Irisha Yacht News & Events

Irisha in Gibraltar

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Irisha's exterior signature line

Irisha saloon

Heesen 18151 in build at Heesen in Oss

Heesen 18151 hull

Heesen Irisha on seatrials

Irisha

There is a lot of fudging when it comes to defining what the terms series, semi- and full-custom actually mean in the superyacht world. Increasing customer demand for customisation has no doubt helped to blur the boundaries, but the lack of clarity can sometimes be misleading. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> likes to keep the record straight, however. To aid transparency and shed light on the differences, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show exclusive: The three pillars of Heesen’s success with CEO Arthur Brouwer (2021-09-22 09:30:00 +0200)">CEO Arthur Brouwer</a> defines the various categories according to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> business model.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206827/image/large-21701dab204d372581b40392d86a1cac.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206827">I wouldn’t say building series yachts is our bread and butter at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, but it certainly makes up the lion’s share of our production. These are the yachts that we design, start building and finance ourselves, which are then sold at a later point in time. In other words, these projects are started on speculation.The advantage of building on spec is that owners don’t have to wait for so long for delivery. It also means that we can guarantee availability to the market in the future. Yacht building has changed insofar as you used to be able to plan a year or two in advance – now you have to look two or three years ahead.It is important to point out that although series yachts are broadly similar and based on the same hull form, no two yachts are exactly alike. The interiors are always bespoke, but depending on when they come into the project owners can personalise other aspects of the design. At the beginning we can do a lot, even change the superstructure and engine package. But once we start cutting metal limitations start to appear and to accommodate more sweeping changes close to launch we may have to revise the build schedule, which is something we try to avoid. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/92787/image/large-25fbaa062214a0955512eecbe552c80e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/92787">Erica (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6107" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Toute Sweet49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2019">Toute Sweet</a>), for example, was started on spec as the third hull in our 50-metre aluminium series. Negotiations with the original owner began just before the hull and superstructure were joined. He asked for larger diesel engines instead of a hybrid package and wanted to change the interior layout, as well as parts of the superstructure. These were major modifications, but we were able to accommodate them without impacting the rest of our production.Another point to remember is that we build only 6-12 units in each series and as in the automotive world, we introduce a life-cycle change after every fourth or sixth hull. This allows us to adapt the product to stay close to the market and technological developments, but also avoid an over-supply of the same yachts down the line when they enter the pre-owned market.We use the term semi-custom to describe projects that are based on a proven hull form, but where the superstructure is restyled to suit individual customer choice. The yachts feel and look totally different, but we already know what their performance will be because they are based on a common engineering platform. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/180693/image/large-369d03d050e5961dec7f6bcd99e51831.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/180693">This is something that car coach builders used to do – you would buy a chassis that would be used as the starting point. Examples of semi-custom Heesen yachts are 56-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6053" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galvas56.0m (183'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2019">Galvas</a> with superstructure styling by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a>, which was a development of our 55-metre FDHF steel platform, and 51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5934" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Irisha51.0m (167'4&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Irisha</a> with exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/168" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Harrison Eidsgaard (Company)">Harrison Eidsgaard</a>that was based on our popular 5000 aluminium class.Then there are the full-custom yachts like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54128" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project Cosmos undergoes technical launch from Heesen's facilities in Oss (2021-11-22 19:45:00 +0100)">Project Cosmos</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53712" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Construction well underway on 60m Heesen superyacht Project SkyFall (2021-09-17 11:45:00 +0200)">Project Skyfall</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a>. Most of the time, the customer comes in and the yacht is designed from scratch, although we usually have something in the drawer that we can work on, as in the case of Project Sparta that is based on the Avanti design concept by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>. These projects tend to take at least six months longer to complete because we have to do a lot of extra engineering.Some owners stipulate in the contract that a one-off design cannot be reproduced; others are more easygoing. It really depends on our relationship with the customer.&nbsp;At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, we have the in-house engineering capacity for one full-custom project per year. Any more than that and we have to start in-sourcing some engineering know-how. Alongside we can handle one semi-custom project and two or three series yachts. We can adapt our workflow, but the stretch starts when we have two semi-custom projects that start close together, for example, because we have to scramble all our resources at the pre-production stage. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203441/image/large-97b1239218ba86042e1e919ae7361168.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203441">In the past, we’ve had to turn down a couple of full-custom projects because we just couldn’t take on the extra work they require. You also have to remember that we are limited by the length, beam, height and draft of what we can produce because to reach the sea from the Heesen shipyard in Oss the yachts have to move through the Dutch canal system.Generally speaking, one of the biggest challenges is managing client expectations for the series or semi-custom projects.For instance, if an owner arrives late in the build cycle and wants all kinds of changes, we have to gently explain what we can and cannot do. It might also simply be too costly. We have to be very careful that these instances don’t start a snowball effect in our production that takes up too many resources.&nbsp;If there is a significant delay in the build cycle of one project, it can affect others, which can be very risky for the shipyard. We have managed significant changes without issues, but there have been other cases where we felt we couldn’t accommodate all the changes requested and had to let the customer go. More commonly, an owner will decide to take the next available yacht and start the customisation process earlier, but in that case they have to be willing to wait a bit longer.&nbsp;Needless to say, at Heesen we always tries to cater to client requests and create the capacity, but not if it puts the rest of our production at risk.&nbsp;

