In a public address at the 2025 Gulf Superyacht Summit, Heesen Yachts owner Laurens Last offers a candid assessment of the shipyard’s trajectory and the wider maritime sector.
Interviewed by Francesca Webster, Last avoids the superficialities of the trade, opting instead for a discussion rooted in technical rigour and operational efficiency.
The conversation delves into the shipyard’s ambitious product development, including a new collaboration with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Beyond aesthetics, Last focuses on the ‘unseen’ aspects of yacht building: integrating AI-driven sensors for predictive maintenance and automating labour-intensive processes, such as hull fairing, to reduce the industry’s notoriously long lead times.
Key themes discussed:
The rationale behind the five-week acquisition of Heesen and the move toward an owner-focused philosophy.
Why the Middle East and Asia require a fundamental rethink of yacht design, focusing on climate-controlled interior volume over traditional sun decks.
The investigation into methanol and hybrid propulsion systems as the industry seeks a sustainable path forward.
A father’s perspective on long-term stewardship and building a legacy for the next generation.
This interview offers a glimpse into the mind of a leader who views yachting not as a hobby but as a discipline of engineering excellence.
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About Heesen:
A Dutch shipyard dedicated to pushing the boundaries in design, engineering and construction, Heesen is a company that continues to evolve. Since the time its founding father, Frans Heesen, acquired the business in 1978, it has been building superyachts in aluminium and steel that offer speed, style and fuel-efficient cruising. Its award-winning vessels continue to match the owner’s exacting demands, and its unrelenting focus on quality, craftsmanship and innovation has created one of the world’s most impressive shipbuilding legacies.
We look for talented people to join our team. Would you like to work with us? Check out the vacancies at https://werkenbij.heesenyachts.com/
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