World League of Agents members ready to support with your Mediterranean refit

04 Oct 2024

Mediterranean / Yacht Agent / Concierge Services / Refit & Repairs / Project Management

Tristan Blatter

The World League of Agents (WLOA) is a coalition of agencies providing yacht services in ports and marinas around the world. All companies in the league are entirely independent, with no ties to larger corporations and they each provide services and support using their own team, local knowledge, their own resources and networks. Importantly, superyachts can expect comprehensive global support across multiple destinations, making it easy to receive assistance when traveling between different countries, regions and continents.

The WLOA network has grown organically, driven by Captains Recommendations and consistently excellent feedback for all of their members. With European members located in Spain, France, Italy, Sardinia Malta, UK, Greece, Croatia and Turkey – they are well placed to offer full-support all year round.

As superyachts are looking ahead and weighing up options for a Mediterranean maintenance period or refit, drawing on the local knowledge of a trusted and reliable agent can be hugely valuable to ensure a smooth, more efficient and enjoyable experience for the captain and crew.

• TPA (Temporary importation / inward processing): In some European countries agents can open and manage TPA projects on behalf of eligible yachts. Under TPA, yachts can benefit from a range of tax-free works and supplies, saving VAT and potentially huge sums of money – a key factor in keeping the refit in budget!
• Local Expertise and Knowledge: Agents have established relationships with local suppliers, shipyards, and service providers. This network often allows them to negotiate better prices, ensure high-quality work and secure priority service in busy periods.
• Regulations and Compliance: With comprehensive knowledge of local laws and regulations and with a network of contacts to draw on, agents are experts in ensuring paperwork, permits, and customs formalities are handled correctly, avoiding potential legal issues and delays.
• Project Management: Through overseeing the refit process, coordinating with the shipyard, handling the importation of spare parts and ensuring deadlines are met. This frees up the captain and crew to focus on other important responsibilities.
• Time and Cost Efficiency: By leveraging local connections and experience, agents can help to keep the refit in budget by finding the most cost-effective solutions and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
• Logistical Support: Agents can assist with crew logistics, including provisioning accommodation, transport, and visa arrangements, ensuring the crew is well-supported.

A Med-based refit offers several quality-of-life benefits for the crew, especially after a busy season. With strong support in place and a well-planned shipyard period, crew can hopefully enjoy a more stable shore-based lifestyle. For crew members on rotation, they are in an accessible region of the world for onwards travel home or can easily and affordably access exciting European destinations, whether that be city breaks or skiing adventures during the winter months!

Additionally, being shore-based presents a key opportunity to upgrade skills and qualifications, as crew members can take advantage of nearby maritime training centers to attend courses.

Check out the WLOA listing for more information on locations, services and contact information. 

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