Interview with Heesen CEO on custom yachts

CEO Arthur Brouwer interviewed on the custom yacht conundrum at Heesen.

The custom conundrum with Heesen CEO Arthur Brouwer 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207882/image/large-877ca095a575c77bb3aaefe87b8cb681.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207882">Spotted last month anchored off Antibes during sunset, is the 51-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5934" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Irisha51.0m (167'4&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Irisha</a>. Launched in 2018 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a>, she features both exterior and interior designs by British design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/168" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Harrison Eidsgaard (Company)">Harrison Eidsgaard</a>. Built by the Dutch shipyard for fast cruising, the fully-custom motor yacht can reach a top speed of 25 knots thanks to her two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 16V M93L diesel engines. Onboard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5934" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Irisha51.0m (167'4&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Irisha</a> can sleep up to 10 guests comfortably in five luxurious staterooms.

Heesen superyacht Irisha in Antibes

The 51m Heesen superyacht Irisha is seen here anchored in Antibes.

Despite Frans Heesen, the founder of the Dutch shipyard, officially leaving the company in 2012 after visiting the sprawling 22,000 square metre facility in Oss, it is evident that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> is still very much a company with a strong family feeling.&nbsp;When visiting the yard for lunch with Arthur Brouwer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen’s</a> CEO, and Mark Cavendish, Director of Sales and Marketing, the familiarity and friendliness with which the employees greet me and interact with each other catches my attention. Although the construction halls and dry docks are vast and wide, the atmosphere created by the busy craftsmen, engineers and naval architects is warm, pleasant, and reassuring.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65494/image/large-626f5d8edc4b2cb42af3af608fad32c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65494"> It comes as no surprise to hear that five of the original 20 employees are still working at the yard 40 years later. Even though <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> shipyard has grown considerably since its beginnings in 1978, its focus on core values has remained the same."The norms and values of being a family company are still there, and people like that,” says Brouwer on why <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has such a high employee retention level."The other reason is that no one day is like the other at&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, which is the main factor to successfully attracting new personnel.” With no fewer than 13 superyachts currently in build at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, employees relish new challenges and the opportunities these new-builds bring to the workforce. “It’s the same skill set, but it’s always a new and different project.”Currently employing over 450 people full-time as well as working with hundreds of temporary employees and subcontractors, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> shipyard is set to continue growing its workforce and its revenue over the next coming years. “Our projected growth for the next few years is 30 to 40 percent - revenue and turnover wise, but also in gross register tonnage (GRT). Our ships are getting bigger, and therefore we need more skilled craftsmen to build them.”&nbsp;Since the launch of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen’s</a> first yacht Amigo in 1979, the size of the yachts the yard builds has increased from 20 metres to 80 metres. Today the yard is capable of building superyachts of up to 83 metres, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> is currently working on its largest custom motor yacht to date, the 80.7m Project Cosmos. While the all-aluminium Cosmos marks several new fronts for the yard - she will offer 50 percent more interior volume than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen’s</a> previously largest superyacht, have a top speed of almost 30 knots and feature the new patented ‘backbone’ to increase structural rigidity, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> builds more than just custom superyachts.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65501/image/large-8fd9d31a029b7b1456520715702791a5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65501">In order to fulfil all of its customers' demands, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen’s</a> business model is split into three pillars: full-custom superyachts, platform-based superyachts (yachts built using existing hull forms and engineering platforms) and speculation building. This way, potential owners who do not want to wait years for a new superyacht can still buy the vessel they want.