Intermar: Menorca's New Marine Company

Mention to anyone that you own a boat and the first comment is often, “I bet that costs you”. True, the boating world and low running costs don’t usually go hand in hand…that is, perhaps, until now.

Intermar is a brand new marine company, established in Menorca in recognition of the current economic climate to provide a different kind of marine service that really does offer exceptional value for money. Established by marine veteran Chris Collman, the philosophy behind the new venture is simple. He believes that the marine industry in Menorca has allowed costs to spiral to such an extent that the customer can no longer get affordable enjoyment from their boat, which in turn may lead to a forced sale in a market that will not sustain sensible prices.

Intermar’s main aims are to provide a superior boat maintenance service, covering guardiennage, servicing, antifouling, winterising and storage. Chris has been Involved in the marine industry for over 40 years and has been living in Menorca for the past 20 years, ten of which he ran a fleet of six charter motor yachts in Cala Llonga until it was sold in 2002.

Chris will take care of general management and fiscal matters, while experienced marine engineer Allan Porter will be in charge of the workshopsand engineering. The business benefits from its own freehold 330 sq m warehouse on the Es Castell Industrial Estate, ensuring that overheads can be kept to a minimum, and both Chris and Allan feel confident that they can offer a better and more economically priced service than currently available.

Chris explains: “One of the main reasons for starting the new business is that last year I met and engaged the engineering skills of Allan to work on my own boat whilst carrying out an extensive refit. I was so impressed with his work that I wanted to retain his services.” Chris will also be drawing upon his expertise from having run one of the largest marine retail organisations in the UK to offer a cost effective brokerage and valuation service to enhance and complement Intemar’s other activities.

In addition to maintenance and storage, an online chandlery and engine spares service is being set up which will specialise in sourcing quality, competitive products such as anti-foulings, oils, filters and volume demand spares for the popular makes of engines. This facility will be available to both retail and trade customers.

The chandlery supply will be opening in the New Year and any enquiries relating to storage or servicing in the meantime can be made by phone or email, when Chris and Allan will be available at any time to suit the customer. Intermar also has a retail premises in Cala Llonga which the company is looking to expand into during the summer months, offering chandlery and maintenance services.

“What I believe is unique about our marine business is our recognition and understanding of the reality of this deep financial crisis we are facing and its knock on effects, not only in Menorca but throughout Europe and further afield”, comments Chris. “Our passion is to offer true value for money, we want people to keep their boats and continue to enjoy them – after all that’s good for everyone. The chandlery service is also new and we anticipate savings of over 30%, which is also good news. What’s more, the fact that we are offering this service to the trade as well as to the end user, means we are not working in competition to them but enabling them to start offering better value for money as well.”

For more information, telephone Chris Collman on: 696 434 787 or email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Intermar, Poligono Industrial 28, Es Castell.