20 YEARS OF OCEAN INDEPENDENCE
Switzerland may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of the maritime world, and yet it is the birthplace of one of the yachting industry’s greatest success stories. Founded in Küsnacht, near Zurich where its headquarters remain to this day Ocean Independence has grown into a world renowned brand in yacht brokerage, charter, and management with 16 offices around the globe. This year, the company proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary.
From the very beginning, Ocean Independence has been helmed by Swiss-born Peter Hürzeler. With over 30 years of experience in the yachting industry, Hürzeler’s maritime journey began as a merchant deck officer, eventually earning his Dutch Master Mariner qualification after circumnavigating the globe. In 1985, he launched one of the first owner-operated luxury cruise-charter ventures, commissioning the 120-foot sailing yacht Colombaio which he captained from 1987. The operation expanded into a fleet of three yachts.
Shifting to shore-based operations, Peter founded Ocean Cruise in Zurich, focusing on yacht management and brokerage. In 2005, he joined forces with long-time colleague Nicholas Dean, merging several entities to form what is now Ocean Independence a global leader in the superyacht sector. Reflecting on the company’s journey, Peter Hürzeler says: “I’ve always believed in giving people trust and thankfully, I’ve usually been right.”
Global Reach, Proven Results
Yacht sales have been a cornerstone of the business from day one. Over the past two decades, Ocean Independence has successfully sold more than 650 yachts, with a cumulative value exceeding €4.5 billion. That equates to an average of €234 million in sales per year, with each broker typically closing three transactions annually.
Among the most notable sales are the 68m SOARING, 70m ALFA, 71m HAIDA G, and the 90m HEBRIDEAN SPIRIT—testament to the calibre and scale of yachts handled by the team.
Charter is another key pillar of the company’s success. Since its inception, Ocean Independence has arranged over 10,000 charter bookings an average of 640 trips per year. The highest-value charter booked reached €3.6 million, while the longest voyage lasted an impressive 57 days.
Since 2006 Ocean Independence offers also comprehensive yacht management services, delivered by a team of seasoned professionals – many of whom are former captains and crew members. The fleet under management includes over 40 yachts, with approximately 400 crew employed across these vessels. The company also oversees refits and new builds, typically managing two projects per year primarily with European shipyards.
Family Values, Forward Vision
Looking ahead, Peter Hürzeler has a clear vision for the company’s future:
“Our clients will always remain at the centre of everything we do. We must continue to adapt to a rapidly evolving market in order to serve them to the highest standard. At the same time, Ocean Independence will remain a family-run business with the values to match. This sense of stability is something many clients have told us is key to the trust they place in us.”
The leadership team remains deeply rooted in family: alongside CEO Peter Hürzeler, his son Alexander leads Finance, his daughter Lana heads HR, his brother Hans acts as Company Lawyer, and his nephew Claudio Arpino serves as Sales Coordinator. Many of the company’s 120+ employees have been with Ocean Independence for many years, contributing to its enduring culture and continuity.
Ocean Independence marked its 20-year milestone with a celebratory dinner cruise on Lake Zurich, joined by long-standing clients, partners, and friends of the company – a fitting tribute to two decades of passion, performance, and people.
