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Home > Articles > Ocean Independence in 2024: Resilience, Growth, and a Focus on the Future

Articles Ocean Independence in 2024: Resilience, Growth, and a Focus on the Future

While 2024 brought challenges, questions and a spotlight on our industry, we are grateful for yachting’s resilience and the trust of our clients. As we look forward to 2025 here at Ocean Independence we are embracing coming opportunities and will continue to provide the very best advice, insights and personal service.

After several years of unprecedented growth resulting from pandemic-driven demand, 2024 has proven a year of reflection and resilience for the luxury yachting market. Despite challenges across the sales and purchase sector, yachting’s fundamental strength has been validated as a trusted avenue for transformative experiences, offering an escape and connection that few other industries can provide. Particularly evidenced by our exceptional charter performance throughout 2024.

As we close 2024 at Ocean Independence, we are grateful for the trust our Clients place in us to deliver expert advice and personalised service to optimise their time afloat. We are proud to have witnessed substantial growth in our charter and yacht management divisions, with our expanded global team navigating the evolving market conditions with characteristic expertise, maintaining exceptional service across all divisions.

The success of our digital initiatives, partner events, and presence at all the major Yacht Shows, as well as milestones like the progress of the Sunreef 43 Eco construction underscore our commitment to connecting with the industry in increasingly meaningful ways while embracing sustainability and innovation. With exciting developments on the horizon, we are optimistic about what lies ahead in 2025 and beyond.

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EARLY HIGHLIGHTS

The year began with promising momentum. In January, our presence at Boot Düsseldorf validated confidence in the Northern European market, with our stand drawing significant attention throughout the ten-day show.

Around Easter, our sales team were kept busy, orchestrating eight successful yacht transactions within just five weeks. This early success set the stage for a successful Palma Boat Show to kick off the Mediterranean yachting season. An exciting event where we were proud to showcase an impressive fleet of seven yachts, each drawing a healthy number of visits.

Beyond the show circuit, early in the year we witnessed a remarkable milestone in yacht construction with the development of the Sunreef 43 Eco at the builder’s Gdansk facility. The creation of the world’s largest GRP hull mould was completed, followed by the successful hull infusion, which marked a significant step towards the completion of this unique yacht and represents a genuine advancement towards sustainable yacht design and construction.

superyachts in Palma marina

BIGGEST SALE: M/Y ALFA

In February the transaction of 70-metre Benetti ALFA, exemplifies the increasingly sophisticated nature of modern superyacht dealings. What began as a change of ownership evolved into a comprehensive demonstration of integrated yachting services: post-acquisition, our team assumed operational yacht management, established charter operations, and secured both a premium Mediterranean berth and chase boat—effectively orchestrating the yacht’s complete commercial transformation.

This shift from private to charter proved particularly noteworthy given ALFA’s credentials as a 2021 World Superyacht Award winner. The vessel’s architectural prowess, featuring an owner’s deck with an 80-square-metre private terrace, four-floor elevator, and heated freshwater swimming pool, positions her strategically in the ultra-luxury charter segment. Four expansive fold-down balconies capitalise on the increasing market demand for integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces.

This transaction demonstrates how contemporary yacht ownership frequently requires a multilayered approach, combining traditional sales expertise with operational knowledge and market intelligence. For a closer look at ALFA, watch our comprehensive walkthrough video, filmed against the backdrop of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, where her exceptional features and sophisticated design are brought to life.

Watch the walkthrough
M/Y ALFA Bow M/Y ALFA aerial stern shot

MARKET DYNAMICS & A GROWING TEAM

While sales and purchase slowed to a measured pace during the summer (a trend observed industry-wide), the post-U.S. election period has ushered in a renewed vigor. This acceleration in market activity points toward a strong conclusion to 2024 and promising momentum heading into 2025. Our strategic positioning and global network have enabled our Yacht sales and Purchase Team to navigate these market dynamics with characteristic precision.

2024 also marked a year of growth across all divisions at Ocean Independence. From sales and purchase consultants to charter specialists and yacht managers, we welcomed new talent in key global locations. The establishment of our presence in Los Angeles, the Netherlands and Italy, and the opening of our Munich office reflect our commitment to outstanding service quality with an unmatched level of personal attention, anywhere in the world and at a moment’s notice.

