THE ship building and repair industry on the Tyne and the Tees is a sunrise industry, not a sunset one.

That was the message to delegates from the Shipbuilders and Shiprepairers' Association (SSA) at a conference in Newcastle yesterday.

The event brought together major players from the regional and UK industry, including delegates from Cammell Laird, A&P and Armstrong Technology on the Tyne, and companies such as Northern Ireland-based Harland and Wolff.

The event, at the University of Newcastle, was held to launch the SSA's shipyard improvement programme and shipyard marketing services.

The view of the SSA was that the industry was rising from its almost terminal decline over the past decade to meet the challenges ahead.

Tom Dougherty, SSA assistant director, said: "There have been few more spectacular falls from grace than that of the British shipbuilding industry over the past decade.

"It once employed thousands of staff, building massive tankers and military vessels and having design teams the envy of the world.

"That decline is now being reversed thanks to programmes like ours. There are more opportunities for UK shipyards, and our programme is all about helping those shipyards take opportunities."

The shipyard improvement programme is aimed at the continuous development of the shipbuilding, repair and conversion industry, with the aim being to achieve increased competitiveness and efficiency.

It is similar to programmes run by the Society of British Aerospace companies and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Central to the programme is the Masterclass, a structured three-month process designed to realise immediate and measurable benefits, start the process of continuous improvement, and provide training and guidance.

Mr Dougherty added: "While cynics may describe the UK shipping industry as in a sunset, that is far from the case.

"We are very upbeat about our initiative. The improvement programme is going to make a major difference to the industry, spearheading improvements and competitiveness, ensuring better results and business growth."

Newcastle University is already involved in the project.

George Bruce, senior lecturer in marine production technology, said: "Programmes like these being run by SSA show that there are excellent prospects for the UK shipbuilding and repair industry.

"The UK industry has the collective skills and resources to build a variety of specialised ship types for companies across the globe."

It is estimated that there are about 600 ship owning companies in the world that are in need of building and repair services. It is the aim of SSA to help British shipyards tap into that market.

That is why the SSA has developed marketing services to stand alongside its improvement programme.

Its Marketing Services programme will promote the capabilities of the UK yards.

Mr Dougherty said: "This is a significant added value service, and in particular importance in the on-going drive for increased competitiveness."

The service will be run by marketing consultants Terry Harrison and John Dempster.

Mr Harrison was formerly managing director of Wartsila UK, while Mr Dempster was managing director with Craig Group Ship Repair.

He said: "SSA Marketing Services will kick-start the industry into a more market-focused, strategic level of operation."

Working from a comprehensive market database, the marketing consultants will spend their time visiting ship owners across Europe, promoting UK technology and capabilities, talking to owners about their requirements and providing a link direct to the UK yards.

In this way it is hoped SSA Marketing Services will open new markets, while complimenting yard activity in existing ones.

l The receiver for Cammell Laird said it was still hopeful of finding a buyer for the struggling shipyard. Another 88 men will be laid off at the Hebburn yard in Tyneside this week as work is completed on another contract.