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.”
IMM SXM 2024–2025 Project Highlights
Behind the Scenes in St. Maarten: IMM SXM 2024–2025 Project Highlights
The 2024–2025 Caribbean yachting season is winding down, and what a season it has been for the St. Maarten-based IMM team! Operating across marinas including Isle de Sol, Dock Maarten, Palapa, Skyport, Port De Plaisance, Simpson Bay Marina & Fort Louis, the IMM SXM team tackled dozens of projects—some time-sensitive, some instrumental in allowing guest trips to start with no delay, and some involving planned maintenance works.
From full generator rebuilds to shaft alignments, from structural composite repairs to yacht-quality paintwork, the scope, diversity and complexity of this season’s work highlights IMM’s value: our expert, local project managers allow you to undertake any project with confidence as they deliver top-quality results by any standard.
A Season of Engineering and Execution
Several multi-week projects stood out for several reasons. These were planned maintenance stops with technical complexity and delivered on time. One project involved a full rebuild of twin generators on a 100+-meter vessel. IMM collaborated with the visiting MTU technical team providing all logistics support, including designing lifting frames so effective that the yacht chose to keep an extra set onboard for future use.
“These works had been done before, and the vessel discarded those old frames to keep the new ones. It was a feather in our cap to create something superior to a European shipyard here in Sint Maarten.” says Stephen De Vooght, IMM Project Manager.
The project also included over 800 square meters of protection, covering interior floors, bulkheads, and staircases to preserve the vessel’s condition throughout.
“This was a huge job, and the result left a lasting impression.” – Stephen De Vooght
Rapid Response & Technicity
Some of the most rewarding work came from tackling unplanned emergencies between charters. One vessel came in with a list of 28 work requests. IMM delivered 20 of those on a tight schedule, including HVAC, carpentry, speaker installation, electronics repairs, and main engine alignment.
When traditional alignment methods didn’t solve the vibration issues, IMM encouraged FKG Marine, our sister Company, to invest in laser shaft alignment technology, which proved to be the key.
“This was a turning point. We saw an opportunity not only to solve the vessel’s problem but to introduce a service that would benefit the whole island. It was the right call— the vessel’s port engine required extensive realignment that likely prevented another failure.” says Stephen.
In another urgent case, the entire steering system of a vessel failed electronically while in Antigua. IMM coordinated repairs and sent a technician to restore full function in time for departure.
“Our subcontractor tested, diagnosed, and solved the issue under pressure. We left them with a working system and a spare circuit board onboard—exactly what they needed to feel secure continuing their program.” – Stephen
Precision Under Pressure
Throughout the season, IMM led heavy-lift technical operations requiring mechanical dismantling, crane coordination, and tight turnaround times.
One yacht required removal and replacement of a 450kg alternator, a project that required the dismantling of fire insulation, engine exhausts, and then reassembly of all components.
“The biggest challenge was the coordination. We had to plan every step around crane movements and internal systems to avoid delay. We delivered on time and to the full satisfaction of the client.” says Dominique.
Another vessel, known for its hybrid propulsion, needed a 400kg generator replaced in partnership with a renowned European shipyard.
“The collaboration with the shipyard and crew was exceptional, we took care of protection, crane work, and overall logistics, and everyone was pleased with how smoothly it went.” – Dominique adds.
Even collision damage didn’t stop IMM from meeting deadlines. A chase boat required structural composite repair and repainting within 10 days to meet its next charter obligation. This project demanded full focus—tight timing, project management, and hands-on execution. But the IMM Team delivered, and the vessel was ready on time.
Looking Ahead to 2025–2026
With growing demand for high-skill services in the Caribbean, IMM is expanding both its technical offerings and strategic partnerships.
As we close the season, we extend a heartfelt thank you to every captain, engineer, and crew member who trusted IMM this season.
We look forward to welcoming you back next season—stronger, faster, and even better equipped to support you.
A Word from Our Leadership
“We are extremely happy to see the continued development of IMM in St. Maarten. This development proves the importance of having a professional, reliable option in the Caribbean for both planned and emergency works. We see IMM as a partner to the vessel and crew – working together to plan works where and when it makes sense for the vessel schedule. We look forward to continuing our development in St. Maarten, and elsewhere, to provide efficient and effective solutions for our clients.” says Norina Edelman, CEO of IMM.
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Olivier Vigoureux, IMM Guadeloupe Site Director
Olivier has been based in Guadeloupe overseeing the IMM Guadeloupe refit facility for 8 years. Prior to joining IMM, Olivier was an America’s Cup boat captain as well as a talented skipper of multihull race boats. Having trained in La Ciotat, he is technically proficient and is recognized as a hardware and rig specialist.
Oliver is originally from Brittany, France. Sailing is such an integral part of his life, he can’t recall a time in his life before sailing. By age 5, he was sailing and windsurfing on his own; and by 22, Olivier was an established, professional. Olivier noted that the most valuable insight he was offered was that there were plenty of good sailors in the world, but not many that also had strong technical skills.
So, having become a respected sailor, Olivier went to work in La Ciotat, France, where he had the opportunity to learn the shipyard side of sailing. Two years later, the sea called Olivier back, and he had the opportunity to race with Team China in the 2007 America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain.
Fast forward to 2014: Olivier is the Captain of SY Paradox and opted to undertake maintenance at IMM’s facility in Guadeloupe. Fabrice and Olivier met at this time, and the rest is history!