CHARTER EXCELLENCE & FLEET GROWTH

In 2024 a notable milestone for us was the addition of 25 new central agency yachts to our charter management fleet, representing the most substantial fleet growth in the past four years. This expansion has been characterised not merely by quantity, but by the caliber of yachts—notably the 50-metre ETERNAL SPARK, a purpose-built charter vessel from Turkey’s Bilgin Yachts that exemplifies the evolving demands of the luxury charter market.

The fleet’s qualitative enhancement has continued into the winter season, with the incorporation of another three yachts in recent weeks, including the 52-metre LIND. Built by Amels, a Dutch shipyard synonymous with exceptional build quality. LIND’s pedigree is just one example of the portfolio’s position in the premium charter sector. This carefully curated growth reflects broader market confidence in the charter segment while strategically diversifying the available options for an increasingly discerning clientele.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

DIGITAL INNOVATION

April 2024 marked a pivotal advancement with the launch of our new website. This thoughtfully executed refresh elevated the user experience, streamlined navigation, and introduced scalable foundations for future digital initiatives. These improvements not only enhanced marketing reach but also delivered tangible results: digital leads increased by an impressive 122% year on year, a testament to the platform’s success in engaging a discerning audience.

As the yachting industry increasingly shifts toward sophisticated online interactions, Ocean Independence remains at the forefront, leveraging digital innovation to connect with Clients and deliver unmatched expertise at every touchpoint.

PARTNER EVENTS

Our partnership portfolio expanded strategically across the luxury sector, creating synergies that extend beyond traditional maritime boundaries. The collaboration with Icons of Mallorca’s classic car rally exemplified this approach, culminating in a sophisticated showcase aboard the 50-metre Rossinavi LEL. Similar cross-sector initiatives with Lucid Motors at the Monaco Yacht Show and Rolls-Royce in Auckland—where the Cullinan Series II debut was celebrated aboard two Ocean Independence yachts—demonstrate the company’s capacity to forge meaningful connections within the broader luxury ecosystem.

Classic car and superyacht event, Palma Rolls Royce Cullinan Serise 2 launch, Auckland event

CROWD PLEASING YACHT WALKTHROUGHS

The company’s digital content strategy demonstrated particular efficacy through its yacht walkthrough series, which garnered unprecedented engagement metrics. Eight detailed yacht tours accumulated substantial viewership, with the UNTETHERED Bahamas feature exceeding 70,000 views—a figure that validates the market’s appetite for immersive digital experiences.

Untethered: 33m Horizon FD110

Location: Bahamas
Views: 71,000
M/Y UNTETHERED aerial

AN INTERVIEW WITH BEAR GRYLLS

A highlight of our editorial calendar came in the form of Bear Grylls as cover star for the 2024 edition of PURSUIT, our annual lifestyle journal. An interview with Bear uncovered the adventurer’s narrative, spanning from familial influences to his record-breaking Everest ascent at age 23, resonated strongly with the publication’s editorial vision: positioning luxury yachting not merely as a mode of transport, but as a vehicle for transformative experiences.

Read the interview
Bear Grylls Bear Grylls rock climbing

LOOKING AHEAD

While the past year presented challenges, it also underscored a steady appetite for the experiences that only yachting can deliver. Ocean Independence enters the new year with a firm focus on the future, buoyed by strategic growth, innovations in sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to Client service.

The imminent unveiling of the Sunreef 43, the world’s largest ECO yacht project, sets a forward-thinking tone for the industry. This milestone not only demonstrates the potential of sustainable yacht design but also signals a broader shift toward environmentally conscious luxury. Such innovation aligns with our dedication to guiding Clients toward meaningful, transformative time on the water.

With a strengthened global team and enhanced digital capabilities from our newly launched website, we are poised to meet the evolving needs of a discerning clientele. The renewed vigor seen in post-election market activity adds further momentum as we step into 2025 with confidence.
We invite you to join us at Boot Düsseldorf, running from January 18-26, to explore the next chapter in luxury yachting.

Whether you’re considering your next acquisition, planning a bespoke charter, or simply seeking expert advice, we look forward to helping you make the most of your time afloat.

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