Maritime Ventures was established in 2017 by Mr. Konstantinos Constantinou, a distinguished Cypriot professional in the yachting industry. Mr. Constantinou has held senior positions at some of the world’s largest shipyards and has represented numerous shipyards at various times. In 2017, he founded the company, with offices located in Limassol Marina and Greece. The company secured representation for several renowned shipyards while offering a range of services in the leisure boating sector. The management of the company was entrusted to Mr. Ioannis Agrotis, a well-respected yachting enthusiast and captain.
1. Mr. Agrotis, what motivated you to professionally engage in the yachting sector, as you served it for years from the helm of a leisure boat captain?
Taking one’s lifelong hobby and way of life and making it your business was the motivation, capitalizing on experience and knowledge while being able to advise clients and support their yachting aspirations.
2. You took over a new company, which, however, has very strong foundations due to Mr. Constantinou’s experience and connections in the international arena. What is the vision of Maritime Ventures and how is your collaboration with Mr. Constantinou?
Mr. Constantinou is my mentor, sharing his encyclopaedic, up-to-date knowledge of the industry. He has integrity and deserves the respect the industry shows him and the kindness to share his wisdom and continue to support Maritime Ventures.
We have also seen several new representations since your involvement in the company. Were these specific shipyards your choices for the Cyprus and Greece markets according to the demand in the region? Can we expect more collaborations?
Yes and yes! The new representations are targeted to the clients of our region and offer livability, seaworthiness, quality, and style always backed by our service and customer care. We have more collaborations on the way also.
4. What do you think about the market in the Eastern Mediterranean in light of the geopolitical developments in the area? Is the boating sector seeing the emergence of new opportunities?
Cyprus itself is seeing the emergence of new opportunities due to the developments in our region. With the infrastructure we now have for yachting, the services, and lifestyle on offer, yachting becomes a part of our offering for people both visiting and living here.
5. Beyond boat sales, Maritime Ventures is also involved in other services, is that correct? What are these services?
We offer tailored brokerage for our clients, with a wealth of contacts internationally, and the ability to understand the needs of our esteemed clients. We source but also undertake an A to Z approach of brokerage, including surveying, registrations, and chartering. Yacht maintenance is also undertaken by our team.
6. What are the main challenges that companies in the yachting sector are currently facing?
The industry went through a huge boom during the pandemic and then faced high interest rates and recessionary economies, also affected by wars, in the following couple of years. The industry overall is down in comparison to the previous years, however, a new normal is on its way in 2025. As a result, companies in the industry must go the extra mile to look after customers, stay positive, and be open to opportunities ahead.
7. How does the economic situation in the region affect the purchasing decisions of customers?
Yachting is a feeling, a way of life. Economic situations may only delay or affect the magnitude of a purchase, but people’s desire for life, freedom, status, and enjoyment remains.
8. In recent years, Cyprus has acquired two new marinas and another one is expected to be delivered soon. Do you believe there are still prospects for the growth of the boating sector?
Yes, Cyprus offers safe and pleasant winter berthing, services, and climate. Day boating and weekend breaks are even more attracting and our location between Israel, Lebanon, and Greece means there will always be yachts visiting for short and long periods.
9. As a yachting destination, what do we need to improve as a country to become an even more attractive destination for leisure boat owners? Do you think that, compared to Greece, we are falling short or excelling in this sector?
In my opinion, Greece is a yachting heaven for cruising. Cyprus offers a different type of yachting, especially for people who live here. Day boating is a large part of our culture, as is spending time on the water with loved ones. Cyprus offers special moments all year around, while Greece offers the ultimate summer yachting holiday, which Cyprus yachtsmen can also enjoy. The best of both worlds. It is what I have been doing for over 25 years.
10. What do you consider important for a company in the yachting industry to gain the trust of its customers?
Consistency, reliability, and passion. Our customers become our friends.
