2025–26 Season Review: Growth, Capability, and Milestones Across the IMM Network
As the 2025–26 Caribbean season has come to a close, one theme stands out across the IMM network: growth through capability.
Over the past year, IMM teams in Guadeloupe, Sint Maarten, and Puerto Rico have delivered a wide range of projects spanning commercial vessels, ferries, sailing yachts, and motor yachts. While each project came with its own technical challenges, the season was ultimately defined by something larger, the continued investment in people, infrastructure, and expertise that is expanding what can be achieved across the Caribbean.
From supporting a variety of vessesl in Guadeloupe to launching large-scale dry-dock operations in Puerto Rico and building momentum at the newly established IMM SXM shipyard, the year has strengthened IMM‘s ability to support increasingly complex marine projects throughout the region.
IMM Guadeloupe: Supporting the Caribbean’s Fleet – from yachts to passenger ships
At IMM Guadeloupe, the season showcased the yard’s versatility, with projects ranging from technical yacht refits and sailing yacht rigging works to major commercial ferry class surveys.
One of the season’s standout projects involved the motor yacht Eau La La. During haul-out, the team uncovered an unexpected challenge: a missing four-meter stabilizer fin. Rather than delaying the vessel’s schedule, IMM’s composite specialists designed, fabricated, and quickly installed a replacement.
“Leveraging our responsiveness and composite expertise, we designed, laminated, and installed a replacement fin within days, allowing the vessel to regain full operational capability without requiring an additional dry-docking,” explains Site Director Arnaud Rambaud.
The yard also completed extensive rigging works on a 24-meter sailing yacht, including mast and boom removal, structural inspections, and complete standing rigging replacement. By carrying out cold pressing of ROD terminations in-house, the team maintained full quality control throughout the project while minimizing turnaround time.
Among the largest commercial projects were the mandatory five-year class surveys of the 47-meter FRS Express ferries Corail and Perle. The surveys required extensive planning, structural repairs, and custom-engineered docking solutions to safely support the vessels while providing access to critical sections of the hull.
“Our quay and floating dock welcomed Corail and Perle for their mandatory five-year class surveys,” says Rambaud. “These projects demonstrated IMM Guadeloupe’s ability to engineer tailor-made docking plans and support solutions, enabling the opening of an eight-meter section of the hull while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.”
The scope included nearly one hundred welded inserts and structural spot repairs, complete valve overhauls, hull cleaning, and coating works over a continuous two-and-a-half-month schedule. All welding was carried out by IMM Guadeloupe’s team of class-certified welders and verified through non-destructive testing (NDT), ensuring every repair met stringent classification society requirements.
Alongside project delivery, IMM Guadeloupe continued investing in new technologies and equipment, including advanced welding systems, laser technology, 3D scanning capabilities, and improved overspray containment solutions.
Looking back on the season, Rambaud sees a clear trend.
“Every project completed this year has been a step forward—strengthening our team’s expertise and confirming our ability to operate to the highest standards across both the commercial maritime and yachting sectors.”
IMM SXM: A Strong Start and Growing Demand
For IMM SXM, the 2025–26 season saw the IMM team supporting a steady flow of maintenance, repair, fabrication, and technical refit projects. and also market the start of IMM’s shipyard operations in Sint Maarten having taken over the yard on the 1st of January. Taking over the yard on January 1, the first months of the year showe.
Scheduled works were frequently combined with urgent operational requests, requiring flexibility, rapid response, and close coordination with owners, captains, and yacht managers.
According to Project Manager Dominique Delafoy, the level of activity reflects both the growing demand for technical services in the region, and the confidence clients are placing in IMM.
“The 2025/2026 season was more intense than last winter’s season, bringing more vessels with complex technical problems to solve in short time frames. But the IMM team was able to maintain high standards and deliver results.”
One project that captured the pace of the season took place ahead of the St. Barths Bucket regatta. Working against strict race deadlines, the IMM SXM team supported the preparation of a 65-meter Royal Huisman sailing yacht.
The work scope included custom stainless-steel rigging fabrication, high-load pulley repairs using hydraulic press, and the manufacture and installation of several critical rigging components. The entire project was completed within five days, ensuring the yacht was ready for competition.
For Delafoy, the project highlights the growing importance of local technical capability throughout the Caribbean: “Projects like these demonstrate the importance of having technical expertise, fabrication capability, and rapid response available locally. .”
IMM SXM’s presence, expertise and reactivity is contributing significantly to Sint Maarten’s strengthening position as a technical and logistical hub for the Northeast Caribbean.