“You don’t have to buy a boat that is three years out there; it’s 14 months, 18 months or 20 months away - that has been one of the keystones of our success.” &nbsp;Since <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has started work on larger custom superyachts, it has also started working on bigger spec builds, building up to 55 metres. “We could go up to 57 metres or so. We do not build one at a time, we build a couple, and we have timed that pretty well over the last couple of years,” explains Brouwer.This in itself is a testament to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen’s</a> growth, as not all builders are financially secure enough to invest in the speculative building. It can be a challenging option - especially for smaller yards who are inexperienced in developing a brand or turning a single model into a successful series. But <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has fine-tuned its spec programme into a well-oiled machine. For example, one of the most recent spec vessels sold is the 50m project Aster. Part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/6386" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen 5000 Semi-Displacement49.8m (163'5&quot;)">5000 Aluminium class</a>, she was sold to experienced owners in late November 2018 as work to her exterior was nearing completion and is set to join her six sister ships next summer. But when is the best moment for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/6386" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen 5000 Semi-Displacement49.8m (163'5&quot;)">Heesen</a> to sell a new build?“A year before you start building it. And every day after it gets progressively worse,” says Cavendish with a charming smile. “No, the best moment for the customer to buy is when all the options are still open. Changing the interior will cost time and money and disrupts the production process. But we are pretty good at adapting,” he adds.“It’s what to do when you have a business model with boats on spec.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has been lucky or successful enough to have a few owners to purchase spec boats in turn-key condition, taking everything from the exterior styling to the interior decor and design. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4032" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ventura49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2013">Ventura</a>, the owner even took the name!”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65503/image/large-8221aeed755c07b2698f59e274ffddc0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65503">Designing an attractive spec boat is indeed no easy task, as the yard has to predict what the market, as well as its clients, will want even before the yacht has been built. “We tend to go with a weight average of what the market will expect, a bit higher in quality on average, but it is less extreme than a custom. For example with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5934" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Irisha51.0m (167'4&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Irisha</a>, taking her into a spec boat programme would make me hesitate because of her specific looks,”&nbsp;notes Brouwer. “She is a beautiful boat but designed around specific usage. We don’t do that with spec boats. We avoid extremes as it has to be sellable.”When working on a new spec boat, the yard has to deliberate what innovations will be coming to the superyacht segment within the next three to five years and how to implement them into the design. “It takes the team of designers, developers and sales team a while to decide on what to build and how to bring it to the market. For instance, if we have a new boat, we have to decide if it will it be an X-bow or a Pelican beak bow, which can make an enormous impact because the boat will be sold four years from then. If we miss that mark, then it can be quite costly for us,” stresses Cavendish.Turning to the yard’s financial situation, we discuss how the yard’s spec building programme is effectively financed as the two senior executives explain the Dutch company’s financial operations. “We have our own finance lines with the bank, not with him,” points out Brouwer. “We have a very healthy balance sheet with a solvability of over 50 percent and have never underperformed - that is why the bank happily agrees to finance us.”&nbsp;While <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen’s</a> current business strategy sees 40 to 50 percent of its annual revenues stemming from is spec programmes, most clients looking to purchase a superyacht over 60 metres tend to go for a custom yacht as they have a particular idea of how it should be.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65500/image/large-7012ee56804c8bb4e6416dd907f5b0ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65500">Despite a healthy bank balance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> shipyard is not rushing to build more spec yachts, as the margin for the different types of newbuilds is the same. What’s more, the yard’s pricing for custom yachts and speculation builds is also approximately the same. “There is a bit more risk when it comes to custom, but that’s priced in because of the complexity of the build. We do consider factors, such as if we build a certain hull form or platform for the first time then there will be some inefficiency in the build. But at the end of the day, there is not much difference.”&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> is only capable of building two custom superyachts over 60 metres at the same time in its docks, meaning the yard can work on three or four custom yachts over 60 metres simultaneously at different stages together with its spec boats and platform vessels. “The flipside of being so full with production, with sold boats means that you cannot take orders that rapidly," admits Brouwer.