Cathelco has announced the acquisition of Echo Marine Service, the service centre for Hydro Electrique Marine (HEM) desalinators based in Palma de Mallorca. The opportunity has arisen following the retirement of Echo Marine’s founder, Erik Hansen.

The venture is a logical step for Cathelco, which purchased Antibes-based HEM in 2015 to complement its range of water treatment systems for luxury yachts and commercial vessels.

“Palma is a major hub for the superyacht industry and we are keen to maintain and expand our presence in Mallorca drawing on the experience of the Echo Marine team who have built a strong reputation for their expertise in all aspects of watermakers”, says Justin Salisbury, managing director of Cathelco.

Echo Marine currently employs a team of eight people, including five engineers who are available to install and service water treatment equipment.

“Echo Marine have been working closely with HEM for over 30 years, so I see the Cathelco takeover as a natural progression and am very pleased that our treasured clients will continue to be in good hands”, adds Hansen.

The range of HEM equipment covers not only classic desalination systems, but also pure water generators for technical and wash down water, softeners, filtration systems, silver ion and ultraviolet sterilisers.

Echo Marine also stocks a large range of filters, consumables and spare parts for the service and repair of the systems. In addition, facilities are available for testing water to ensure that it complies with MCA and general manning regulations, and the subsequent treatments in case the water does not comply.

Cathelco, which had a turnover of £26 million last financial year, established itself as a leader in the market of manufacturing marine growth prevention systems and ICCP hull corrosion protection systems that are widely used on superyachts. The latest product development from the group is a ballast water treatment system based on filtration and UV technology. This has been produced in response to existing U.S. Coast Guard rules and new IMO regulations, which will make it compulsory for ocean-going superyachts to treat ballast water discharges to avoid the spread of invasive organisms and species.

Through the acquisition of Echo Marine, Salisbury’s strategy is for Cathelco to provide continuity of service to HEM customers in Mallorca, while also establishing a platform for the sale of Cathelco equipment in an important and growing market.

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