Refit firm Aros Marine opens UK headquarters
Darren Smith, vice president sales at Aros Marine (centre left) with Stephen Deller, OVIC’s centre manager (centre right).
Lithuanian refit and outfitting company Aros Marine has established its UK headquarters in Southampton, selecting Ocean Village Innovation Centre (OVIC) as its base.
The firm employs over 600 people and undertakes refit and outfitting work on cruise ships, expedition vessels, river cruise ships, ferries and yachts.
Founded in 2009 with five employees, Aros Marine has grown into a business with a multi-million euro turnover, completing work on more than 300 vessels across 55 global locations.
The company says its move to OVIC places it among nearly 40 other businesses based at the serviced office hub next to MDL’s Ocean Village Marina.
Darren Smith, vice president of sales at Aros Marine, says: “The UK is a key maritime hub with a strong network of shipowners, operators and shipyards, making it a strategic market for Aros Marine’s continued growth. Having a local presence allows us to strengthen relationships, respond faster to client needs, and expand our footprint in refit and outfitting projects across the UK and Northern Europe.”
He adds: “Southampton is one of the UK’s busiest and most well-connected ports, with direct access to the cruise and ferry industries we serve. OVIC stood out as a modern, flexible base with a strong marine and innovation community, which is a great match for our ambitions and culture. Its location also makes it easy to reach clients across the South Coast and beyond.
“We are starting with a small but experienced team of three to five people, focusing on sales and project development. As our UK operations grow, we expect the team to expand accordingly.”
Stephen Deller, OVIC’s centre manager, says: “Aros Marine discovered OVIC through the company’s local network while exploring potential bases in the Southampton area.
“After visiting and meeting the OVIC team here, it quickly became clear this was the right fit for Aros Marine, both in terms of location and the collaborative environment.”
Smith adds: “The OVIC office will serve as our UK sales and business development hub. The team will lead client communication, tender participation, and support ongoing project coordination. It also allows us to be more hands-on with local partnerships and new opportunities in the region.”
Aros Marine’s services include design and engineering, turnkey interior outfitting furniture, production and installation, catering equipment supply and installation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical installation.
According to Maritime UK, the maritime sector contributes more than £46bn to the UK economy and supports one million jobs. Approximately 95 per cent of UK goods imports and exports are transported by sea.
OVIC, now in its 15th year, is operated by Oxford Innovation Space on behalf of the building’s private owner. The organisation manages a network of innovation centres across the UK and Ireland.
