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Intermarine launches Intermarine Bulk Carriers and expands fleet by two vessels

May 8, 2024 by

Intermarine has thrived since its full integration into the SAL-Intermarine Group a year and a half ago. Specialized in liner services and project cargo, the company has built an excellent reputation as a leading, high-quality MPP operator in the global breakbulk industry. Now, Intermarine is expanding its portfolio to offer bulk shipping services under the new Intermarine Bulk Carriers brand. Intermarine is also expanding its fleet with two additional F300 vessels. The new fleet will consist of a total of 30 units.

The newly founded Intermarine Bulk Carriers will commercially manage Harren Group’s bulk carriers – a total of six units with a combined deadweight of 350,000 t. From now on, Intermarine will offer MPP vessels as well as ECO OHBS Handysize bulk tonnage. Intermarine’s bulk experts will also act as commercial managers for the Group’s larger 76,000 to 95,000 DWT bulkers. These vessels are suitable for transporting wind blades on deck, for example.

“This move puts Intermarine in a bigger and better position. The synergies between MPP and bulk tonnage will take us to a new level,” says Intermarine President Richard Seeg.

“Intermarine will further strengthen its product portfolio by merging all MPP and bulk forces. Customers will benefit from greater choices and better, more efficient solutions,” explains Intermarine CEO Svend Andersen. COO Lars Rassmussen adds: “The expansion will open up completely new markets and customer groups for Intermarine. This is a perfect complement – a win-win situation for our customers and for us.”

The Intermarine Bulk Carriers management team consists of Dr Martin Harren (CEO Harren Group), Lars Rasmussen (COO Intermarine), Capt. Joachim Zeppenfeld (MD Intermarine Bulk Carriers) and Jan-Philipp Rauno (MD Intermarine Bulk Carriers).

Jan-Philipp Rauno stresses: “The new structures give us ideal access to the market. And Intermarine also benefits from the existing networks of our bulker colleagues. The combination of MPP and bulk tonnage opens up new cargo options, especially on Handysize vessels.”

Cooperation partner Laurens Govers, Director Chartering & Projects at the JSI Alliance (the commercial joint venture between Jumbo Shipping, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine), is thrilled about Intermarine’s positive development: “The fact that Intermarine is making such dynamic progress as part of the alliance is good for all partners. After all, the technologically complex vessels also need access to the MPP markets. Strong partners are the basis for a strong JSI Alliance.”

In addition to establishing Intermarine Bulk Carriers, Intermarine is pleased to announce two more new MPP entrants: MV Industrial Ursula and MV Industrial Katharina, two optimised second-hand F300 vessels. “Each ship is equipped with two very reliable 150 t NMF cranes and a very robust MAK main engine – two real workhorses that are in top condition and complement our fleet perfectly,” says Joachim Zeppenfeld. The final takeover of MV Industrial Ursula and MV Industrial Katharina will take place in summer 2024.

SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine are united in the SAL-Intermarine Group, which represents all Harren Group heavy lift and MPP activities. SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine are also members of the JSI Alliance. Together, Jumbo, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine control a joint fleet of 65 vessels.

CEO Dr Martin Harren explains Harren Group’s heavy lift and MPP strategy: “The bottom line is always the same: As the SAL-Intermarine Group, we always want to offer our customers the highest quality and the widest possible range of services. As such, our clients also benefit from SAL’s fleet expansion of five new Orca vessels and the expansion of MPP and bulk tonnage at Intermarine. Our vessels are consistently present in all relevant heavy lift and MPP markets around the globe, which is important for our international customers. The absolute fleet size isn’t really critical. After all, everything in life is relative. What matters most, however, is our ability to offer our customers maximum flexibility. Because flexibility is particularly noticeable when it’s not available.”

About the SAL-Intermarine Group: SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine are part of the SAL-Intermarine Group, which represents all MPP and heavy lift activities of the Harren Group. Furthermore, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine are members of the JSI Alliance: Together with Jumbo, the three shipping companies offer the market 65 state-of-the-art vessels – from compact MPP tonnage to ultra-strong heavy lift ships with combined crane capacities of up to 3,000 t each.

