Heesen Reinforces Its American Ambitions at FLIBS 2025

Following a highly successful Monaco Yacht Show for Heesen Yachts, anticipation is now building for the 66th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 30 – November 3, 2025). The annual event is considered a barometer for the global luxury yachting market and a key indicator of one of the industry’s most powerful markets.

FLIBS is a cornerstone of Heesen’s Americas strategy, offering direct conversations with clients in a key growth market. With America driving new-build demand, the shipyard’s senior team will be on site for high-level commercial discussions.

Market Context: Why FLIBS is the Decisive Venue

The show has a significant impact on Florida’s economy, drawing more than 100,000 visitors and generating an estimated $1.79 billion in economic activity. As the world’s most significant hub of marine commerce, it consistently draws a highly qualified audience of serious buyers.

Heesen’s commitment to this market is well-established, anchored by its permanent Americas office on 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale. This local presence gives clients direct access to the shipyard, supporting both sales and after-sales service. The American market has long valued Heesen’s reputation for yachts defined by proven engineering and technical performance.

Heesen Pedigree on the Water

At this year’s show, three Heesen brokerage yachts will be on display, showcasing the shipyard’s diverse capabilities:

* M/Y Ela (2021): This 50-metre all-aluminium yacht is a prime example of the shipyard’s patented Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF). Its performance and efficiency data speak for themselves, offering a tangible advantage in regions like the Bahamas where draft and range are critical.

* M/Y Book Ends (2022): From the shipyard’s successful 50-metre semi-displacement series, this yacht represents an evolution of a proven platform, balancing a high-performance envelope with significant interior volume.

* M/Y Sharkfinn (2010): A 44-metre semi-displacement yacht, whose excellent condition after more than a decade of service underscores the long-term durability and enduring value of a Heesen build.

The Commercial Focus: The 55-Metre Steel Platform
The primary business objective for Heesen at FLIBS is to secure a client for its next available 55-metre Steel new-build, Project Frida. The recent sale of her sister ship, M/Y Agnetha, at the Monaco Yacht Show, has created strong commercial momentum heading into the event.

The 55-metre Steel platform has proven highly successful in the Americas, with the deliveries of M/Y Laurentia and M/Y Vida to clients from the region setting a strong sales precedent. The platform is appreciated for offering the volume (~760 GT) and amenities of a larger yacht while maintaining the dimensions required for access to sought-after but restrictive ports and anchorages. It resolves a key dilemma for owners cruising between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Heesen’s senior team, including its new owner and CEO, will be available for appointments at the Fort Lauderdale office to discuss the technical specifications and potential customisations for Project Frida, which will be available for delivery in Q1 2026. For serious buyers, it offers direct access to the shipyard’s top decision-makers and the chance to secure a Dutch-quality superyacht for next year.

Words by Sara Gioanola.