Unfurling New Horizons: International Marine Management Acquires Atlantic Refit Center, Steering into European Waters

Upon the undulating tides of the flourishing yachting industry, a Caribbean behemoth has charted its course towards European waters. International Marine Management (IMM), with its four robust decades of experience, has acquired the Atlantic Refit Center (ARC) without disclosing the investment amount. This acquisition is a milestone in IMM’s journey as it extends its operations to European shores, forming a complete circle back to where it all commenced for IMM’s Founder and COO, Fabrice Maitre.

Maitre’s illustrious career saw its inception in France, where he was instrumental in crucial refits of distinguished yachts such as Octopus, Skat, and Kogo, with the initial turn-around involving Tatoosh in La Rochelle in 2007. This virtuosic journey has led him back to French shores with a purpose to integrate IMM’s robust work ethic and high standards at ARC, imparting a fresh perspective to the region that he knows intimately.

IMM’s acquisition of ARC is a monumental move that carries forward a diverse portfolio for the largest Caribbean refit operator. The firm’s 130 dedicated personnel, spread across bases including Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, and Grenada, enables comprehensive servicing of the yachting market. The new inclusion of ARC now equips IMM to handle vessels up to 150 meters in length.

Located strategically, ARC holds the distinction of being the only deep-sea port along the French Atlantic coast. Its perfect geographic location supplemented with infrastructural splendor featuring two dry docks, a 250-ton travel lift, 300-meter afloat repair docks, 2,000 square-meter hard-standing space, and cranes capable of hoisting 150 tons, enriches its capacity for large-scale refit and conversion projects.

The Atlantic Refit Center, with its impressive two-decade long operational history, avows its prowess with the past vessel projects. Particularly, the conversion of the 71-meter Enigma XK, acknowledged at the World Superyacht Awards, has reinforced ARC’s reputation in the refit sector.

In the aftermath of this distinguished acquisition, IMM’s experienced team will helm the shipyard operations, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. The outgoing President of ARC, Stéphane Marcelli, although stepping back, will remain integral to the daily operations further solidifying the handover process. As the sails unfurl to this new voyage, it fittingly marks a new chapter for the yard as it reaffirms its positioning in the international yachting sector.