Engineering the Dream: Why Heesen is Doubling Down on Dutch Pedigree

There is a quiet, steady confidence found in the sheds at our shipyard in Oss: the hallmark of a workplace that knows exactly where it stands in a shifting global market. In a recent conversation with Yachting International Radio, Jeroen van der Meer, CEO of Heesen Yachts, laid out Heesen’s vision of doubling down on the Dutch pedigree that established its name.

Heesen’s return to 100% Dutch ownership is the foundation of the yard’s 2026 strategy, delivering a “truly Dutch” operation. By keeping the company rooted in the Netherlands, Heesen maintains a level of quality control that is increasingly rare, allowing for a level of agility that larger, multi-national conglomerates are often unable to match.

The shipyard has found its “sweet spot” in the 50 to 70-metre segment; while other builders chase ever-increasing lengths, Heesen is perfecting the displacement hull within this specific bracket. This is a strategic choice rooted in the reality of how owners actually use their vessels. By specialising in both aluminium and steel, Heesen offers a clear choice: the high-speed efficiency of a fast-displacement hull or the traditional, long-range comfort of steel, engineering platforms suited to specific lifestyles.

Technical innovation remains at the forefront, and the “Blue Nautech” programme is Heesen’s answer to the sustainability question. Rather than relying solely on the promise of future fuels, Van der Meer believes that Heesen’s focus on the immediate physics of the hull is still the winning strategy. Efficiency, he argues, is the first step toward a greener future. A more efficient hull requires less power, which in turn reduces the environmental footprint today. This focus on hull design, combined with predictive maintenance and lean manufacturing, ensures that a Heesen vessel remains as technically relevant a decade after delivery as it was on its launch day.

Furthermore, the Heesen experience does not end when the yacht leaves the North Sea. Van der Meer is acutely aware that for the owner, the build is only the beginning. This is leading to a significant expansion of the shipyard’s global service footprint. From the high-activity hubs of Florida and the Mediterranean to the growing importance of Dubai, the goal is to provide a seamless support network. Whether a yacht is cruising the Exumas or the Emirates, the technical expertise of the shipyard is always within reach.

Van der Meer’s vision for Heesen is one of focused excellence. It is about building vessels that are as much a reflection of their owners as they are a testament to Dutch engineering. As we move through 2026, the message from Oss is resolute: stay true to the craft, innovate with purpose, and never lose sight of the horizon.