Ocean Independence
Ocean Independence is a privately-held, Swiss-headquartered luxury yacht brokerage offering yacht sales, charter, management, and new-build services for ultra-high-net-worth clients globally through 15 offices and a network of 3,000+ charter yachts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersKüsnacht, Switzerland
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Ocean Independence does
Ocean Independence is a privately-held Swiss-headquartered luxury yacht brokerage and management company, founded in 2005 and operating from Zürich with 15 offices across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, India, and Asia-Pacific. The company serves ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families across four interconnected service lines: yacht sales and purchase brokerage, yacht charter brokering, full-service yacht management, and construction/refit project management for new builds. Supporting offerings include charter management for owners looking to monetise their vessels, private aviation services, yacht berth sales, and the PURSUIT editorial journal.
The underlying platform is a relationship-driven, consultant-led model rather than a self-serve marketplace: every transaction is handled by dedicated brokers and consultants, supported by proprietary comparable-sales databases and off-market sourcing capabilities. Revenue is generated through commissions on yacht sales and charter bookings (transaction fees) and through recurring annual management fees and project-management fees for new builds and refits. Charter commissions vary with vessel size (rates range from approximately EUR 79,000/week for smaller yachts to EUR 700,000+/week — and above — for the largest superyachts), and sales commissions apply to transactions ranging from roughly EUR 4.9 million to EUR 88.5 million.
Over its 20-year history the company reports completing more than 600 yacht sales and purchase transactions and approximately EUR 4 billion in cumulative yacht sales value, while arranging over 5,000 charter days per year through access to a network of 3,000+ luxury yachts. The company holds membership across all major yacht brokerage trade associations — MYBA, IYBA, LYBRA, YPY, and the British Superyacht Association — and competes in a market where brand, discretion, and global reach are decisive buying criteria.
Ocean Independence firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ocean Independence
- Legal name
- Ocean Independence
- Website
- https://oceanindependence.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Ocean Independence is a privately-held, Swiss-headquartered luxury yacht brokerage offering yacht sales, charter, management, and new-build services for ultra-high-net-worth clients globally through 15 offices and a network of 3,000+ charter yachts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ocean Independence industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Luxury Yacht Brokerage and Management
- NAICS
- Other Support Activities for Water Transportation (48839), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)
- SIC
- Water Transportation (4400)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Private Yacht & Luxury Boat Charters (With Crew) (THAJALAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cruise Yacht Charters (Private Crewed) (THAEADAG), Private Charters & Yacht Experiences (Crewed, Bareboat, Day Charters) (THAJAJAB)
Keywords
Where Ocean Independence is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Küsnacht
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices15 records
Markets served
Ocean Independence business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Yacht Sales Brokerage: Commission-based brokerage on yacht purchase and sale transactions. The company facilitates buying and selling of superyachts, handling the full transaction from initial enquiry through negotiation, contract management, survey, and closing. Revenue is earned as a percentage of the transaction value.
- Yacht Charter Brokering: The company arranges yacht charters on behalf of clients and earns commissions on completed charter bookings. The fleet of 3,000+ luxury yachts available for charter globally enables the company to serve clients seeking bespoke charter experiences. APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) and standard MYBA/AYCA charter agreements govern transaction terms.
- Yacht Management Services: Ongoing management fees for operational oversight of superyachts, including technical management, crew placement, payroll administration, regulatory compliance, maintenance coordination, insurance, and financial administration. Services are charged to yacht owners who opt for professional management of their vessels.
- Yacht Construction & Refit Project Management: Fees charged for overseeing new build construction and refit projects from inception to launch, managed by a team of naval architects, engineers, and ex-captains. The company collaborates with shipyards and designers globally.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Per charter booking | Small-to-medium luxury yachts for charter |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Per charter booking | Large superyachts for charter (50m+) |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Per transaction | Yacht sales brokerage |
| Subscription | Annual | Yacht management services |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Ocean Independence product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ocean Independence is a luxury yacht brokerage and management firm founded in 2005 that facilitates yacht buying and selling through dedicated brokers, arranges bespoke yacht charters across a global fleet of more than 3,000 vessels, provides full operational management to yacht owners (crew placement, technical oversight, financial administration, regulatory compliance), and oversees custom new-build construction and refit projects, operating from 15 offices worldwide and earning commissions and management fees on transactions.
