A HAMPSHIRE superyacht yard has joined forces with a leading global marine specialist to launch a new initiative for international customers whose vessels will be required to meet new environmental regulations.

Solent Refit at Hythe has signed a ‘preferred partner’ agreement with water treatment systems specialist Cathelco and its Antibes-based subsidiary HEM.

They have teamed up in readiness for the introduction of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations governing the discharge of ballast water.

Studies have shown that invasive aquatic species can be released into marine ecosystems via ballast water discharged from shipping.

Chesterfield-based Cathelco is a world leader in water treatment systems for superyachts and commercial vessels.

It supplies a wide range of equipment to protect the hulls and pipework of luxury and commercial vessels – including its innovative ballast water treatment system for larger superyachts.

In 2015 Cathelco acquired HEM, manufacturers of desalinators and associated equipment, who are based in the South of France.

Sam Wand, sales manager of Cathelco’s superyacht division, added: “Solent Refit have a great location on the Ssouth Ccoast of England and can host as many as 16 yachts up to 65 metres in length.

“The flexible nature of the yard allows us to carry out work easily and economically alongside the Solent Refit team.”

Solent Refit has built its reputation on maintaining and refitting classic and modern superyachts.

The expanding firm provides 10,000 sq m of undercover working halls and waterside working areas combined with a highly skilled workforce of marine specialists.

With a strong emphasis on British craftsmanship, the company’s aim is to attract a larger proportion of the refit work which is currently carried out in Mediterranean yards and elsewhere.

Allan said: “If refits are of a certain size then we are willing to cover relocation fuel costs from the Mediterranean and the likes and take full advantage of the price of the Euro this winter.”