Beyond the Hype: Heesen Owner Laurens Last’s Keynote at the 2025 Gulf Superyacht Summit

At the recent Gulf Superyacht Summit in Abu Dhabi, Laurens Last, who acquired Heesen Yachts in April 2024, outlined his view of the shipyard’s future in a conversation with Francesca Webster, Editor-in-Chief of Superyacht Times. The discussion focused on operational priorities rather than industry messaging, reflecting Last’s background in manufacturing and process-driven business.

Coming from a background in high-speed manufacturing and packaging, Last views Heesen not as a trophy asset, but as a technical operation requiring continual improvement. His philosophy is straightforward: available capital should be invested into the vessel itself, as the quality of the ship remains the yard’s most effective marketing tool.

Under this new ownership, Heesen is diversifying its output to address four distinct market segments: the classical, the sporty, the explorer, and a specific focus on the Gulf and Asian regions. This regional focus is based on how yachts are used in warmer climates. Last noted that European layouts centred on open sun decks are often impractical in high temperatures. In response, the shipyard is developing designs that place greater emphasis on air-conditioned interior spaces, moving toward layouts shaped by operating conditions rather than standard design conventions.

The conversation also tackled the persistent challenge of delivery timelines. Last is acutely aware that modern buyers are unwilling to wait five years for a new build. To reduce lead times, Heesen is assessing automation in labour-intensive stages such as hull fairing and painting, with the aim of improving efficiency while maintaining build standards.

This technical focus extends into the digital realm with the installation of “black box” systems on new builds. These systems use AI to monitor onboard sensors and facilitate predictive maintenance, aiming to eliminate unscheduled downtime; a significant frustration for any owner.

Regarding the energy transition, Last provided a direct assessment of current market conditions. While Heesen’s BlueNautech programme has advanced hybrid propulsion, client uptake remains limited due to cost considerations. As a result, the shipyard is investigating methanol as a potential mid-term alternative that may align more closely with market expectations.

Ultimately, the interview underscored that Heesen remains a family-oriented business with a long-term outlook. With Last’s son, Lyam, already involved in the business, the focus is on building a legacy of technical excellence and financial stability. In an industry often shaped by changing trends, Heesen’s strategy remains firmly anchored in Dutch engineering and industrial efficiency.

Watch the full interview on our YouTube Channel: