Our team

JUSTIN DE CHALAIN

Justin de Chalain is a seasoned maritime professional and entrepreneur with extensive expertise in marine engineering, project management, and new-build technical oversight. As the Director at Converge Marine, he brings decades of experience in managing complex shipbuilding projects, engineering systems, and maritime operations. His career spans leadership roles on high-profile yacht construction projects, business ventures in the logistics and storage industries, and hands-on technical expertise across diverse engineering disciplines.Justin's dynamic leadership, technical acumen, and entrepreneurial mindset have positioned him as a trusted leader in the maritime industry, capable of driving complex engineering and construction projects to successful completion. His diverse background, combining maritime expertise with business management, enables him to navigate the multifaceted challenges of large-scale marine projects and company operations.Justin de Chalain’s key skills and expertise include marine engineering and yacht operations, new build project and yard period management, technical systems implementation (AV/IT, A.C., hydraulics), as well as business development, budgeting, and contract negotiations.

MONIQUE DE CHALAIN

Monique de Chalain is an accomplished Interior Project Manager with extensive experience in newbuild yacht construction. With a background in yacht operations and a proven track record managing complex interior yacht projects from 45m to over 100m, she specializes in delivering high-quality interiors that align with luxury aesthetics and operational functionality.

A key aspect of Monique’s expertise is her meticulous review of construction drawings to optimize functionality. By ensuring that every design element is practical for life at sea, she helps prevent costly redesigns and enhances long-term usability. Her hands-on approach allows her to troubleshoot design challenges early and make strategic adjustments that improve space efficiency, workflow, and overall user experience.

Monique also excels in procurement, sourcing bespoke materials, furnishings, and fixtures while negotiating favorable terms with suppliers to achieve significant cost savings. Her attention to quality control ensures that all selections meet the highest standards and align with the client’s vision.

Monique’s collaborative approach and ability to manage multiple stakeholders, from designers and stylists to suppliers and project teams, have contributed to the success of several high-profile new builds. Her combination of technical expertise, practical insight, and strategic project management makes her a leader in yacht interior outfitting and construction.

MARC VAN DITSHUIZEN

Marc van Ditshuizen is a seasoned naval architect with nearly 40 years of experience in yacht construction, project engineering, and technical management. His expertise spans technical, electrical, and mechanical systems, along with the integration of technology and interiors.

After earning his Master’s degree in Naval Architecture in 1985, Marc worked as a naval and mechanical engineer until 1992, refining his design and engineering skills. From 1992 to 2003, he served as a construction engineer at various design offices and shipyards, managing complex yacht builds and ensuring they met exacting industry standards.

His role as project engineer from 2003 to 2015 strengthened his ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and oversee technical systems. He then led large-scale yacht projects as project manager at Royal Hakvoort from 2015 to 2020. In 2020, Marc built his own 7-meter electric-driven tender, showcasing his passion for innovation and sustainability. Since 2023, he has served as an owners’ representative, guiding clients through the yacht construction process.

Marc’s technical acumen, leadership, and attention to detail have established him as a trusted expert in yacht construction and project management.

RIAAN JANSE VAN RENSBURG

Riaan Janse van Rensburg is a highly skilled marine engineer with over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry. He specializes in both build and refit projects. Throughout his career, Riaan has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in maintaining and commissioning complex marine systems. His expertise spans various engine types, including MTU, CAT, and Volvo, as well as generators, marine systems, and auxiliary equipment.

Riaan’s career highlights include key roles in prestigious projects such as the commissioning of M/Y Asia (61m, Royal Hakvoort) and M/Y Top Five II (61m, Royal Hakvoort), where he was responsible for startup, sea trials, and the commissioning of all marine systems. He also led the building of engineering spares lists to ensure full operational readiness. On M/Y Enterprise (50m, Parini Navi), he oversaw engine rebuilds and major engineering work. His tenure with M/Y Anastasia (76m, Oceanco) involved significant contributions during the build, launch, and maintenance phases, ensuring operational readiness for multiple vessels in the fleet.

Additionally, Riaan has proven his ability to manage demanding itineraries as Chief Engineer on M/Y Mia Elise/Mustique (55m, Trinity), maintaining and upgrading systems across Mediterranean, Caribbean, and South Florida charters. With extensive build, commissioning, and refit experience, Riaan brings unparalleled technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to ensuring high standards of safety and efficiency across all marine engineering projects.

CHARLOTTE SOUTHON

Charlotte Southton is a trusted leader in interior outfitting and logistics, with nearly two decades of specialized expertise in the yachting industry. From luxury vessel outfitting to large-scale interior projects, Charlotte Southton provides tailored, end-to-end solutions designed to ensure seamless delivery from initial concept to completion.

With extensive project management experience, Charlotte has overseen the successful outfitting of high-profile yachts, including the 142m Nord, 61m Asia, and numerous 60m-80m Amels and Feadship builds. This portfolio demonstrates Charlotte’s proven ability to deliver world-class results on some of the most complex and high-specification projects in the luxury yacht sector.

Beyond adhering to standard build specifications, Charlotte excels in sourcing and managing bespoke purchases that elevate interiors to an unparalleled level of luxury and refinement. Whether it’s exclusive materials, custom furnishings, or specialized installations, every element is meticulously selected to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space.