IMM Puerto Rico: Bringing Dry-Dock Capability Back to San Juan
In Puerto Rico, the season was defined by major infrastructure progress and the continued development of what is becoming the Caribbean’s most capable ship repair facilities.
Throughout the year, IMM Puerto Rico remained fully operational while simultaneously advancing significant upgrades to its Graving Dock facility. Key infrastructure improvements included the installation of main dewatering pumps, sump pump systems, and a new electrical substation.
According to Civil Engineer José Lopez, these investments are transforming the facility’s capabilities.
“The 2025–26 season was a milestone one for IMM Puerto Rico. Throughout the season, we remained fully operational at our San Juan shipyard, successfully carrying out vessel repairs and maintenance utilizing both our Floating Dock and shoreside berths.”
One of the year's most significant achievements was the successful haul-out of the damaged barge Defiant.
"This marked the first operational use of the Graving Dock in San Juan in over twenty years," Lopez says. "It demonstrated that Gravity by IMM is ready to support the local and regional maritime industry with dry-docking capabilities for vessels of virtually any size and scope."
he operation represented more than a single project. It confirmed the return of large-scale dry-docking capability to the facility and re-established San Juan as an important service location for the regional maritime industry.
The yard also completed a major three-month repair and dry-dock program for an 80-meter motor vessel. The project included mechanical overhauls, steel and fabrication works, electrical repairs, coatings, repainting, and multiple vessel upgrades.
“The project strengthened our relationship with the vessel’s owners and demonstrated that Gravity by IMM can be relied upon as a trusted shipyard partner in the Caribbean,” says Lopez.
Just as importantly, the project provided valuable experience for the local workforce.
“It allowed our team members to further develop their technical skills and gain additional exposure to world-class vessel standards.”
Looking Ahead
Across Guadeloupe, Sint Maarten, and Puerto Rico, the season demonstrated how deliberate growth, technical expertise, and local capability translate into operational excellence.
Whether supporting ferry operators, delivering complex yacht refits, responding to urgent technical challenges, or reactivating major dry-dock infrastructure, IMM teams continued to expand their expertise while creating skilled employment opportunities and strengthening the local communities they serve. Together, these efforts reinforce IMM’s commitment to delivering world-class technical services across the Caribbean.
With enhanced technical capabilities in Guadeloupe, a strong season in Sint Maarten, and newly activated dry-dock infrastructure in Puerto Rico, the IMM network enters the off-season focused on continued growth, strengthening its teams, expanding its technical capabilities, and further developing its international footprint.
Better positioned than ever, IMM is preparing to meet the evolving needs of the Caribbean marine industry and beyond in the seasons ahead.
Dominique Delafoy: Project Manager, IMM
Dominique Delafoy: Project Manager at IMM
Project management at IMM is built on technical decisions, not assumptions.
With more than three decades of experience in yacht new builds and complex refit environments, Dominique Delafoy brings deep technical and operational expertise to IMM. His career spans shipyards across Italy, Turkey, Latvia, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, and the United States, covering everything from high-end refits and new builds to shipyard development and operational setup.
One of his most formative experiences was helping establish a shipyard in North Carolina, where his role went far beyond project management. He was directly involved in recruiting teams, structuring operations, and training technicians in advanced composite processes.
“I’ve always been involved in more than just project management. Building teams and shipyard capability is just as critical as managing the project itself.”
Joining IMM and working across the Caribbean
Dominique joined IMM in November 2024 and is now based between Puerto Rico and Sint Maarten, supporting multiple active refit and maintenance projects across the region.
His role combines senior project management with hands-on technical oversight and team leadership across sites, ensuring continuity and alignment between operations.
“IMM felt like a natural fit. The structure is very hands-on, and decisions are made close to the operation, where they should be.”
A role driven by technical decisions and coordination
At IMM, project management is not limited to scheduling and coordination. Dominique’s daily work involves technical troubleshooting, repair strategy development, subcontractor management, and direct communication with yacht owners, captains, and onboard teams.
He also supports and guides other project managers while managing his own portfolio of complex projects.
“Every day is different. You’re constantly switching between technical analysis, planning, and real-time problem solving.”
A recent example highlights the intensity of this work: ahead of the St. Barths Bucket, Dominique was involved in the fast-track preparation of a 65-meter Royal Huisman sailing yacht. The scope included fabrication of custom stainless steel rigging components, high-load pulley repairs using hydraulic press processes, and multiple critical rigging parts, all delivered within five days under strict race deadlines.
The reality of refits in the Caribbean
Working in island environments adds a layer of operational complexity that differs significantly from traditional shipyards. Logistics, shipping delays, and customs processes require precise planning and constant adaptability.
