Apollo Group Launches Maritime Services Division for Cruise, Shipping

The Apollo Group has launched a new Maritime Services division, expanding beyond its hospitality roots into full-service maritime support for the cruise and shipping industries, according to the company.

The company said the new unit is designed to function as both an operator and an advisory partner, offering services that range from ship management and port-facing operations to consultancy and executive-level strategy.

What Apollo says the division will offer

Apollo framed Maritime Services as a single point of access for a broad mix of maritime functions, structured to support shipowners, cruise operators, and other maritime clients through both day-to-day operational needs and time-bound projects.

• Technical and marine management: The division said it will provide technical and marine management services intended to support operating continuity and cost control across onboard and shoreside coordination.
• Regulatory compliance and safety oversight: Apollo said the offering includes regulatory compliance assistance and safety-related oversight, aligned with a broader focus on operational and compliance requirements.
• Procurement and fuel sourcing: The company said Maritime Services will support procurement functions, including fuel sourcing, as part of its operational support scope.
• Itinerary planning: Apollo said the division will provide itinerary planning support tied to commercial and operational planning.
• Port operations support: The unit’s services also include port operations work focused on how ships interface with ports during voyage execution.

Project consulting for newbuilds, drydocks, and refurbishments

Beyond routine operations, Apollo said Maritime Services is set up for project-based consultancy, including supervising newbuilds, managing drydock executions, and overseeing refurbishment and upgrade work. The company described these as engagements that can require specialized management and on-the-ground oversight, particularly during shipyard periods and while coordinating multiple vendors.

Advisory work tied to investment decisions and performance

Apollo also positioned the new division as an executive-level advisory resource, saying it will support clients on areas such as investments, acquisitions, and operational performance optimization.

Leadership team includes former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings executives

Apollo named three leaders for the Maritime Services division, each with senior cruise industry experience.

Robin Lindsay will serve as CEO. Lindsay previously served as Executive Vice President of Newbuild & Refurbishment at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Capt. Luigi Razeto will serve as President and Chief Operating Officer. Razeto previously served as Senior Vice President of Marine Operations, overseeing marine operations for a fleet of 33 vessels.

Capt. Marco Fantasia will serve as Vice President of Maritime Services. Fantasia previously served as Vice President of Safety & Compliance at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

How Apollo is framing the expansion

In announcing the new division, Lindsay linked the move to shifts Apollo sees in the maritime market and an opportunity to apply operational experience across different client needs.

“Our expansion into Maritime Services reflects where the industry is heading and where we see the greatest opportunity to add value. We’re bringing together deep operational expertise and strategic insight to support clients at every stage, from new ventures to optimizing existing operations,” Lindsay said.

Apollo said the division is launching at a time of growth and transformation across the cruise and shipping industries, as companies navigate challenges that include regulatory changes, sustainability targets, and post-pandemic recovery. With the leadership team in place and the service scope outlined, the company said its next step is engaging clients across cruise and shipping with offerings that span operations, projects, and strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is The Apollo Group’s new Maritime Services division?

It is a new business unit focused on providing maritime operational support and consulting services for cruise and shipping clients, expanding Apollo’s work beyond hospitality into full-service maritime solutions.

What services does Apollo Group’s Maritime Services division offer?

Apollo said the division will provide technical and marine management, regulatory compliance and safety-related oversight, procurement and fuel sourcing, itinerary planning, and port operations support. It also includes project-based consulting for newbuild supervision, drydock execution support, and refurbishment and upgrade management, along with advisory services related to investments, acquisitions, and operational performance optimization.

Who leads Apollo Group Maritime Services?

Robin Lindsay is CEO, Capt. Luigi Razeto is President and COO, and Capt. Marco Fantasia is Vice President of Maritime Services.

Does the division cover drydocks, refurbishments, and newbuild work?

Yes. Apollo said Maritime Services will offer drydock execution support, refurbishment and upgrade project management, and newbuild supervision services.

Can Apollo Group assist with sustainability initiatives in maritime operations?

Apollo said the division will advise clients on regulatory compliance and sustainable practices, including fuel sourcing and itinerary adjustments that minimize environmental impact.