Marine consultancy Mecal comes under new management

AN established consultancy business in Plymouth, which certifies maritime safety standards of commercial vessels, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum.

Mecal, which services a register of around 1,750 workboats and charter vessels worldwide, has been bought by Owen Preece, the boss of Southampton-based maritime sustainability consultancy Cedar Marine, and his wife Nadine from John and Julie Fearnley, who have run the company since 2006.

Founded in 1993, Mecal was joined by Mr Fearnley in the mid1990s as a vessel surveyor following 24 years’ experience as a class surveyor with French certification firm Bureau Veritas.

The company said he had “contributed heavily” to professional certifications and standards across the maritime industry as an active member of multiple Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) technical working groups, together with the IMarEST Small Ships Group.

Mr Fearnley said: “It’s been a privilege to be part of the journey that has seen Mecal evolve to become one of the leading certifying authorities over the last 30 years.

“I’m happy to pass the torch to someone who shares my commitment to preserving and improving safety, technology, and sustainability standards in the industry.”

Mr Preece, who also worked at Bureau Veritas in roles ranging from naval architecture to business development, said: “We congratulate John and Julie on the impressive enterprise they’ve developed in Mecal.”