Columbia Shipmanagement is to expand its operations and services in the important French, Italian and Monégasque markets by signing a joint venture agreement with Monaco-based Sea World Management .

Under the terms of the agreement, the new JV company, named COLUMBIA SEAWORLD MANAGEMENT, or CSM Monaco for short, will provide CSM’s full integrated maritime services platform to clients in the region including those in the tanker, bulker, container, cruise, MPP, offshore, Superyacht, private jet, asset management sectors.

Capitalising on SWM’s well-established network in the region, CSM Monaco will operate with SWM’s experienced management team in Monaco boosted by relocating CSM expertise.

Roberto Corvetta, CEO of SWM, commented that this is a moment of great satisfaction for SWM and the tangible result of many years of hard work. “We are proud – he said – to become partners of such important Group and we are committed to using all our energy and expertise for the success of the initiative, which, I am sure, will allow us to expand our world and to bring benefit to all our clients”.

The Columbia Group has significant experience in the leisure sector through its COLUMBIA Blue operation which offers the most comprehensive service in maritime for the cruise, expedition and yacht segments, along with management services for private jet aviation. It also provides hotel, hygiene, training and crewing services.

Welcoming the move, Mark O’Neil President and CEO of CSM Group said the joint venture brought together two like-minded businesses that were intent on driving in bottom line value to major players in this important European market.

“CSM Monaco will bring the entire CSM suite of integrated maritime services, logistics, catering, private jet management, specialised leisure project management, and event management to existing and new clients in France, Italy and Monaco while capitalising effectively on the excellent network Sea World Management has in the region. By combining the joint venture partners’ respective shared values and qualities,  CSM Monaco can drive in valuable efficiencies and economies of scale into this market,” he said.