French industry maintains high growth levels

The French Federation of Nautical Industries – FIN disclosed the industry figures for the period 2006/2007. Figures showed that the French industry continues on high growth levels, with results which are above the world industry average on each segment.

In 2006, the French nautical industry was composed of:

• 4,900 companies from all sectors (e.g. marinas, boat builders, engine suppliers, equipment suppliers, charter companies, trade, repair & maintenance, importers, outdoor equipment, service providers, etc.);
  
• Employing 45,043 persons (+ 0.4% in employment) and
  
• Generating a turnover of 4.65 billion EUR (+ 5.8%).

The French boat building activity represents a turnover of 1.166 billion EUR, with a + 8.4% growth in 2006 and an estimated growth around 8% for 2007.

The French boat building production encompasses the following segments:

Sailing boats

• Cabin sailing boats: 878 million EUR turnover, + 8.4% growth in 2006
  
• Open sailing boats: 13 million EUR turnover, + 3.9% growth in 2006

Total for sailing boat production: 691 million EUR turnover, + 8.3% growth in 2006 (estimated world growth in 2005/2006 is + 7.7%). French forecast for 2007 is > 8% for the sailing boat production.

Motor boats

• Cabin motor boats: 291 million EUR turnover, + 13.8% growth in 2006
  
• Open motor boats: 28 million EUR turnover, + 5.3% growth in 2006
  
• Other motor boats: 79 million EUR turnover, - 0.6% growth in 2006

Total for motor boat production (incl. inflatable boats and private watercraft): 398 million EUR turnover, + 9.8% growth in 2006 (estimated world growth in 2005/2006 is + 5.5%). French forecast for 2007 is > 9% for the motor boat production.

Export growing
The growth of the French industry is supported by the growing share of exports, representing 63% in 2006 (with 61% in 2005). The world leadership of the French sailing industry is underlined, with 73% of the production being exported. Finally, sales of motor boats abroad have accelerated with 55% of the production being exported (with 35% in 2000).

Nautical activities in France
At national level, the practice of nautical activities continues growing but at a slower pace, with an increase by + 4.5% of boat registrations. Finally, the number of boaters holding a motor boat license was multiplied by 12 in the last 10 years, with an increase of +14.2% in 2006.

Source: European Confederation of Nautical Industries

- www.ecni.org