Up to 60 new jobs to be created following six-figure investment into new facility on Portland

Maritime engineering company Intermarine UK has unveiled major growth plans after investing a six-figure sum in a new 2400sqm fabrication and welding facility at Portland Port.

The move sees Intermarine UK sign a 20-year lease and move its UK head office from Bridgend to Portland Port, a former naval base and the second largest man-made harbour in the world.

Inter Marine group president Slawomir Kalicki said the Polish owned company will start operations from March offering ship repair services at Portland.

In addition, he said the facility is looking to work with shipyards around the UK offering a range of engineering services to the ship repair, refit, conversion and shipbuilding markets.

Mr Kalicki said: "We see huge potential in Portland Port as one of the best located ports in Britain.

“It sits on pole position for naval and commercial shipping operating on the South Coast and English Channel.

"Our aim is to complement the range of maritime services already available at the port by offering more extensive ship repair facilities encouraging ship owners to use Portland Port for afloat repairs.

"The depth and size of the harbour means Portland can accommodate ships of all sizes from naval vessels to cruise ships to ferries and tankers.

"Furthermore, we see there is a strong skills base in the region and we are actively looking to employ local skilled maritime engineers and encourage workers to get in touch.”  

Portland Port CEO Bill Reeves said Intermarine UK’s new facility will strengthen Portland Port’s operations.

“It is great news for Portland Port and the local economy that the Inter Marine Group has decided to base its UK headquarters in Portland,” he said. 

“There are exciting new job opportunities being offered by Intermarine UK, with more to come as it becomes established. We wish Intermarine UK every success with its new venture and look forward to a long productive working relationship with its team.”

Mr Kalicki said Intermarine UK has bought a variety of new equipment for the facility including steel production machinery. 

In addition Intermarine UK will be providing ship spare parts from Portland including Wartsila, Cegielski, Sulzer, MAN, B&W and Cummins engines, Hydroster IMO pumps, Alfa Laval and Westfalia separators, ABB and Napier and WSK turbochargers as well as marine laundry equipment made by Primus and Lavamac.

The Intermarine group draws on nearly 30-years’ experience in the maritime industry and ten years working in maritime engineering

Mr Kalicki said: "We work with shipyards across the UK including BAE, Babcock, Cammell Laird, Fergusons and A & P and we have worked on big projects like the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier programme.

"We plan to use all that expertise and our new facility here at Portland to catapult our services further into the wider UK maritime industry. Our services will focus on fabrication, welding and electrical services. This includes hull and deck repairs as well as pipe work design, installation and upgrade. We will further offer mechanical services including pump and valve overhauls and engine room upgrades. Moreover, we can undertake gallery and electrical upgrades and we can fabricate gates, handrailing and staircases.”

Mr Kalicki said other prime areas for growth included shipbuilding and the offshore industry where it can build super structures and ‘yellow steel’ products. 

He added: "Another core area where we can help ship owners and operators is ballast water treatment services.