MARINE business chiefs in an "under-valued" industry are set to make waves at a high-powered conference.

For the first time, boatbuilders, ferry operators, marina developers and others are getting together to debate the challenges faced in Kent and Medway.

Making Waves, at the Corn Exchange, Rochester, will look at how the marine sector must adapt to stay competitive.

Bill Moses, a marine consultant and former ferry company chief, is marine sector facilitator for Business Link Kent, which is hosting the conference with Marine Southeast and the River Medway Business Users Association (RMBUA).

Mr Moses, from Faversham, says the event is a must for anyone whose business is connected with the marine industry and will shape its future.

"The marine sector represents an important part of our daily lives, an aspect that many of us fail to recognise or take for granted, despite the fact that we are an island nation," he said.

Around 95 per cent of Britain’s exports and imports go by sea, including paper products, cars and fruit handled on the River Medway. Around 50 million people travel to and from the UK by ferry every year, nearly a third from Dover.

But, says Mr Moses: "Business Link Kent, Marine Southeast and the RMBUA believe that the marine sector is undervalued and that its profile should be raised."

More awareness will provide greater prospects for businesses that do down to the sea.

He added: "The marine sector faces a variety of challenges on different levels ranging from the imposition of fuel levy through to environmental issues and the erosion of waterfront businesses for housing developments."

However, he says Kent’s marine sector has opportunities, including wind-farm projects, a revitalised ferry industry and marina development in ports such as Folkestone.

Mr Moses has spelt out the challenges facing the ferry industry, especially on the Channel, in a recent briefing paper.

Hoverspeed has already pulled out, and existing operators like SeaFrance and P&O, about to be sold to Dubai Ports World, are finding it hard to attract passengers in the same numbers as before. A vicious price war is slashing margins.

Mr Moses blames competition from low-cost airlines, the loss of duty-free, 9/11 and Foot and Mouth.

While saying that rising freight traffic has been the salvation of ferry operators, he criticises them for tired offers promoted half-heartedly by a high street travel industry becoming less and less interested in selling ferries, especially when commission dropped in line with ticket prices.

He urges them to improve service levels to compete with aviation.

"If airlines and airports are the competitor, then it is important for ferry companies to provide a service that is altogether slicker in order to plant a truly memorable experience in travellers’ minds."