BackMichael Dedieu, Managing Partner at Marguerite in conversation with Jean Michel Berud, CEO at Jifmar
Your slogan – “Let’s build the maritime world of tomorrow” – what does it mean in practice?
We integrate innovation, sustainability, and commitment to health safety environment. The slogan reflects our forward-thinking approach, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like wind propulsion and pushing for more sustainable practices in every aspect of our operations.
It is also about collaborating with partners who share the vision for reducing the environmental impact of our activities while maintaining operational excellence.
What are the specific sustainability trends shaping the maritime sector that you address?
One of the biggest sustainability challenges is decarbonising shipping, which is still largely fossil fuel-dependent. We address this with projects like Canopee, promoting wind propulsion to reduce emissions.
We are also active in supporting the development of offshore wind and renewable energy infrastructure – crucial in the global energy transition – by providing installation, maintenance, and decommissioning services.
Renewable energy and environmental stewardship in the maritime and offshore sectors are becoming critical growth drivers. The push for carbon neutrality accelerates investment in green technologies and alternative fuels, which creates opportunities for companies like ours.
Where are you now with the Canopee project, and what’s your ambition?
Canopee is a sail-assisted ship launched in October 2023. It transports Ariane 6 launcher parts from European ports to Kourou in French Guyana, and it has already made several transatlantic crossings,. Canopee is a concrete illustration proving that combining environmental responsibility and operational performance is possible.
But Canopee is just one leg of our operations. We own a fleet of 65+ vessels that operate in energy, offshore wind, civil works, and telecommunications.
What are Jifmar’s key competitive advantages that make it an attractive investment proposition for an infrastructure investor?
We offer a broad range of maritime services, from engineering of projects to their implementation, maintenance and decommissioning. The industries we serve provide significant growth potential, particularly with the ongoing global energy transition. Offshore wind presents substantial opportunities as governments worldwide ramp up investments in renewable energy to meet climate goals.
Jifmar’s competitive edge lies in our multidisciplinary expertise, our fleet of specialised vessels, and our strong track record of delivering complex marine operations safely and efficiently. We are also uniquely positioned due to our focus on innovation and sustainability, from hybrid vessels to eco-friendly offshore solutions. Our financial stability, growth potential in renewable sectors, and ability to adapt to market trends make us an attractive long-term partner for an infrastructure investor.
What’s your growth strategy?
Our strategy balances organic growth through expanding our fleet, entering new markets, and enhancing service offerings for our historical and new customers. Acquisitions allow us to quickly access new technologies, expertise and regional markets. For instance, the recent acquisition of Acta Marine workboats activities helped us strengthen our position in Northern Europe and the Middle East and become the leader in the workboat industry. We will continue to pursue opportunities that align with our vision and complement our existing services.
Are there specific markets Jifmar is targeting?
With the increase in demand for renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable maritime solutions, our focus is global, and growth prospects are good. Europe remains a leader in offshore wind energy, North America is rapidly catching up with large-scale projects, and Africa presents opportunities for coastal infrastructure development and energy transition projects.
Regulatory developments, energy policies, and economic growth indicators in these regions will guide our geographic expansion. Being an international shipping operator, Jifmar operates under different flags, enabling us to address different markets. For example, two ships will soon be sent to the USA.
Next year, Jifmar will be celebrating 20 years since the company’s creation. What are your ambitions for the next two decades?
Our ambition is to become a global leader in sustainable maritime solutions. We aim to expand our fleet with innovative, environmentally friendly vessels, deepen our expertise in offshore renewables, and explore new markets.
By continually investing in R&D and forging partnerships with like-minded companies, we see Jifmar as pivotal in building a more sustainable, efficient maritime industry.