Global Expertise, Local Execution:
How VMS Group Keeps Maritime Operations Moving

Photo Credit: VMS Group
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A propulsion failure 200 miles offshore. A full engine overhaul scheduled between two time-critical charters. For shipowners and offshore operators, downtime is more than an inconvenience — it's lost revenue. This is where VMS Group steps in.

Based in Frederikshavn, Denmark, VMS Group is a global marine and offshore service provider offering full-scope maintenance and engineering solutions. With operational hubs in Brazil, the U.S., Namibia, and Saudi Arabia, VMS delivers consistent quality — regardless of geography.

Beyond Repairs: A Full-Circle Service Approach

Founded in 2001 as a diesel engine repair shop, VMS Group has grown into a multidisciplinary engineering partner with over 400 employees. Today, it provides advanced services across five continents, offering expertise in:

  • Overhaul and maintenance of marine diesel engines (MAN, Wärtsilä, Caterpillar, Bergen Engines, Wabtec, Yanmar and many more)

  • Gearbox and turbocharger inspection and reconditioning

  • Propulsion systems, including custom genset solutions

  • OEM and reconditioned spare parts supply

  • Turnkey engineering and project coordination

“We're more than a repair shop,” says Jacob Nielsen, Head of External Sales at VMS Group.

“We partner with our customers to solve complex challenges — efficiently and reliably — with minimal operational disruption.”

Case Highlights: Delivering Across Systems and Scenarios

Photo Credit: VMS Group

Drillship Engine Overhaul

Six engines serviced in sequence onboard a drilling rig, including spare parts logistics, mechanical overhaul, and turbocharger work. VMS acted as total supplier and executed all services without delay.

Multi-System Offshore Service

One campaign covered main engines, auxiliary engines, propulsion units, and deck equipment under tight operational constraints. The scope showcased VMS’ ability to manage complex, multi-brand service needs.

BWTS Turnkey for 23 Vessels

VMS’ engineering division is managing a full fleet-wide Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) retrofit for a single client — from design and sourcing to installation and documentation.

Complete Generator Set Delivery

VMS Group supplies complete generator sets, with in-house engineering designing the bedframes, new engines sourced via trusted channel partners, and all components assembled and tested at VMS’ own test facility. This solution serves customers all the way to high-end end users who demand the absolute highest quality and reliability from their equipment.

These cases reflect a core strength: managing projects that cross product groups, OEM boundaries, and disciplines — as a single-source partner.

In-House Technical Capacity

Unlike many service companies, VMS Group maintains its own state-of-the-art facilities in Denmark:

  • Engine and genset testing platforms

  • CNC machining and welding stations

  • Diagnostic labs for root cause analysis and emissions planning

This infrastructure enables rapid prototyping, component refurbishment, and system-specific upgrades — helping clients reduce downtime and increase long-term reliability.

“By combining field service with in-house testing, we bridge the gap between troubleshooting and validated solutions,” Jacob adds. “That’s a significant value for vessel operators under pressure.”

Certified and Ready for Offshore Operations

Every VMS technician is certified for marine and offshore deployment. Each project is led by a dedicated project manager, ensuring real-time client reporting, documented safety checks, and structured progress logs.

HSE procedures are embedded across all projects, with checklists, pre-task briefings, and photo-verified inspections standard in every scope.

“Safety and accountability are integrated into our culture,” Jacob notes. “Not as a layer on top — but as part of how we operate.”

Five Locations, One Standard

VMS Group operates from five permanent hubs:

  • Frederikshavn, Denmark (HQ)

  • Niterói, Brazil

  • New Orleans, USA

  • Walvis Bay, Namibia

  • Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Photo Credit: VMS Group

Each location performs core services — engines, gearboxes, and propeller systems — to the same standards, with centralized support from Denmark.

“We don't compromise on quality just because the geography changes,” Jacob says. “Our local teams are trained to deliver the same technical excellence, wherever the vessel may be.”

Strategic plans running through 2029 include expanding the network of hubs to further enhance global responsiveness.



OEM Alignment and Technical Credibility

Through strategic alliances with major engine manufacturers — including Bergen Engines, Caterpillar, Yanmar, STX, Hyundai Himsen, and Wabtec — VMS Group is equipped to perform certified interventions on some of the most advanced marine technologies on the market.

These partnerships give the company access to technical documentation, spare part pipelines, and factory-level training — ensuring that every service complies with OEM standards and current regulatory requirements.

In addition to these formal partnerships, VMS Group brings deep experience working with virtually all major engine brands in the market. Over the past two decades, VMS technicians have successfully maintained, overhauled, and optimized engines from MAN, Wärtsilä, Caterpillar, Mitsubishi, Cummins, and others — regardless of whether the engagement was OEM-certified or client-directed.

This multi-brand proficiency enables VMS to support mixed fleets with consistent quality, offering operators a single technical partner across diverse propulsion and auxiliary systems.

What Makes VMS Group Different?

  • Flexibility: Service is delivered onboard, dockside, or at VMS facilities — whatever fits the situation best.

  • Full-cycle ownership: From first diagnosis to recommissioning, VMS takes full responsibility for outcome and performance.

  • Rapid deployment: Rapid deployment isn’t just a buzzword — it’s how projects start at VMS.

  • Technology-enabled: Testing, diagnostics, and documentation are managed with integrated digital workflows.

Living the Values

At the core of VMS Group’s way of working are four values that guide decision-making and operations:

  • We care – reflected in 24/7 availability and deep engagement with customers’ operational challenges.

  • We know how and know why – shown through detailed root cause analysis and proactive maintenance planning.

  • We encourage team spirit and agility – practiced in daily coordination between field teams across five regions.

  • We are trustworthy – backed by structured reporting, transparent pricing, and repeat partnerships.

“These values aren't slogans — they're how we hire, lead, and measure our performance,” Jacob explains. “And they’re a big reason why clients come back.”

Looking Ahead

In a changing maritime industry, VMS Group continues to invest in global coverage, digital capabilities, and sustainable service models. New hubs are in development, and further partnerships are on the horizon.

Whether you're preparing for a drydock overhaul, exploring retrofit options, or responding to an urgent failure — VMS Group is ready.

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