SAL Heavy Lift has been the benchmark in the super heavy lift segment for over 40 years. The German shipping company provides customers with top-class maritime engineering and offers maritime transport concepts for complex cargoes. In addition to the classic heavy lift sector, this also includes sophisticated flo-flo and ro-ro solutions with shipping company-owned tonnage.

Intermarine has been providing the most reliable liner services in the Americas for 30 years. Today, the company is one of the world’s leading high-quality MPP providers, also active in Asia and Europe. The team has the industry knowledge and technical expertise to provide the best solutions for its customers’ unique and changing transportation requirements. Through unmatched staff and active fleet management, Intermarine has the assets to provide long-term solutions for its customers’ supply chain needs.

Filed Under: Harren & Partner, Intermarine

Jumbo Shipping, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine join forces in new commercial joint venture: JSI Alliance

February 28, 2024 by

After three years in a successful joint venture, Dutch maritime heavy lift transport and engineering contractor Jumbo Shipping and German breakbulk and project cargo specialist SAL Heavy Lift are thrilled to welcome their American sister, multipurpose and liner operator Intermarine, to the group. On 1 March 2024, JSI Alliance will be ready to set sail with a new combined fleet of 50 vessels.

Jumbo, SAL and Intermarine have reached a significant milestone – one that resonates throughout the world of heavy lift shipping. They have joined forces to create a new industry powerhouse with the experience, legacy and reputation of these three renowned carriers, combining their fleets and all commercial activities for breakbulk and project cargo. What can be seen as the evolution of the commercial alliance Jumbo and SAL formed in 2021, JSI Alliance builds on the same fundamental principles. They will provide a unified commercial entry point for sales and marketing for their joint network of offices and agents in 23 countries worldwide. Versatile and flexible, the large fleet of around 50 vessels ranges from effective multipurpose vessels to the most advanced heavy lift ships in the world, with a lifting capacity of up to 3,000 t SWL. This essentially creates a real one-stop shop for customers seeking all kinds of maritime breakbulk or project transport solutions.

Intermarine President Richard Seeg explains: “This is a great step for Intermarine and a significant milestone for us in our over 35 years of business. We’re a sister company to SAL, which means we’ve had some cooperation up to this point. But forming a real commercial joint venture and alliance marks the beginning of a new and greater adventure. I’ve truly admired what Jumbo and SAL have managed to achieve over the past three years, and I’m excited to bring the Intermarine product to the joint venture. This will add more services and an expanded reach to the portfolio. With our strength, especially in the Americas, I’m sure our alliance is off to a great start.”

JSI Alliance stands for both commercial flexibility as well as technical excellence, offering semi-liner and liner services as well as customised project shipping solutions around the world. Services range from effective transport solutions for small parcels and single cargo items to the most complex industrial cargo units. The ability to combine services and transport solutions gives customers a new multitude of options.

Laurens Govers, Director Chartering & Projects at Jumbo Shipping, adds: “When we launched our commercial alliance with SAL three years ago, we weren’t sure how the market and our customers would receive this new take on a commercial cooperation in the heavy lift sector. Today, we look back at the success it’s been. Through our growing relationship with Intermarine as well, I’m confident that our new setup and wider service scope as JSI Alliance will be a valuable addition to our platform. Every customer, from EPCs and industrial equipment manufacturers to project freight forwarders, will find transport services that can benefit their business and projects in our new constellation.”

The Jumbo and SAL services and fleets are highly complementary, but the Intermarine “products” are somewhat different and expand the scope. The Intermarine fleet is based on standardised, effective multipurpose vessels typically geared up to max 500 t SWL, essentially where the Jumbo and SAL vessel portfolio begins. Furthermore, Intermarine is highly experienced in operating a mix of owned and time-chartered vessels, both on a short- or long-term basis. While the owned fleet typically takes on complex cargo operations, volume cargo and vessel positions may require a different approach. The focus on flexible commercial solutions that Intermarine brings to the table really helps JSI Alliance achieve their goal of being a true one-stop shop for customers.