Product overview
Ocean Independence operates as a luxury yacht brokerage and management company offering an integrated suite of services for superyacht ownership. The core offering comprises four interconnected service lines: Yacht Sales & Purchase (facilitating buying and selling with access to 168+ listed yachts and off-market opportunities), Yacht Charter (providing access to one of the world's largest charter fleets with over 3,000 vessels), Yacht Management (delivering comprehensive operational, technical, and financial oversight), and Yacht Construction & New Build (managing bespoke custom builds through a global shipyard network). Supporting these core services are Charter Management (enabling owners to monetize their vessels), Private Aviation Services, Private Yacht Experiences (curated charter itineraries), Yacht Berths for Sale, Charter Special Offers, and PURSUIT editorial content. Headquartered in Switzerland with 15 global offices and 125+ experts, the company has completed over 600 yacht transactions and EUR 4 billion in sales revenue since 2005.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Yacht Sales and Purchase Brokerage Facilitates the buying and selling of luxury superyachts, offering access to over 168 yachts for sale plus off-market opportunities. Provides personalized consultations, viewings, sea trials, contract negotiations, and coordination of surveys and closing for ultra-high-net-worth buyers and sellers.
- Yacht Charter Brokering Luxury yacht charter service providing access to a global fleet of more than 3,000 luxury yachts, with 426+ active listings and bespoke itinerary planning across worldwide cruising grounds. Dedicated charter consultants manage the booking from enquiry through execution for individuals, families, and corporations.
- Yacht Management Services Comprehensive yacht management covering operational management, crew placement and payroll, technical oversight, regulatory compliance, financial administration, insurance, and 24/7 emergency support, designed to allow superyacht owners to enjoy their vessel without day-to-day operational burden.
- Yacht Construction and Refit Project Management End-to-end project management for custom yacht construction and refit projects, from design phase and shipyard selection through to construction oversight and final delivery, delivered by a team of naval architects, engineers, and ex-captains working with leading global shipyards and designers.
- Charter Management for Yacht Owners Service for yacht owners to monetise their vessel through charter, including bespoke marketing, scheduling, charter administration, and 24/7 support to maximise charter returns while preserving owner access.
- Private Aviation Services Private jet charter services providing access to private aviation for clients travelling to and from yacht destinations, complementary to the firm's yachting services.
- Private Yacht Experiences Bespoke themed yacht charter experiences including romantic getaways, corporate events, family holidays, adventure expeditions, celebrations, and wellness retreats, with curated on-board activities such as diving, kayaking, spa treatments, and fine dining with private chefs.
- Yacht Berths for Sale Sale of yacht berths and marina slips, providing clients with options for yacht storage and port facilities, offered alongside yacht sales and ownership services.
Quantifiable outcome
- 500+ yachts sold since 2005 with EUR 4 billion in total yacht sales revenue
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Ocean Independence
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Ocean Independence technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Ocean Independence partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association)coreOcean Independence is an active member of MYBA, the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association. MYBA publishes the standard MYBA MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) contract widely used in superyacht sales transactions. MYBA membership signifies compliance with industry standards and is a mark of professional credibility in the yacht brokerage industry.
- IYBA (International Yacht Brokerage Association)coreOcean Independence holds membership with IYBA, the International Yacht Brokerage Association, which serves as a professional body for yacht brokers globally, promoting industry standards and professional practices.
- LYBRA (Large Yacht Brokers Association)coreOcean Independence is a member of LYBRA, the Large Yacht Brokers Association, representing brokers specialising in large yacht transactions and upholding industry standards for superyacht brokerage.
- YPY (Yacht Professionals)minorOcean Independence maintains membership with YPY (Yacht Professionals), an association serving yacht industry professionals.
- British Superyacht AssociationminorOcean Independence holds membership with the British Superyacht Association, representing the UK superyacht services sector and promoting industry standards.
- Leading Global Shipyards and DesignerscoreOcean Independence has built relationships with the world's leading shipyards and designers for its new build and refit project management services. The company assists clients in selecting the right shipyard from its global network and provides project management oversight through construction and refit processes, with relationships spanning builders such as Feadship, Lürssen, Benetti, Heesen, and many others.
- Top Industry Photographers and VideographersminorOcean Independence has established relationships with top industry photographers and videographers who specialise in showcasing yachts. High-quality photography and video walk-throughs are a key element of the yacht marketing strategy, and the company directs clients to these specialist providers to ensure optimal presentation of vessels for sale.