At the same time, modern yachts integrate highly complex systems where mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and digital components are deeply interconnected.
“The biggest challenge is not just fixing the problem, it’s diagnosing it correctly when everything is interconnected and time is limited.”
Electrical and hydraulic systems remain among the most common technical challenges encountered on arriving yachts, particularly in high-usage or long-voyage vessels.
To manage uncertainty in supply chains, Dominique builds buffers into planning from the outset.
“I always work with a conservative delivery timeline. Everyone onboard understands the realities of sourcing parts in the islands, delays in shipping or customs clearance are part of the equation.”
What makes IMM different
Unlike traditional shipyards, IMM operates as a project management-led organisation with integrated operational capabilities across multiple Caribbean locations.
This structure enables mobility, flexibility, and direct control over execution, allowing decisions to be made close to the work rather than through layered processes.
“IMM is built around project management first. That changes everything, especially how quickly decisions can be made and executed.”
Technical judgement comes from real experience
For Dominique, technical competence in yachting is not theoretical — it is built through exposure to real systems under real operational load.
He strongly believes that time onboard is essential for understanding how yachts truly function.
“You only really understand yacht systems when you see them working at sea, not in a dock.”
Advice for the next generation
For those entering the marine industry, his advice is direct: prioritize experience onboard.
“Spend time at sea. That experience will shape how you understand every decision you make later in your career.”
IMM Expands into Europe - Taking over operations of the Atlantic Refit Center (ARC) in La Rochelle
International Marine Management (IMM) is happy to announce its acquisition of the Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, France.
IMM, with its 130 in-house employees, and bases in Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, and Grenada, is the largest task force servicing the yachting industry in the Caribbean. From June 1 2026, IMM will expand its operations to include the Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, France. This uniquely positioned shipyard facility is dedicated for refit and repair of superyachts up to 150 metres in length.
This union brings together ARC’s top-tier facility with IMM’s refit expertise and experience. Strategically located in La Rochelle, ARC benefits from direct, 24/7 access through the only deep-sea port on the French Atlantic coast. With 11 metres of draft and a fully secured ISPS-compliant area, ARC features two dry docks (176m and 107m), a 250-ton travel lift, cranes up to 150 tons, 300 metres of afloat repair docks, and 2,000 m² of hard-standing space, providing the infrastructure required for complex, large-scale refit and conversion projects.
The Atlantic Refit Center, with 20 years of experience, has proven its capabilities through several standout projects, including the acclaimed conversion of the 71m M/Y Enigma XK, which was recognised at the World Superyacht Awards as “Best Refit of the Year” for its exceptional transformation into a high-performance expedition yacht.
“Returning to Europe is a defining step for IMM,” says Norina Edelman, CEO of IMM. Marrying the strength of ARC’s existing infrastructure with IMM’s spirit and values will create a unique client experience in terms of flexibility, quality and transparency. We are excited to operate a European shipyard that will allow us to give every client a bespoke experience.”
IMM’s Founder and COO, Fabrice Maitre, brings over four decades of experience in yacht refit and repair, having handled significant refits on well-known yachts such as MY Octopus, MY Skat, MY Kogo and many others. With the major refit of MY Tatoosh in La Rochelle in 2007, Fabrice kicked of yachting in the town to which he will now return.
“In many ways, this expansion is a full-circle moment,” says Fabrice Maitre. “France is where my career began, and the Tatoosh refit in La Rochelle was a significant step in both my career and superyacht refit generally. Establishing IMM’s presence here, with such a capable facility, allows us to bring our experience, standards, and approach back to a market we know deeply.”
IMM’s Global Director, Víctor Pérez, adds: “The Atlantic Refit Center is a facility I know well, as several major refits have been carried out there in recent years. The two dry docks, together with the vast surrounding space, make the setup far more ‘tailor-made’ than other shipyards on the market. At ARC, the entire shipyard is prepared and optimized for each client and refit project. Having a rich network of local contractors, as well as easy connectivity to Central Europe makes ARC particularly attractive, especially for yachts over 5,000 tonnes, for whom haul-out options on the market are very limited, especially in shipyards specializing in superyacht refit.”
The experienced IMM team will oversee shipyard operations, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and to the highest quality, providing robust planning, transparent workflows, and strict quality control systems. Each project will be specifically tailored for the client, providing flexibility and choice. Given the small number of projects at a time, IMM will offer a boutique experience to every vessel.
