Multipurpose carrier Intermarine and sister company Jumbo-SAL-Alliance (JSA) expand their presence in South America, opening a new office in Santiago. JSA–Intermarine Chile is led by General Manager Nelson Matus.

The last few years have been dynamic and exciting for Intermarine and Jumbo-SAL-Alliance – and 2023 is just as eventful: With more industrial projects on the horizon, especially wind energy, Intermarine, and JSA are taking advantage of the positive momentum and expanding in South America.

Intermarine and Jumbo-SAL-Alliance are joining Intermarine’s long-time agent, Marval, to form the new subsidiary JSA-Intermarine Chile. The first office to carry the name of both companies will be led by Nelson Matus, a veteran in the South American breakbulk and multipurpose sector with over 25 years of experience. Matus and his five-person team will take the lead in expanding the new Chilean business base.

“I’m extremely pleased that Nelson and his team are part of the Intermarine-JSA family. They have tremendous experience in the heavy lift and logistics business,” says Intermarine CEO Svend Andersen. “Intermarine and Marval have already collaborated successfully for many years now in South America. We’re excited to join forces and further expand our group presence in the region.”

Jens Baumgarten, Director of Chartering & Projects at Jumbo-SAL-Alliance, explains: “Chile plays a significant role in South America due to its stable economy, geographic location, extensive raw material exports, reliable infrastructure, and project outlooks, particularly in wind energy. The potential in the South American market and in Chile specifically is enormous, especially when it comes to the wind sector.”

“Our new joint branch gives customers access to the unique combination of Intermarine’s very strong Americas liner services and breakbulk business as well as JSA’s global project and semi-liner services”, adds Intermarine’s President Richard Seeg.

“We are very excited to join this ambitious and winning team,” stresses Nelson Matus. “The vibrant spirit, outstanding reputation and quality, and combined fleet of +50 vessels inspired us to take this wonderful opportunity.”

When SAL Heavy Lift took ownership of Intermarine back in late 2020, they followed a long-term strategy of developing the two enterprises as closely associated sister companies with different business models and offerings. This approach has proven highly successful. Intermarine’s business has thrived alongside SAL’s, showing the complementary nature of the fleets and service offerings. The new office in Chile is a good example of this success.

For Harren Group, Intermarine’s and SAL’s parent company, the branch is the 25th office worldwide. Harren Group CEO Dr Martin Harren explains: “It’s truly exciting to make our next strategic move: opening an office that represents both Intermarine and JSA with such an experienced and long-term partner as Marval. Everyone at Harren Group is proud to see Intermarine and JSA take this next step on their shared journey. This expansion not only strengthens our local business. It also elevates our global portfolio and the presence of our entire group.”