Sunday, January 25, 2009

Report shows signs maritime industry is in decline


"The Annapolis maritime industry, stung by recession, is rapidly shrinking as it loses boat-related jobs and businesses, according to a new city study released to The Capital last month.

The 2008 City of Annapolis Maritime Industry Economic Survey shows that maritime employment dropped 17.7 percent over the past six years to 1,415 jobs in 2008 from 1,719 jobs in 2002.

The number of new maritime businesses moving to Annapolis also dropped during that time period, from four that moved to Annapolis last year compared with eight in 2002.

Some boat manufacturers have considered moving to lower-cost areas such as North Carolina, where there is a small business and technology center that focuses on the maritime industry, the study reported."

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