Stephane Marcelli, Co-Founder and outgoing President of ARC, will remain involved in operations to ensure a smooth transition. Mr. Marcelli states: “I am thrilled to see ARC passing into such capable hands. Norina & Fabrice share our commitment to a customized, flexible, and reliable approach to superyacht refit. Fabrice and IMM’s return to La Rochelle marks an exciting new chapter for the yard as a superyacht refit hub. The integration of ARC into the IMM group brings exactly the kind of expertise and momentum the French Atlantic superyacht sector needs to further strengthen its position internationally.”
Welcome to La Rochelle. Welcome to the next chapter of IMM.
Jean-Michel Beron, Senior Project Manager at IMM
Jean-Michel Beron, Senior Project Manager at IMM
At the core of IMM’s success is a team of highly experienced professionals committed to delivering excellence. Among them, Jean-Michel Beron plays a pivotal role. With more than three decades in the yachting industry, he brings together technical know-how, sailing experience, and the ability to manage complex projects, a winning combination for IMM’s clients.
A Career Built on Experience
Originally from Brittany, France, Jean-Michel’s passion for sailing led him naturally into the yachting world. After completing engineering studies, he joined the renowned yacht design and engineering firm Butch Design in La Ciotat, where he worked on complex yacht projects and developed a strong technical foundation.
His first collaboration with Fabrice Maitre, founder of IMM, came during the well know M/Y Octopus refit, marking the beginning of Jean-Michel’s long-standing relationship with IMM. Soon after, Jean-Michel joined IMM full-time and became instrumental in the company’s early development.
Over the years, he has contributed to projects across France, Brazil, Florida, and the Caribbean, balancing on-site technical supervision with project planning.
Expanding IMM Across the Caribbean
Jean-Michel began by managing refits in Toulon, Marseille, and La Ciotat before relocating to Guadeloupe to help establish IMM’s first shipyard. As operations expanded, he took on the challenge of helping IMM develop in Puerto Rico, overseeing not only active refit projects, but also broader site development and site planning.
Today, Jean-Michel works between Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, and St. Maarten, supporting IMM to deliver results to its clients. His in-depth understanding of yacht refit makes him a key driver in ensuring that each location meets the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
Commitment to Excellence
For Jean-Michel, excellence is not optional, it is fundamental.
“We operate with the same spirit IMM was founded on: complete dedication and service. Across different shipyards, it is rare to find a company that delivers on time and on budget. At IMM, we serve the yacht, the owner, and the owner’s representative with 100% commitment. Achieving the last 5% is always the hardest—and the final 3% even more so—but we make sure everything is delivered to perfection, whatever it takes.”
This mindset reflects IMM’s culture: service, excellence, and an unwavering focus on great results.
Lessons Learned & Advice for the Next Generation
From early projects in France to launching operations in the Caribbean, Jean-Michel’s career has been defined by adaptability and resilience. To help develop new sites in the Caribbean strengthened his ability to balance technical expertise with organizational project management and client communication.
For young professionals entering the marine industry, his advice is clear:
“Be hands-on, stay curious, and never compromise on quality. Engage fully in every project and always be willing to go the extra mile.”
Life Beyond the Shipyard
Outside of work, Jean-Michel enjoys staying active with golf, Padel, and Pickleball—sports that help him recharge and maintain balance. With courts conveniently located near IMM’s facilities, Jean-Michel makes the most of his surroundings while staying energized for the demands of his role.
Driving IMM Forward
With extensive international experience, strong technical expertise, and a deep commitment to excellence, Jean-Michel Beron continues to be a driving force behind IMM’s success. His work reflects the company’s mission: to provide top-notch technical services—delivering excellence for every yacht, every client, every time.
M/Y Eau La La Completes Technical Refit in Guadeloupe
We recently completed several weeks of scheduled maintenance for M/Y Eau La La at our IMM Guadeloupe shipyard. The work list required multiple trades and highlighted the strength of our multidisciplinary teams.
Alongside Operations: Interior & Mechanical Works
During the first phase, while the yacht was alongside the quay, our teams carried out detailed joinery and metalwork within guest areas, requiring both structural precision and high-end finishing. At the same time, the team worked on a small section of the teak decks located on the yacht’s aft beach area. A few slats had come loose and detached. They were restored and rebounded with an improved bonding process to ensure a stronger and longer-lasting adhesion.
At the same time, essential mechanical servicing was performed. Engines and generators received scheduled maintenance, and a complete thickness-measurement survey was conducted inside the engine room to assess structural integrity.
Floating Dock Phase: Structural & Underwater Works
Following completion of the alongside works, the yacht was transferred to our floating dock for more extensive structural repairs.
