Welcome to 2026: The Year of the Fire Horse

Galloping into a New Era after a Year of Transformation

As always at Heesen, we anticipate the Chinese Lunar New Year with great enthusiasm. As we prepare to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, we find ourselves energised by the spirit of this dynamic sign symbolising effort, passion, and the drive to move forward.

Before we gallop into the future, we take a moment to reflect on the year just passed. 2025, the Year of the Snake, lived up to its reputation as a time of evolution. In Chinese culture, the Snake represents the wisdom to shed one’s skin to emerge renewed. For Heesen, this transformation materialised in a pivotal new chapter: the arrival of our new owner, Laurens Last. His vision has secured the future of the shipyard while empowering us to shed old constraints and push the boundaries of Dutch yacht building.

Now, we embrace the energy of the Fire Horse. It is said that those born under this sign are active and energetic, a perfect description for the atmosphere at our shipyard as we begin 2026.

We enter 2026 with a busy first quarter. January begins at full speed with a major milestone across our yachts under construction as the hull and superstructure of Project Evita (YN 21557), our 57-metre aluminium yacht, are joined.

The momentum will continue into March, when Project Sophia (YN 21150), our latest 50-metre aluminium yacht, will hit the water, showcasing sleek lines, a new livery, and the unique performance characteristics of this class. Project Frida (YN 21055), a 55-metre steel yacht, will leave the outfitting shed and prepare to undergo rigorous sea trials in the North Sea.

In April, we will have one of our most anticipated events: the launch of Project Setteesettanta (YN 20857). A full custom masterpiece for an experienced repeat client, this 57-metre yacht features four decks and a shallow draft, making her one of the largest Bahamas-friendly yachts on the market. It stands as a testament to our custom capabilities, boasting an interior design by Cristiano Gatto.

“If 2025 was about transformation and securing our foundation under Laurens Last, 2026 is about action,” comments Heesen’s CEO, Jeroen van der Meer. “The Fire Horse embodies the drive and passion we see in our workforce every day.”

The year ahead promises to be prolific. In 2026, we are scheduled to deliver a total of 162 linear metres and 2,179 gross tons. We also look forward to October, when the smart custom YN 21255 Project Angelica will launch.

While we celebrate our current fleet, our eyes are also on the horizon. New designs are currently taking shape behind closed doors and will be unveiled in the course of the new year, promising to redefine the standards of the 50-to-70-metre market.

With a robust order book and a revitalised strategic vision, Heesen enters 2026 ready to deliver on its promise of exceptional Dutch quality and innovation.

Artwork by Monica Fucini