How Laurens Last plans to reimagine Heesen

In Brief: The New Heesen

• The Data Revolution: Moving from narrative to data-led insight, with real-time telemetry and digital twins.
• The Owner’s Eye: Engineering yachts from the owners’ and guests’ perspective, not just the shipyard’s engineers.
• The Power of Steel: A strategic pivot toward the 60–80m segment and diverse lifestyle platforms.

Laurens Last’s acquisition of Heesen Yachts in April 2025 signalled a decisive shift toward industrial pragmatism. A Dutch entrepreneur and seasoned yacht owner, Last brings a refined, operations‑minded perspective: one that values efficiency just as highly as a flawless finish.

Speaking at a recent keynote in London, Last was clear about what drives the “New Heesen”. His background in the packaging industry, an environment defined by precision, volume and tight margins, has shaped a strategy centred on streamlined production. Since taking the helm, he has reduced running costs by €17 million, modernising the shipyard to deliver greater value per gross tonnage without compromising Heesen’s hallmark Dutch craftsmanship.

At the heart of Heesen’s future is a balance between lean manufacturing and artistic excellence. Last was particularly impressed by the shipyard’s in‑house interior facility, where highly skilled artisans can execute even the most complex bespoke concepts. By keeping this expertise internal and involving engineers from the earliest design stages, Heesen ensures that technical integrity and aesthetic ambition advance together.

For Last, the transformation is also deeply personal. He believes a shipyard should understand the onboard experience better than anyone else. This philosophy has prompted a shift in perspective: instead of dictating what can be built, Heesen now starts with how owners truly live at sea. Design teams are encouraged to spend time onboard to study real‑world details, from the safety of boarding from a tender in a swell and airflow on a flybridge, to the practical demands of galley storage. It is a holistic approach that treats a yacht not just as a technical achievement, but as a functional home.

Innovation is also becoming increasingly digital. Last is championing the integration of AI and telemetry to create ‘digital twins’ of every yacht. This technology strengthens after‑sales support and offers clients a clearer, data‑backed understanding of the total cost of ownership, long after their vessel leaves the shed.

As Heesen evolves, its ambitions are expanding. While the yard remains committed to its successful spec‑building model, which offers shorter delivery times, it is also moving further into the 60–80m segment. The goal is to deliver a broader range of advanced platforms, from residence‑style explorers to yachts tailored for contemporary entertaining.

Ultimately, Laurens Last views Heesen as a place where passion and precision meet. Hands‑on and creatively engaged, he is driven by the challenge of building better, smarter yachts. His direction is clear: the “New Heesen” is transparent, efficient and firmly focused on the realities of life at sea; an approach that speaks the language of today’s owners.