Our composite specialists undertook major repairs to the stabilizer fin and reconstructed a roll-damping keel that had been torn off. These composite repairs required expertise and skill to ensure the necessary structural reinforcement while also delivering yachting standard finish.
The hull team simultaneously carried out a full cleaning and preparation of the underwater area, applied fresh antifouling, and treated all propulsion components with Propspeed.
Finishing Touches
In the forward section, our welding team straightened and re-welded the bow protection plates before completing a mirror-polished finish to restore the original shine, combining functionality with refined aesthetics.
A Coordinated Technical Stop
IMM, through its internal technical expertise, handled the full scope of works for M/Y Eau La La: mechanical, composite works, teak and joinery and metalworks. Careful planning and cross-department coordination ensured that the project progressed efficiently and was completed to the highest standards.
Another successful refit delivered in Guadeloupe, highlighting once again our ability to deliver the highest quality on budget. And do not take our word for it…
Let’s see what the Captain has to say about the experience:
“As captain of Eau La La, a 37XP, I want to express how impressed I was with our recent experience at IMM Guadeloupe shipyard. Arnaud leads a team of highly skilled professionals who approach every task with remarkable efficiency and dedication. When we hauled out for service, we encountered an unexpected issue-something that would have easily stretched into a month-long ordeal at many South Florida yards. Here, however, the process was refreshingly direct-no unnecessary layers of management to complicate matters or slow down progress.
Arnaud and their team resolved everything within just ten days. Their hands-on approach meant that every aspect of the project was handled seamlessly, without delays or waiting for various teams to coordinate. The work was completed on schedule and remained within the agreed budget. It’s rare to see such reliability and commitment to quality.
Based on this experience, I am pleased to recommend IMM Guadeloupe to the yachting community as an outstanding choice for hull maintenance or repairs in the Caribbean.
Best regards,
Captain Guy McClave
MY Eau La La”
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Stephen De Vooght, Project Manager – IMM Sint Maarten
Team Spotlight, Stephen De Vooght
Stephen De Vooght brings a powerful blend of technical expertise and onboard experience as an engineer. Based at IMM’s office in Dock Maarten, Stephen plays a central role in supporting some of the largest and most complex yachts arriving in St. Maarten.
In this month’s Team Spotlight, we sat down with Stephen to learn more about his background, his daily life as a Project Manager, and what makes Dock Maarten, and IMM, such a unique part of the Caribbean’s yachting landscape.
A Career Built on Engines, Independence, and Global Experience
Stephen’s professional journey began far from the Caribbean. Trained in Canada as a heavy-duty mechanic through a classic apprenticeship system, he specialized early in diesel engines. His career quickly evolved into field service work, solving problems on-site, and working hands-on with complex machinery.
After several years in management, Stephen felt the pull back to a more hands-on role. An unexpected opportunity in the Cayman Islands gave him the chance to return to a more independent, technical role working on small vessels. That move eventually led him to pursue engineering school in the UK, where he trained to become a yacht Chief Engineer.
“For the last 25 years, I was a Chief Engineer on yachts,” he explains. “It took nearly two decades to reach the highest certification level, working on the large vessels you see out here,” he adds, gesturing toward the superyachts just outside IMM’s Dock Maarten office.”
After completing an expedition-focused program in the South Pacific, Stephen stepped back from yachting—only to be encouraged by a former colleague to consider project management shoreside. That introduction led him to IMM.
He joined the team on December 1st 2024, just as IMM opened a new on-site office at Dock Maarten in St. Maarten.
Dock Maarten: A Superyacht Hub in the Caribbean
While St. Maarten is well-known as one of the Caribbean’s superyacht hubs, Stephen notes that Dock Maarten plays a special role within that ecosystem.
The marina can host vessels up to 100 meters, thanks to its deep dredged channel and lack of height restrictions. That alone makes it a strategic location for large yachts in the region.
“These are the big boys,” Stephen says. “There may be fewer boats here than in Simpson Bay, but they are generally larger and thus so are often the technical projects.”
Working with the yachts in Dock Maarten means coordinating not just with captains and chief engineers, but often with multiple officers, interior teams, onboard pursers, and shore-based management, owners’ representatives or technical managers. It’s a more complex environment.
A Day in the Life of a Project Manager at IMM SXM
Stephen’s days begin early “You wake up, and the first thing waiting for you is correspondence from the vessels: emails, WhatsApp, always something.”
From there, his schedule is a mix of planned onboard appointments, visits to various sites and contractors, last-minute and urgent requests and office work.