- TeslaminorTesla is featured in the ULTIMATE TECHNOLOGY edition of Ocean Independence's PURSUIT journal, with founder Elon Musk featured as the cover personality. Ocean Independence hosted a client event at the Tesla Zurich showroom. The partnership centres on joint editorial content celebrating sustainable technology and its intersection with the yachting industry.
- Rolls-RoyceminorRolls-Royce featured in the FUTURE OPTIMISTS edition of the PURSUIT journal, with an exclusive interview unveiling their new Boat Tail Coachbuild commission. The editorial partnership aligns Rolls-Royce's luxury craftsmanship narrative with Ocean Independence's luxury lifestyle brand positioning.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights8 records
Ocean Independence competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Burgess: Burgess is one of the world's largest luxury yacht brokerages, offering yacht sales, charter, management, and new-build services across global offices. Directly comparable to Ocean Independence in scale, service mix, and UHNW customer base.
- Camper & Nicholsons: Camper & Nicholsons is a historic global yacht brokerage and management firm with similar full-service coverage (sales, charter, management, new build). Compares directly to Ocean Independence in service breadth and superyacht clientele.
- Fraser Yachts: Fraser Yachts is a global superyacht brokerage and management company offering sales, charter, crew placement, and operational management. Closely comparable to Ocean Independence across all service lines and customer segments.
- Y.CO: Y.CO is a Monaco-headquartered luxury yacht brokerage offering sales, charter, management, and yacht construction services with a strong global brand. Comparable in service mix and target customer to Ocean Independence.
- Northrop & Johnson: Northrop & Johnson is a global yacht brokerage offering sales, charter, and management services for luxury yachts. Comparable to Ocean Independence in core brokerage activity and UHNW customer focus.
- IYC (International Yacht Collection): IYC is a global yacht sales and charter brokerage with offices across the US, Europe, and the Caribbean. Comparable to Ocean Independence in luxury yacht sales/charter brokerage and central UHNW customer base.
- Merle Wood & Associates: Merle Wood & Associates is a yacht brokerage focused on central agency superyacht sales. Comparable to Ocean Independence on the sales-brokerage side, particularly for large central-agency listings.
- Worth Avenue Yachts: Worth Avenue Yachts is a US-headquartered yacht brokerage and charter company with global reach. Comparable to Ocean Independence in sales, charter, and management offerings for UHNW clients.
- Royal Yacht Brokers: Royal Yacht Brokers is an established luxury yacht brokerage focused on superyacht sales and charters. Comparable to Ocean Independence in core superyacht brokerage and central-agency transactions.
Emerging players
- Denison Yachting: Denison Yachting is a yacht brokerage and charter firm with strong digital marketing and a growing presence in both brokerage and charter services. Compares to Ocean Independence in service lines but with a more digitally-led GTM.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ocean Independence social profiles
Digital presenceOcean Independence financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ocean Independence leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Ocean Independence funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ocean Independence M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ocean Independence
What does Ocean Independence do?
Ocean Independence is a luxury yacht brokerage and management firm founded in 2005 that facilitates yacht buying and selling through dedicated brokers, arranges bespoke yacht charters across a global fleet of more than 3,000 vessels, provides full operational management to yacht owners (crew placement, technical oversight, financial administration, regulatory compliance), and oversees custom new-build construction and refit projects, operating from 15 offices worldwide and earning commissions and management fees on transactions.
Is Ocean Independence a public or private company?
Ocean Independence is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Ocean Independence founded?
Ocean Independence was founded in 2005. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Ocean Independence based?
Ocean Independence is headquartered in Küsnacht, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Ocean Independence make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Yacht Sales Brokerage is the primary driver. The others are yacht Charter Brokering, yacht Management Services and yacht Construction & Refit Project Management.
Who are Ocean Independence's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Burgess, Camper & Nicholsons, Fraser Yachts, Y.CO, Northrop & Johnson, IYC (International Yacht Collection), Merle Wood & Associates, Worth Avenue Yachts and Royal Yacht Brokers. Denison Yachting is listed as an emerging player.
Does Ocean Independence have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ocean Independence.
What industry is Ocean Independence in?
Ocean Independence's product category is Luxury Yacht Brokerage and Management. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJALAE, Private Yacht & Luxury Boat Charters (With Crew), with a secondary code of THAEADAG, Cruise Yacht Charters (Private Crewed). Its NAICS code is 48839 and its SIC code is 4400.