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In MemoriamHeesen Yachts founder Frans Heesen passes away

Martin Hager

 · 24.04.2025

Heesen Yachts founder Frans Heesen has died.
Photo: Heesen Yachts
Frans Heesen, founder of the Dutch superyacht shipyard Heesen Yachts, passed away on 23 April 2025 in his hometown of Oss. The pioneer of aluminium yacht building leaves behind a legacy that has had a lasting impact on the superyacht industry.
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Frans Heesen founded the shipyard in 1978 and established it as one of the leading addresses for high-quality motor yachts made of aluminium and steel.

From mechanical engineer to yacht building visionary

Frans Heesen founded the shipyard in 1978 and established it as one of the leading addresses for high-quality motor yachts made of aluminium and steel. His path into the yacht building industry began with the purchase of the Striker Boats shipyard in 1978. Although he originally came from a mechanical engineering background, Heesen quickly recognised the potential of aluminium yacht building. His decision to specialise in this material, which was not widely used at the time, proved to be groundbreaking for the entire industry. Under his leadership, Heesen Yachts became synonymous with innovative designs that combined speed and efficiency with luxury and comfort.

Milestones in an impressive career

During his time at the helm of Heesen Yachts, Frans Heesen set numerous milestones. The shipyard delivered over 170 yachts, including some of the most impressive superyachts in the world. Of particular note is the 65-metre "Galactica Star", which was considered the fastest yacht of its size when it was delivered in 2013. This project underlines Heesen's ability to combine technical innovation with the highest standards of design and luxury.

A legacy for the future

Frans Heesen's influence on the yacht building industry goes far beyond the boundaries of his own shipyard. His pioneering work in the field of aluminium yacht building paved the way for an entire generation of yacht builders. The standards of quality and innovation he established still characterise the philosophy of Heesen Yachts today and serve as inspiration for the entire industry.

Future of Heesen Yachts

Although Frans Heesen sold the shipyard back in 2012, his spirit of innovation and pursuit of excellence remained firmly anchored in the company's DNA. Heesen Yachts will remain true to its legacy and continue to build yachts that set standards in terms of technology, design and craftsmanship. The shipyard plans to further strengthen its position as one of the leading luxury yacht builders, constantly exploring new frontiers in terms of efficiency and sustainability. Frans Heesen's death marks the end of an era in Dutch yacht building. However, his innovative spirit and passion for perfection will live on through the yachts that bear his name and the people he inspired. The yacht building industry has lost a great visionary whose influence will be felt for a long time to come.

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Takeover by investor

Heesen recently announced the Complete takeover by the entrepreneur and investor Laurens Last announced. This strategic transaction secures the future of the shipyard. Laurens Last is an experienced entrepreneur and passionate sailor, bringing with him business experience and a deep personal connection to the yachting lifestyle. With the acquisition of Heesen, he strengthens the financial basis of the company.

You can find more current information about Heesen Yachts here here.

Martin Hager

Martin Hager

Editor in Chief YACHT

Martin Hager is editor-in-chief of the titles YACHT and BOOTE EXCLUSIV and has been working for Delius Klasing Verlag for 20 years. He was born in Heidelberg in 1978 and started sailing at the age of six, in an Opti of course. This was soon followed by 420s, Sprinta Sport and 470s, which he also sailed on the regatta course with his brother. His parents regularly took him on charter trips through the Greek and Balearic Islands. Even at a young age, it was clear to him that he wanted to turn his passion for water sports into a career. After graduating from high school and completing an internship at the Rathje boatbuilding company in Kiel, it was clear that he did not want to become a classic boatbuilder. Instead, he successfully studied shipbuilding and marine engineering in the Schleswig-Holstein state capital and focused on yacht design wherever he could. His diploma thesis dealt with the “Testing of a new speed prediction method for sailing yachts”. In 2004, the superyacht magazine BOOTE EXCLUSIV was looking for an editor with technical and nautical background knowledge, a position that was perfect for Martin Hager. The application was successful and a two-year traineeship was arranged. After twelve years as an editor, the editorial team changed and he took over responsibility for BOOTE EXCLUSIV as editor-in-chief in 2017. After long-time YACHT editor-in-chief Jochen Rieker moved to the role of publisher, Martin Hager also took over the position of editor-in-chief of Europe's largest sailing magazine YACHT, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, at the beginning of 2023. When he's not working on topics for the two water sports titles, Martin Hager likes to go out on the water himself - preferably with kite and wingfoil equipment or on a little after-work trip across the Alster.

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