Mareno Marine has been a leader in the Caribbean construction and piling sector for over 40 years. The company has established itself as a reliable partner for marine, piling, and foundation works, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and strong relationships with local partners. As the company marks its 40th anniversary, it reflects on its journey, the challenges faced, and its vision for the future.
Founded by David and his brother, Mareno Marine is a family-run business that has spanned generations, with David’s two nephews now also involved in the company. This family foundation has been key to its success, fostering a deep sense of loyalty, integrity, and a long-term vision for the company’s future.
David reflects on the company’s beginnings, explaining that Mareno Marine started with a simple vision: to provide quality service in the construction industry across the Caribbean. Today, this vision has expanded as Mareno Marine continues to deliver high-end projects across the region, with an emphasis on marine and piling services.
The company’s roots are firmly embedded in the Caribbean, with experience spanning multiple islands. “Each island has its own character and flavour,” says David, “and over the years, we’ve worked across several of them. Having local contacts on each island is critical when we need to mobilise quickly or work on a specific project.”
This local knowledge and expertise have allowed Mareno Marine to grow its business, but it’s not without its challenges. David acknowledges that in some areas, such as Barbados, there are complex dynamics between local labour and external contractors. He emphasises the importance of being diplomatic when operating in foreign territories.
“We always try to hire as much local labour as we can,” David notes. “We find it essential to engage with the local workforce and provide them with opportunities. It’s about striking the right balance. You can’t just go into a foreign country with all your own people and equipment and expect to be welcomed with open arms. Diplomacy is key.”
Mareno Marine’s approach to overcoming challenges is rooted in a deep understanding of the islands where they operate. David explains, “Having established relationships with key partners has made execution easier. We know what to expect when we arrive at a job site.” These local relationships, built over years of working together, have been crucial for the smooth execution of projects.
David’s team includes a number of experienced managers and operators who are always available to be dispatched across the islands when needed. While they are not always on the payroll, these key players are contracted for specific jobs, ensuring the company has the expertise to tackle any project.
“There’s always a need to go down and put your head in the door and deal with small issues and big issues alike,” David remarks, highlighting the hands-on approach that has been integral to the company’s success. This approach allows the team to deal with any unforeseen complications swiftly, ensuring client satisfaction and on-time project delivery.
The company has also formed strong partnerships over the years with key local suppliers, contractors, and engineers. “We’ve worked a lot with CO Williams, a large earthmoving and road construction company. They often turn to us when marine work is involved,” says David. “We also have a solid working relationship with ReadyMix, our concrete supplier. This flexibility is crucial for ensuring that we can meet the demands of any project.”
David also stresses the importance of maintaining strong relationships with engineers who design the piles for the buildings. While the relationship with these engineers is vital, David does admit with a laugh that sometimes his team provides ideas to engineers, though they might not always get the credit. Nevertheless, this collaborative approach is key to ensuring that Mareno Marine delivers high-quality results on every project.
As Mareno Marine looks towards the future, the company has clear goals for the next decade. “Our priority going forward is to position ourselves as the premier piling contractor in Barbados,” says David. There are already several companies in Barbados working in similar fields, but David believes that Mareno Marine’s experience, equipment, and staff will enable it to rise above the competition.
One of the company’s primary goals for the future is to upgrade its equipment to ensure it can meet the demands of large-scale projects across the region. David explains, “In the past, when we’ve tried to take our CFA piling operations to other islands, we’ve struggled because we’ve had to rely on external suppliers, and they’ve sometimes let us down. That can really compromise a project. We want to be able to mobilise our equipment anywhere in the region, making us more efficient and self-sufficient.”
Another strategic priority is the expansion of the company’s marine work, particularly in light of the growing demand for larger yachts and luxury homes in the Caribbean. “There’s always more demand for jetties and other marine infrastructure,” David notes. “The yachts are getting bigger, and people are building more luxury homes. We want to ensure we’re positioned to capitalise on this growth.”
In addition to expanding its marine and piling capabilities, Mareno Marine is also considering diversifying into concrete supply and placement. “We’ve always focused on what we do best, but expanding into concrete supply is something we’re looking at,” David says. “This could be a natural extension of our business, and we’re keen to explore the potential.”
As Mareno Marine grows, it is increasingly mindful of its environmental responsibilities. The company works closely with organisations such as the Coastal Zone Management Unit in Barbados to ensure that their operations are sustainable. David highlights the challenges faced on the west coast of Barbados, where development pressures are putting a strain on the natural environment.
“There’s a lot of pressure on the west coast, with more development and less beach access,” David notes. “It’s becoming harder for turtles to access the beaches, and the environmental impact of development is something we’re very concerned about.”
While Mareno Marine is committed to making a positive impact on the environment, David points out that solutions are not always straightforward. The company has been asked to carry out repairs on properties in the region, but David is clear about the importance of sustainable practices. “If you want to build something that preserves the coast, we’ll do it. If not, then we’re not interested,” he explains.
David believes that sustainable solutions—such as rebuilding jetties that once existed along the west coast—could help preserve the environment while benefiting the local economy. “We’ve been pushing for the restoration of these jetties, but it hasn’t come to fruition yet,” he says. “We hope that in the next five years, these plans will come to life.”
As Mareno Marine commemorates 40 years of success, David has a clear message for his clients, partners, and team members. “Mareno Marine is an established company with the experience and equipment to handle any project,” says David. “We’re not just focused on the past—we’re looking forward to the next 10 years and positioning ourselves to be the largest piling contractor in Barbados.”
David also acknowledges the company’s commitment to collaborating with local entities and playing a part in the development of Barbados as a premier destination for tourism and conferences. “We want to be a part of Barbados’ growth and help make the island a key player on the global stage,” he adds.
Ultimately, David’s message is simple but powerful: “We’re here to stay, and we’re always willing to adapt, grow, and contribute to the region’s development.”
Mareno Marine’s 40-year milestone is a celebration of a family business that has withstood the test of time. With a strong focus on relationships, sustainability, and quality, the company is well-positioned to lead the way in the Caribbean construction industry for many years to come. As they look ahead to the next decade, Mareno Marine remains committed to tackling the challenges of the region and contributing to the development of the Caribbean’s infrastructure and marine industries.
With a solid foundation and an experienced team, Mareno Marine is poised for continued success and growth, ensuring that it will remain a trusted name in the Caribbean construction industry for years to come.