“Time management becomes everything,” Stephen laughs. “All project managers work differently, but I found a rhythm, and it works well.”
Coming into this season, he says, feels entirely different from last year when he was new.
“I know the job now. And that makes a world of difference.”
A Project That Stands Out: 100m M/Y
While Stephen manages multiple vessels throughout the season, one project clearly stands out from his first year at IMM, a 100m M/Y located in Dock Maarten.
“By far and away, the M/Y was one of the largest projects last year,” he reflects. “It ran from the end of January through early March and had layers of complexity.”
It was a project that used a large variety of project management skills —organization, communication, technical understanding, and the ability to stay steady under pressure.
Even now, it remains a benchmark project for him.
What Sets IMM Apart
After decades working on the vessel side of the industry, Stephen has a unique appreciation for what makes IMM different.
“I was always the person coming to a company like IMM for help,” he says. “Now I’m on the other side, and I can see just how much coordination, responsiveness, and problem-solving goes into managing these projects.”
For Stephen, IMM stands out in three ways:
- Technical depth – IMM understands the engineering realities on board.
- Responsiveness – support is immediate, especially during peak season.
- Flexibility – the ability to adapt quickly to each vessel’s needs, crew structure, and timelines.
“It’s a big job, but IMM does it exceptionally well,” he adds.
IMM St. Maarten Expands with shipyard in Cole Bay
IMM St. Maarten Expands Operations with Shipyard in Cole Bay
As the Caribbean yachting sector continues to grow in scale and sophistication, the ability to deliver reliable, high-quality technical support has never been more important. At IMM St. Maarten, staying ahead of that demand means strengthening the infrastructure that supports our clients.
We are thus pleased to announce that, on January 1st, 2026, IMM officially began operating the 20,000 m² IMM SXM Shipyard in Cole Bay. The facility is equipped with 150- and 75-ton Travelifts and is capable of handling vessels with up to a 12-foot draft and a 33-foot beam.
The Facility
The Cole Bay facility enhances our haul-out and technical capacity with:
- 150– and 75–ton Travelifts
- The ability to handle vessels with up to a 12-foot draft and 33-foot beam
This expansion strengthens the range of solutions we can offer on island. It also reinforces St. Maarten’s position as one of the Caribbean’s best-located hubs for yachts and superyachts crossing the Atlantic or cruising the region. With the ability to provide all flag and radio surveys, LSA services, lifting equipment inspections, and a full suite of technical support, St. Maarten naturally serves as a reliable maintenance base for vessels in the Caribbean.
Three Sites, One Integrated Technical Network
With the addition of Cole Bay, IMM St. Maarten now operates across three strategic locations:
- Isle de Sol Marina
- Dock Maarten
- IMM SXM Shipyard in Cole Bay
This tri-site structure allows us to support vessels both afloat and on the hard with seamless coordination between departments, an approach that saves time and keeps projects on schedule.
24/7 Technical Support
In addition, from January 1st, IMM St. Maarten has introduced a dedicated emergency response service, offering 24/7 technical support throughout the season. This ensures immediate assistance when it matters most, with direct access via our emergency contact number: +1 202 255 7488
Powered by a 50+ Person Team of Caribbean Specialists
The new yard also brings IMM and our sister company FKG Marine even closer together in day-to-day operations. With a combined team of 60+ technicians, we can provide expertise across:
- General protection
- Certified welding of all metals: aluminium, steel, stainless steel, cupronickel etc
- General mechanics, including propulsion
- Tank cleaning and painting
- Valve overhaul
- Full machining
- Hydraulics, PLC, piping & hosing
- Teak decking & Interior carpentry
- Composite work, including carbon
- Paint work
- Class‑survey support, full project management team & drawing office
In addition, IMM has already established a highly competent team of outboard and inboard specialists, capable of supporting all types of mechanical work. The facility also offers an ideal environment for chase boats, providing dedicated support for maintenance, repairs, and summer storage.
For captains and fleet managers, this means one island, one team, and one coordinated workflow—whether on the hard or in the water.
A Milestone for IMM—and for St. Maarten
Taking over the Shipyard in Cole Bay is more than an operational expansion; it is a step toward strengthening the region’s technical capabilities. As more vessels choose the Caribbean for refit, repairs, and maintenance, we’re committed to ensuring that the infrastructure grows with that demand.
We look forward to welcoming clients to the yard and continuing to invest in the long-term future of yachting in St. Maarten and the Caribbean.
