Riding the elevator to the 24th floor of One Canal Place to visit Intermarine’s New Orleans office, it’s clear that this modern space is a definite departure from the modest brick building at 530 Natchez St. where the late Roger Kavanagh founded this now global vessel chartering powerhouse.
Kavanagh started Intermarine in 1990 based on the simple principle that cargo and customer solutions come first. His goal was to construct a company that diligently worked to match the appropriate vessel to a shipper’s needs. To launch his dream, Kavanagh built a team and reached out to contacts and colleagues for support on a fledgling project that would combine his knowledge and experience in project logistics and chartering. From that project, Intermarine quickly made a name for itself in the competitive global market. Twenty-six years, more than 50 vessels and 230 employees later the company now has thriving offices in North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
“Having a presence in New Orleans is very important,” said Richard Seeg, Intermarine’s Vice President of North Coast and South America and the Caribbean. Seeg is part of the New Orleans-based team that works with the Port of New Orleans to bring in heavy lift and breakbulk cargo. “Our Americas Service is headquartered here (New Orleans) and we work hard to bring ships into New Orleans as often as possible.”
He cited that currently most of the vessels that Intermarine charters through the Port are petrochemical affiliated and are coming from Asia, Middle East and Europe.
On June 27, with the assistance of forwarder Agility Project Logistics, Intermarine’s Ocean Freedom discharged four coke drums directly to barges at the Port of New Orleans. The drums originated from Gijon, Spain, and were delivered to Intermarine’s clients Phillips 66 and Wood Group Mustang.
“This project is a perfect example of what Intermarine does best – we have the tools, skills and personnel to create custom solutions and safely transport challenging cargoes,” said Justin Miller, Commercial Manager – U.S. Flag Services. “Our Worldwide, Technical and U.S. Flag departments worked seamlessly to deliver on our word and provide all parties with the safe transportation of their cargo.”
Intermarine employees Francisca Cruz and Claudia Bernat volunteering at a back-to-school fundraiser where more than 500 backpacks were donated to students.
Intermarine selects the Port for these complicated moves because of its competitive advantages over other ports. “New Orleans has a competitive edge over other ports for anything that is being built or fabricated along the Mississippi because it is a direct shot by barge,” said Seeg. “For plants that are being built in the Lafayette and Baton Rouge areas, we favor sending that equipment into New Orleans as well.”
Over the years Intermarine has undergone changes that have enhanced the company’s business model and allowed it to increase the business it does at the Port. Intermarine’s commitment to cargo-centric solutions for its customers is apparent — from establishing its U.S. Flag Division in 2001 (the entity that worked on the coke drum delivery) to the 2012 merger with Denmark’s Scan-Trans that boosted Intermarine’s presence in Asia.
Intermarine’s commitment to the Port and the city of New Orleans is also evident.
“Most of our staff is in Houston, but our hearts are in New Orleans,” said Leah Martinez, Intermarine’s Director of Marketing, PR and Communications. “We regularly contribute to the New Orleans Children’s Museum, work with the local SPCA, and we are currently working to assist flood victims in Baton Rouge.” Intermarine staff members also volunteer their time at local schools.
Intermarine looks forward to maintaining its corporate presence in the city as well as the Port of New Orleans. Seeg sees opportunities in the company’s growth that could directly impact the Port. Future plans to introduce larger, more fuel-efficient vessels will be of great benefit to petrochemical shippers using the Port.
Seeg is also working with the Port’s commercial division to identify viable and sustainable moves from South America using the Port’s connection to the six Class I rail providers. “We are always looking for opportunities to expand our trade routes for the Americas (Service) through New Orleans, and the six major rail lines are just another advantage that the Port offers,” said Seeg. “We chose to remain in the city and retain our corporate headquarters for the Americas here because we believe in New Orleans.”
By Nakeila Polk
