The largest superyacht refit and repair facility based in Whangarei, New Zealand, Oceania Marine are currently in the process of taking over the superyacht interior manufacturer SMI, as the logical expansion to their existing shipyard facilities. With operations expected to be taken over by October 1, the services of top class interior joinery company will be offered to the ever expanding group of Oceania Marine’s clientele, including such outstanding vessels as the 46M Palmer Johnson motor yacht VANTAGE, recently refitted by the company.

46M Palmer Johnson superyacht VANTAGE at Oceania Marine North Shipyard, Port Whangarei, New Zealand

The two companies have a long association through refit as well as new build yacht projects and are positioned close to each other in Port Whangarei, New Zealand. The principle of SMI, Grant Willis, is fully committed to marine projects in Croatia and has decided to base himself there for the duration. As a consequence, the business was offered to Oceania Marine, who were happy to accept it.

Oceania Marine Managing Director, Martin Gleeson, said: “Marine interiors are often an important part of our projects at the shipyard and with the opening next month of the Port Whangarei Marine Centre we see this requirement growing. When SMI was offered to us for purchase two main aspects motivated us to say ‘Yes’. Firstly, SMI is a key sub-contractor and we wished to preserve the quality and competitive pricing that they offered us. Secondly, adding the SMI brand with its world class reputation and innovative processes to our stable would add massive value to Oceania Marine’s offerings to clients.”

SMI, while retaining its own identity – SMI Ltd, will be incorporated into Oceania Marine Group, who will sustain SMI’s demonstrated core values: flexibility, absolute quality, as well as total customer satisfaction.

Oceania Marine have also announced the appointment of Doug Black as General Manager. He boasts invaluable work experience in this specialised sector of the marine industry, and is tasked with driving sales to grow the company. Oceania Marine is currently working on the refit of a vessel with interior by SMI, underway in Refit Shed C at Oceania Marine’s North Shipyard.