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Arnaud Rambaud: Project Manager, IMM Guadeloupe
Team Spotlight, Arnaud Rambaud
Arnaud Rambaud, 29, joined IMM Guadeloupe’s team nine months ago. Originally from mainland France, Arnaud’s path to the Caribbean was unconventional but rooted in his love for the sea. He started his career at Marc Lombard Yacht Design in La Rochelle, designing Class40 racing yachts, and he later contributed to the development of Sodebo Ultim hydrofoil trimaran in Lorient. His personal passion for offshore racing led him to participate in the Mini Transat, a solo transatlantic sailing race, which brought him to Guadeloupe — a place he and his family fell in love with and decided to call home.
Project Management at IMM
Today, Arnaud serves as Project Manager for vessel repairs, working primarily on motor and sailing yachts. His day-to-day involves diagnosing issues, proposing solutions, preparing budgets, and overseeing the team to ensure each project exceeds expectations.
“The problems are always different, and there are many possible solutions. It’s challenging, exciting, and constantly pushes me to think creatively” he says.
A Project That Stands Out
One of Arnaud’s most challenging projects was the haul-out of a Baltic 111 sailing yacht. With limited space and strict load limitations imposed by the Port, the team orchestrated the operation down to millimeters:
“We only had 500mm between the boat’s transom and the crane. When the Vessel was placed in its cradle, it was an incredible moment of satisfaction for myself, the team as well as the client!” he recalls.
What Makes IMM Unique
According to Arnaud, IMM’s strength lies in its versatile workforce.
“A painter can handle carbon fiber laminates; a mechanic can manage electronics. This ability to cover multiple technical fields with a small, specialized team is rare in the Caribbean and allows us to tackle nearly every technical challenge on a vessel”
Advice for Young Professionals
Arnaud emphasizes that experience is everything. If you want to work in this industry, you need to spend time on boats—whether through sailing, offshore racing, or maritime transport. You also need to be versatile and curious about many technical fields because yachts are complicated and bring together a wide variety of disciplines.
Life Beyond the Dock
Passionate about the ocean, Arnaud spends his free time sailing, surfing, and spearfishing with family and friends.
“I feel at home on the water, whether it’s for work or leisure. Sharing that passion with others is one of my favorite things.”
Arnaud’s story is a testament to IMM’s culture of versatility, technical excellence, and love for the sea — a blend that sets the company apart in the world of superyacht refit and project management.
IMM Guadeloupe 2024-2025 Season
IMM Guadeloupe: 2024–2025 Season Highlights
As the Caribbean yachting season winds down, IMM Guadeloupe reflects on a season of challenges met, deadlines delivered, and strong partnerships forged on the docks. From emergency repairs to planned maintenance, our team demonstrated why IMM is trusted by captains, crew, and owners for complex, technical superyacht support in the region.
“This season was a clear example of how dynamic and adaptive our team has become,” says Olivier Vigoureux, Site Director of IMM Guadeloupe. “We managed a wide range of projects, often under pressure, and managed to meet expectations, delivery timelines and budgets.”
Technical Expertise in Action
The season kicked off with an emergency rigging job. Our team responded quickly, conducting a full mast repair and addressing critical systems including anchor replacement, tender lift mechanisms, winch leakage, and onboard generator issues — all within a tight window.
Throughout the year, our team took on advanced daggerboard and carbon boom repairs, foil restoration work in collaboration with a vessels team, and extensive cosmetic finishes including mirror polishing and metallic work on an 80-meter luxury vessel.
“We’re not just reacting — we’re anticipating what a vessel needs to keep moving,” Olivier adds. “Whether it’s structural work or fine finishing, we bring in the right skills at the right time.
Large-Scale Projects and Custom Builds
The season also included several heavy industrial tasks. IMM Guadeloupe carried out complex steelwork over a five-week period, deployed a dedicated barge for hull-side access, and completed an internal sandblasting job supported by a team of five certified welders.
Our top quality painters created a visual transformation as well, rebranding a commercial ferry, which involved a full repaint, changing colours to mark a change in ownership. The job was completed on schedule.
Reliability That Brings Yachts Back
Several projects this season involved returning clients — a testament to trust built over time. Annual maintenance visits and collaborative repair plans ensure yachts continue to choose IMM Guadeloupe as their refit destination year after year.
“We value every return visit — it tells us we’re doing something right,” says Olivier. “We’re here to make sure boats leave safer, and better, than when they arrived.”
Looking Ahead
As we move into the slightly quieter summer month, the IMM Guadeloupe team is already planning ahead for the 2025–2026 season — fine-tuning operations, exploring improvements, and staying ready for what’s next.
Things never really slow down in the Guadeloupe facility; and, as always, if you need us, we’re just a call away.