&nbsp;When walking through the facility, it is evident that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> is nearly working at full capacity as all the halls and docks we pass through are occupied. However, the team is well aware that its current busy state may not last, so <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen’s</a> business plan and projected growth is continuously reviewed. Every time the yard sells a new contract, it re-evaluates what could happen to its business within the next five to six years, taking into account changes to labour, rates and inflation.&nbsp;“We create potential scenarios. One scenario takes into account what could happen if there is a slow-down in the market like we had a few years ago. We look at what would happen if we take out one boat from our production plans and what the impact would be - not just monetary wise but people wise as well.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65499/image/large-9596fec60fd3f2d772d1896744f8b242.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65499">The yard has purposefully set up its business so that if it does witness a slump in demand, taking out one boat from production will not harm its workers. On the other hand, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> also has a scenario which predicts what would happen if it sells another new vessel within the next two to three years. “For instance, if you plan for a 60-metre full-custom, but Mark is successful in selling a 67-metre, which goes into the same hall, then it has an enormous impact on labour, on throughput times and design. It may be a positive impact on the bottom line, but I’ll have to move labour off other projects which means we may not build a 55-metre boat on spec, we build a 52-metre.”It’s evident that Brouwer and his team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> are pretty good at predicting what changes in the future may affect the company, but what are their thoughts on future trends? One of their latest concepts, X-Venture, designed by London-based studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> sees the Dutch yard branching out into explorer yachts. A new range, X-Venture features 50 to 60-metre concepts, which can be built on speculation, as well as designs for 70 to 80-metre semi-custom yachts to show the market what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> is capable of. “If someone comes here, it’s not a wild idea; it’s already developed, GAs and everything is ready. It’s a more active offering in the market, and it does attract new clientele to come and talk with us.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65502/image/large-7af610123e37899930ffa5bc96c867c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65502">At the same time, Cavendish is also aware that the explorer yacht market is still very small in spite of the recent spike in interest. “We are not looking to compete with the SeaXplorers or anything like that,”&nbsp;he says. “We compare X-Venture to a Range Rover, a very luxury craft which is capable of long-range cruising.” The concept had a more rugged appeal, which Cavendish suspects will attract the younger generation of superyacht owners, who may be a little fed up of going around the Mediterranean between Monte Carlo and Cannes each season. “It’s glorious, but I can imagine that some people think there is more to the world than Cannes and Saint Tropez.”As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> continues to look to the future with new concepts and rapid growth - their interior design department is set to grow 35 percent over the next year alone - it does come as a bit of a surprise to hear that Brouwer does not want to move into a larger size segment. “We started at 37 metres, but are now pretty successful in the 50 to 60-metre sweet spot where we operate in. That is where the most transaction of metal boats are.”&nbsp;The market for 90-metre plus superyachts, on the other hand, is a lot smaller and is driven by a handful of established yards, such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>. But in Oss <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> is not physically capable of building vessels over 83 metres at this point due to its current construction facilities, surrounding bridges and waterways. Also, breaking into a new category could also negatively impact the yard’s margin, adds Cavendish.&nbsp;The CEO has no plans to move production outside of Oss any time soon. “We work with our own people here at&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, we believe in controlling our quality by having skilled people, using a guild system,” says Brouwer. “Moving our people from this location to another is not going to work because they live here with their families. We would have to rehire and retrain a new team.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/53462/image/large-50d1759f2eb6dd43bdb547964990e63b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53462"> This reassuring notion underlies the idea that no matter how large <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> may grow, its values, ideals and norms will remain the same. Because at the end of the day, a shipyard like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> is not just a workplace, it is a community that is invested in turning individuals dreams into reality.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://www.superyachttimes.com/uploads/store/photo/55401/image/large-6524e9c9dfc37e22bf131ecc39bea57e.png" alt="New Subscribe Button"></a>This article is featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription">Subscribe now&nbsp;</a>to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