Intermarine COO Lars Rasmussen says: “We have a setup where we can combine many different vessels and service scopes. With JSI Alliance, you can find simple, straightforward transport solutions as well as the capacity to handle the most complex heavy lift projects. We can combine standard multipurpose ships, with mighty heavy lifters, deck carriers and even in some case bulk vessels – all under our operation and management. I’ve been in bulk, breakbulk and project shipping for over three decades now, and I’ve never seen a commercial solution as comprehensive as this.”

JSI Alliance holds a combined +120 years of experience between its three members. The fleet and service scopes differ somewhat in the new joint venture, but Jumbo, SAL and Intermarine share a very similar culture and values. This is essential in a close, unified commercial structure where all sales teams work from the same platform.

SAL Heavy Lift Managing Director Jens Baumgarten summarises: “We’ve obviously gained vital experience in our years of commercial partnership with Jumbo. JSI Alliance emerged more or less organically with our closer commercial cooperation with our sister company, Intermarine. That being said, we’ve worked intensively over the past several months to prepare and set up our structures so we can operate effectively from day one. Our greatest priority is keeping our customers happy – both during and after each project and shipment. We believe that the added value we create for our customers will strengthen relationships and lead to repeat transport inquiries over many years.”

JSI Alliance replaces Jumbo-SAL-Alliance as the unified marketing platform and brand. As operators and owners, however, Jumbo, SAL and Intermarine remain independent – allowing the three brands to be active in the market.

Intermarine CEO Svend Andersen stresses: “JSI Alliance is the pinnacle of commercial innovation in heavy lift shipping. My many years in shipping have given me good instincts for which collaborations work and which don’t. I have no doubt that this one is a winner. Combining our strengths both commercially and technically outmatches any other operator in the market. Whether in Asia, Europe, Africa, the US or South America – the JSI Alliance organisation ensures that every customer gets the best possible service.”

All sales offices are unified from day one as JSI Alliance offices represent all three members. Also, back-office support functions such as engineering, QHSE and project management will contribute to the alliance organisation, maximizing synergies between the entities.

Daan Koornneef, CEO of Jumbo Shipping, concludes: “I’ve truly enjoyed witnessing the progress and the effective way our three organisations have come together, where we build on the success of the now former Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. And Dr Martin Harren, CEO of SAL Heavy Lift and Harren Group, agrees: “For our company and group, it’s vital that we remain agile commercially and operationally, and seize the opportunities as they come – this is the true spirit of our organisations. JSI Alliance marks a new cornerstone for our business.”

About JSI Alliance:

JSI Alliance stands for sea logistics of all types of heavy lift, breakbulk and project cargo in all markets. Side by side, three of the most prominent and technologically advanced breakbulk and heavy lift carriers, Jumbo Shipping, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine, are combining their strengths and resources to deliver the best maritime transport solutions to customers worldwide. Three united teams and three fleets operate as one shared fleet – specialised in their respective business fields. And customers benefit from simplified, full-scope services. JSI Alliance controls and operates around 50 owned and chartered project cargo vessels – of these, 25 high-end project cargo vessels. With three DP2 vessels, four semi-submersible deck carriers, two range-extending Fly-Jibs and eleven ice-class vessels, JSI Alliance can reach almost any location and master the most demanding scopes. JSI can also organise time charter vessels if needed.

JSI Alliance provides highly flexible shipping solutions and an unparalleled range of breakbulk and project shipping services in the market. Lifting capacities from standardised multipurpose ships range from 160 t SWL to 3,000 t SWL. As such, JSI Alliance manages the largest fleet of vessels in the +800 t lifting segment as well as the most advanced green heavy lift ships, with Orca series vessels launching in 2024. This provides a commercial bandwidth that stretches from rapid positioning vessels for smaller or larger single shipments to large volume contracts and full-scope solutions for complex projects – all under one roof. A strong group of experienced professionals – commercial, engineering, project management, QHSE – works closely together with a combined network of agents and offices worldwide. They provide partnership, expert advice and safely delivered goods to a wide range of clients, including EPCs, brokers, forwarders, OEMs, energy companies and more.

