Programme. The initiative provides financial and technical support aimed at enhancing capabilities, obtaining relevant accreditations, and facilitating integration into both local and global supply chains. This, in turn, improves competitiveness, productivity, and market access.

The programme enhances industry competitiveness through the following key interventions:

Standards and accreditation support
Technology enhancement

Application process and deadline

Please download the application documents as follows:

Prospective beneficiaries may submit applications anytime until Thursday, 25 March 2027 at 16:30. Submissions will be evaluated on a monthly basis as they are received, up to the closing date.

Contact information

For further details, please email us on aisi@csir.co.za or tthupana@csir.co.za, or call us on +27 (0)12 841 2913.

Accreditation

Marine accreditation in South Africa is essential for ensuring that vessels, equipment, and marine-related services meet internationally recognised safety, quality, and environmental standards, enabling the country to compete in the global maritime industry. Compliance with frameworks such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) regulations, and sector-specific certifications enhances the credibility of local shipbuilders, repair yards, offshore service providers, and port operations.

AISI supports selected manufacturers and service providers with marine-specific certifications and accreditations. Support may include:

Implementing certification and accreditation requirements
Auditing systems and processes
Inspecting equipment and components
Testing systems and components
Engineering assistance, including design evaluation

The goal is to improve compliance and enable participation in marine industry supply chains. External experts are contracted to deliver these services. All certifications are marine-specific, including examples such as IACS, IMO, SAMSA, SABS, CE, IECEx, and ABYC.

Technology enhancement

Technology enhancement drives growth and market access for marine companies (SMMEs and non-SMMEs) by developing or improving technologies, processes, and products. It supports business goals and global competitiveness through projects like technology transfer, validation, and de-risking.

All projects supported must be at a Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) value of 4 or higher at the start of the project. Preference will be given to higher TRL projects.