The present and future of Heesen shipyard

Get a look at what it is like to work for Heesen and what their plans are for the future.

How Heesen is safeguarding its business for the future

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/56834/image/large-f38ddde553c47dadf052eb272bc55f56.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/56834">Seen here cruising in the waters outside Porto Cervo is the latest full-custom Heesen motor yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5934" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Irisha51.0m (167'4&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Irisha</a>. Designed by Harrison Eidsgaard and built by the Dutch shipyard for fast cruising, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5934" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Irisha51.0m (167'4&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Irisha</a> is fitted with two MTU16V M93L diesel engines that give her a top speed of 25 knots.

Heesen Yachts’ 51m motor yacht Irisha in Porto Cervo

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/40117/image/large-676eeb81e21355c12a1f8f974441f5bf.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/40117">Heesen Yacht’s latest delivery was spotted in the Mediterranean for the first time last week. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5934" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Irisha51.0m (167'4&quot;)">Irisha</a> is a custom 51-metre motor yacht built at the Dutch shipyard to a design by Harrison Eidsgaard. Built for high-speed cruising, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5934" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Irisha51.0m (167'4&quot;)">Irisha</a> is fitted with two MTU16V 4000 M93L diesel engines, allowing her to reach an impressive top speed of 25 knots.

Heesen’s new superyacht Irisha in Gibraltar

As the start of summer is just around the corner, we celebrate the start of the superyacht cruising season this month with another selection of our favourite superyacht wallpapers. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/35208/image/large-52e95f85efa056329959c7ba95e23cea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35208">Created and curated by SuperYacht Times’ own media team, these Snapshots are designed for the superyacht enthusiast looking to show off their passion to surrounding friends and family.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/35211/image/large-1a3cd0e17137c6caac3787c37e5b109d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35211"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/35210/image/large-273ae69b41530566ee77bb8fe68c62c2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35210"> In your free download this month you will find HD wallpapers of the 85-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/675" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valerie85.1m (279'2&quot;)">Valerie</a>, the 43.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5695" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cyclone43.7m (143'4&quot;)">Cyclone</a>, 51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5934" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Irisha51.0m (167'4&quot;)">Irisha</a>, 52-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/25" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deniki52.3m (171'7&quot;)">Deniki</a> and Ocanco’s latest 90-metre project, Shark.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/35207/image/large-d5c25cab972e4eca08569e76729ba37e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35207"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/35209/image/large-77b779817ae3fbed3ef670679b821ef0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35209">How it works: Step 1: click on the secure download link below Step 2: select ‘Download everything’ Step 3: transfer images to your mobile device (if downloaded on a desktop computer) Step 4: set favourite image as your new wallpaper Step 5: share with friends!<a href="https://we.tl/O4RiAIeZ4m" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="/uploads/store/photo/23640/image/large-41a1fb2974535b96b7da2faf0091d9b5.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23640"></a>