JSI Alliance: stronger, together.

Filed Under: Intermarine, SAL Heavy Lift

Intermarine : A dynamic start to 2024 – four heavy-lifters join the Intermarine fleet

January 10, 2024 by

2024 is off to a strong start for Intermarine, where the multi-purpose carrier is gearing up for a dynamic year ahead. As the foremost operator in the Americas, the collaboration with heavy-lift powerhouse Jumbo-SAL-Alliance is propelling Intermarine to new heights. The break-bulk operator is thrilled to announce a fleet expansion consisting of two F500 heavy-lift vessels, one F360 and one F300, effective within days of publication.

MV Industrial Skipper

Intermarine has secured four vessels on a long-term charter. The vessels — who will be sailing under the names Industrial Fraternity (F360), Industrial Skipper (F500), Industrial Swift (F500) and Louise Auerbach (F300) — are set to kick off operations in the next few weeks. MV Industrial Fraternity will join the ranks around 12 January, followed by MV Industrial Skipper around 15 January. MV Industrial Swift and MV Louise Auerbach will come into service around 1 February. Initially, these vessels will join global trade routes with a focus on enhancing connections between Europe, Africa and the Americas — bolstering the company’s transatlantic network.

Intermarine CEO Svend Andersen says: “We’ve always had a dynamic blend of owned vessels and time-charter ships in our fleet. It’s a fundamental aspect of our business model. This approach gives us a versatile modus operandi, offering a diverse array of ships precisely tailored to meet the wide variety of customer requests and demands. By adding these modern heavy-lift vessels, we can build on our services with an extremely attractive offering. I’m confident our customers will appreciate it right from the start.”

These modern heavy-lift vessels seamlessly integrate into the portfolio shared by Intermarine and the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. The F500 vessels are equipped with 2 x 250 t SWL cranes (combinable to 500 t SWL). The F360 has 2 x 180 t SWL cranes (combinable to 360 t SWL), and the F300 offers 2 x 150 t SWL cranes (combinable to 300t SWL). Built between 2016 and 2017, the F500 types represent some of the newest, most efficient vessels in the sector. Boasting a length of 147 m and a draft of 7.5 m, these vessels facilitate operations in almost any port.

Intermarine COO Lars Rasmussen emphasizes: “It’s critical that we support our customers’ needs with consistent and readily available vessel positions. These vessels seamlessly integrate into our fleet and trade routes, offering operational efficiency and expanded capacity. Their remarkable flexibility, advanced technical capabilities and exceptional fuel efficiency make them an ideal complement to the services offered by both Intermarine and the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance.”

MV Industrial Fraternity and the MV Louise Auerbach will commence operations from northern Europe. MV Industrial Skipper sets sail from Brazil and MV Industrial Swift departs from the Mediterranean Sea.

Harren Group CEO Martin Harren concludes: “These vessels represent not only exceptional capabilities but also crucial strategic assets for both Intermarine and the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. With this strategic commitment, we can cater to a more extensive customer base, reinforcing our dedication to meeting our clients’ evolving demands. We consistently ensure that our fleet is well-aligned and equipped with the necessary technical capabilities to address the ever-growing needs of our customers. We look forward to serving both new and existing clients, leveraging the strength of these remarkable vessels.”

Technical vessel particulars and schedules will be available on www.intermarine.com by January.

For commercial inquiries, please contact:

Mr Torben Reinhard (torben.reinhard@intermarine.com)

About Intermarine: For over 30 years, Intermarine has built an industry-leading team of experts with the resources, experience and spirit to provide exceptional service for their clients’ global cargo needs. With frequent, flexible liner service between the U.S. Gulf, NCSA, Caribbean, ECSA and WCSA, Intermarine offers the fastest regional transit available. Intermarine can transport cargos to every corner of the globe through locations in the United States, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Denmark and Thailand, and as part of the SAL Heavy Lift network with offices on all continents. With its dynamic fleet of highly specialized vessels, Intermarine delivers the most reliable solutions for breakbulk, project and heavy-lift cargos across the Americas and beyond.

Filed Under: Intermarine