In the meantime, we salute the dedicated crew, technicians, and partners who made this winter and spring season a success. And we thank the vessels who trusted us to keep them running at their best.
See you at the yard soon again!
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Pierre Thomas, IMM Group Technical Director
Team Spotlight, Pierre Thomas
From the French Mediterranean coast to the Pacific and now to shipyards in the Caribbean, Pierre Thomas has followed a career path deeply rooted in the sea. Now based in Puerto Rico as IMM’s Group Technical Director, Pierre brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, expertise and passion to the company’s most ambitious projects.
A Global Journey in Marine Engineering
Pierre began his career as a certified unlimited officer of the French Merchant Marine, graduating from ENSM (formerly ENMM) in Marseille, France. Pierre sailed extensively and worked for the cruise line Compagnie du Ponant before transitioning ashore. His onshore journey included roles as superintendent at Codenor, project manager for superyacht owners in La Rochelle, and technical director of a shipyard in New Caledonia.
After the shipyard’s closure and a political shift in the region, Pierre moved to French Guyana, where he managed a hydrogen plant project at the space center before returning to his maritime roots with IMM. A job posting on LinkedIn brought him to IMM in Guadeloupe as the site technical director. After 7 months there, due to the Company’s growing expansion, Pierre transferred to IMM Sint Maarten and took on the role as General Manager of FKG Marine Rigging & Fabrication, IMM’s sister company, while also managing the start-up operations of IMM Sint Maarten. From that position, Pierre was named the Technical Director of the IMM Group (including IMM St. Maarten, IMM Guadeloupe, IMM Puerto Rico, FKG and Dockside Management), and then made a move to IMM Puerto Rico, where Pierre remains.
Pierre’s journey, while impressive, does not reveal the true extent of his knowledge and skill. Pierre grew up in a shipyard, and his technical skills are both broad and deep. Capable of creating electric drawings and troubleshooting the most complicated hydraulic or PLC issues, Pierre is one of those rare people who is equally skilled in his coveralls getting his hands dirty, sorting issues that seemed unsolvable, as he is sitting behind a desk calculating loads.
Talking about what brough him to join the company, Pierre states:
“When I joined IMM, I was drawn not just by the role, but by the energy of the team and the scope of the projects. It felt like the right place to bring all my past experiences together.”
Technical Leadership
As Group Technical Director, Pierre wears many hats. His day-to-day ranges from detailed engineering calculations and technical drawings to overseeing complex propulsion system operations and metalwork on-site. Whether in the planning phase or on the dock, Pierre is deeply involved in IMM’s most technical and specialized tasks.
“Here in Puerto Rico, I personally handle all special operations. Any time we have something particularly challenging—mechanical systems, structural fabrication—I’m there to lead the process.”
In addition to supervising Puerto Rico’s operations, Pierre provides technical guidance for all sites as well as FKG, being integral in finding and implementing solutions, as well as hiring for the Company’s future excellence and development.
The Dry Dock: IMM Puerto Rico
Pierre doesn’t hesitate when asked about the most rewarding project of his career: IMM’s shipyard development in Puerto Rico.
“This project is without a doubt the most exciting I have been a part of to date. I was there when we repaired the massive gravity dock door, and I’ve been hands-on every day since. There’s progress every single week, and with that, new challenges. It’s technically demanding but incredibly fulfilling. I continue to believe this ambitious project will be a game changer for naval repair through the Caribbean and US East Coast.”
What Sets IMM Apart?
Having worked across continents and industries, Pierre identifies two defining qualities that make IMM unique: passion and teamwork.
“What really stands out here is that almost everyone comes from a maritime background. There’s a shared love for the sea, for vessels, for craftsmanship. And we work like a family. That kind of dynamic is rare—and powerful.”
He also highlights the strength of the IMM Group structure, combining the family companies, rigging and fabrication with superyacht agency and project management across the Caribbean.
“We’re able to offer a complete service package to superyachts. Few companies can do that as seamlessly.”
Advice to Future Marine Engineers
For young professionals aspiring to enter the marine technical world, Pierre’s advice is clear:
“Get experience at sea before jumping into project management or technical work. Understanding the reality of yacht operations is essential. Once you’ve lived it, the rest makes much more sense.”
Life Beyond the Shipyard
Outside of work, Pierre keeps things grounded. He’s a dedicated family man, spending his free time with his partner and young son. Recently settling in Puerto Rico, he plans to stay long-term.
“Puerto Rico has everything. Great lifestyle, beautiful weather, and the opportunity to be part of something that’s growing from the ground up.”