The von Heesen shipyard in the Netherlands has been building highly customizable superyachts for 46 years. But it actually came about rather by chance. Because the founder, Frans Heesen, actually had something completely different in mind. Fortunately, he decided to build ships here after all. It took just one year for the Amigo to be launched as the first luxury yacht. That was the beginning of Heesen Yachts success story.
Pushing the boundaries
Heesen has always been known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This was achieved, for example, with the Octopussy in 1988. The 44-meter yacht was commissioned by an American businessman. His wish: at a time when the fastest yachts could only manage 25 knots, he wanted to achieve a smooth 50 knots. Heesen accepted the challenge; in the end she managed 53.17 knots – and was thus officially the fastest superyacht in the world. Numerous other projects followed and repeatedly received awards. The Galactica Star, for example, received nine awards. Including the World Superyacht Award. In 2017, the company caused a stir with the delivery of the Home. This was the world’s first hybrid powered fast displacement yacht.
Heesen Yachts has long been involved in more than just series production. Fully customizable superyachts are also available. The focus is always on quality. “Every project is different,” says Sara Gioanola. PR and Press Office Manager von Heesen continues: “Yachts from one of our series can usually be delivered within 36 months of ordering. The personalized smart yachts within 41 months. There is no upper limit for completely individual yachts.” She reveals: “People who order a yacht from Heesen are usually aged 55 and over. The younger generation tends to charter yachts rather than own them. The main customers are yacht fans from North and South America, with the Middle East being an important sales market. But China, Hong Kong and Singapore are also on the rise.
What does a Heesen superyacht cost?
The question is of course just as clever as the one about the price of “a car”. The answer can only be: it depends. Of course, the Heesen yachts that come from a series – i.e. “off the shelf” – are the cheapest. The most expensive option is to opt for a full custom yacht. Because if you like it, you can of course have your taps in gold and have champagne poured into the whirlpool. But Gioanola does reveal one thing: “You have to have 30 million euros or more in cash to buy a Heesen yacht.” But of course you get so much more than “just” a boat.
The future owners are involved in the entire construction process as much as they want to be. Most recently, Heesen Yachts delivered the Smart Custom Yacht Cinderella Noel IV to her owners. They worked closely with ZUCKER & PARTNER to create the perfect yacht for extended cruises in the Scandinavian islands and Norwegian fjords. The clients are closely involved in all milestones if they so wish. Naturally, this creates a close relationship between the shipbuilders and the owners.
Yachts and sustainability
The laying of the keel with the “good luck coin”, the joining of the outer hull and structure, the christening and the handover are all milestones that are celebrated accordingly. For example, the owners receive the neck of the christening bottle cast in Plexiglas and, of course, a silver Armada Dish with engraved name and date. For the owners, however, the focus is no longer just on the luxury that they buy with a superyacht. Sara Gioanola reveals: “Sustainability is of course also an issue.”
Can a yacht be sustainable? Heesen Yachts is also happy to accept this challenge. The aim is to build yachts with the smallest possible footprint. This starts with the design of the outer hull. Made of lightweight aluminum and with a special coating, this alone can save 30 percent fuel. Hybrid systems are not only more environmentally friendly, they are also completely quiet. The experts turn every little screw to improve the yachts even further. Regardless of whether this involves new drive systems, fuels, lighting or the use of waste heat from engines.
Cover Image: © Heesen, Cover Video: © Heesen via YouTube