Snapshots: get summer-ready with our latest free superyacht wallpapers

Launched on 8th February at Heesen’s facilities in Oss, the Netherlands, the 50-metre superyacht White has been delivered to her owners. Known as Project Ayla throughout construction, White is the seventh hull in the Dutch yard’s popular 5000 Aluminium Class and features exterior lines by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects with a sophisticated interior design from Cristiano Gatto.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/34142/image/large-db0d190dc35daf8590a028ddb84c61e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34142">Commenting on her performance during sea trials, Heesen says: “Extensive sea trials took place in the North Sea in good weather conditions, with waves up to half a metre. White proved to be very responsive during her sea trials, reacting to steering commands instantaneously thanks to the large rudders in conjunction with the power steering unit. Her powerful bow thruster in combination with the propellers optimised for her speed range, allow the vessel to be manoeuvred with confidence in close quarters even in windy conditions.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/34143/image/large-12ae8ba29096487e6c60b22a5e9f2544.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34143"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/34140/image/large-90019435c067fd55aa1e9c2c4047ae6c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34140">“Heesen’s acknowledged expertise in weight reduction, combined with two high power-to-weight ratio MTU 2,880kW engines, has proved to be a winning formula once again. The maximum contractual speed of 23 knots was largely exceeded, while at the same time vibration tests proved White to be extremely quiet.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/34141/image/large-3c2c450c5708a856514023283eea8820.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34141">The delivery of White follows in the wake of several launches and deliveries from Heesen this year, including the fellow 5000 Aluminium Class yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5961" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VanTom49.8m (163'5&quot;)">VanTom</a> which was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="New 50m Heesen superyacht VanTom delivered (2018-02-15 14:30:00 +0100)">delivered in February</a>, the 50-metre Steel Class superyacht Omaha which was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project Maia: Heesen Yachts launches 50m Steel superyacht Omaha (2018-04-26 15:00:00 +0200)">launched at the end of April</a> and the 51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5934" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Irisha51.0m (167'4&quot;)">Irisha</a> which was delivered in the past few weeks (check out our exclusive sea trial photos <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In Pictures: the 51m Heesen superyacht Irisha on sea trials (2018-05-04 10:00:00 +0200)">here</a>!).White’s sister ship, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48175" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Construction progresses on Heesen's 50m Project Aster superyacht (2018-02-26 15:45:00 +0100)">Project Aster</a>, is currently under construction and is available for delivery in June 2019.&nbsp;

Heesen delivers latest 50m superyacht White 

Following her launch at the beginning of April, the latest 51-metre Heesen superyacht Irisha was put to the test on her sea trials in the North Sea. The SYT team were on the scene once again, taking to the skies to capture this Harrison Eidsgaard-designed semi-displacement vessel in action.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/34089/image/large-2e487cfc2d5d3f272a8ed6b1702fc325.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34089">Powered by two MTU16V 4000 M93L diesel engines, Irisha has an impressive top speed of 25 knots with a range of 2,425 nm at cruising speed of 11 knots. Now delivered to her owner, Irisha will be available for charter with SuperYachtsMonaco, who was also responsible for the sale of the project back in 2015.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/34095/image/large-20a4d2fefc6c0109d3acdc5646f56211.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34095"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/34092/image/large-79f094cf460e8f18a33b4fa4eddc347a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34092"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/34093/image/large-77ff4bbd5c32b1cbc5bc93283d67a4f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34093"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/34090/image/large-554342a1877f7e50d5a0f37362a768e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34090"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/34086/image/large-4e32bb43445f2e95b17e7f206bc4251d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34086"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/34085/image/large-45c08017e2d2784739d706829ae26dce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34085"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/34077/image/large-6cbbb650a2e7649dc330a4c91216594d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34077"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/34081/image/large-6754fe0b2b639403af9fff509ba1d40a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34081"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/34080/image/large-0c5004c2c0215475ece9d210a5107336.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34080">

In Pictures: the 51m Heesen superyacht Irisha on sea trials 

Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts launched the 51-metre superyacht Irisha earlier today in Oss. Constructed entirely of aluminium, the semi-displacement motor yacht features both exterior and interior design by the London-based studio of Harrison Eidsgaard. Heesen undertook her naval architecture, and she was sold by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/44377" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen sells 51m Eidsgaard designed superyacht (2015-06-04 00:00:00 +0200)">SuperYachtsMonaco in 2015</a> when she was known as Project 18151.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/32074/image/large-a820e2a877882ca9972dd58a13ce2d84.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32074">Powered by two MTU16V 4000 M93L diesel engines, Irisha has an impressive top speed of 25 knots with a range of 2,425 nm at cruising speed of 11 knots.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/32069/image/large-48763f987686d57c2afaf378b12b7ee9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32069"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/32070/image/large-399a8c4d2c984a2b966234b28f903d06.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32070"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/32071/image/large-3e0ed199013cb7bdea485e0a6426b060.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32071"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/32072/image/large-6727a28dad01fdf396f77993d82e3144.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32072"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/32073/image/large-ac23df91d29cd25b3f6dbb82bfc28e74.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32073"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/32163/image/large-6e26e31611d170b172d28719b3a8e5b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32163">

Heesen launches 51m Harrison Eidsgaard designed yacht Irisha

Earlier this week Heesen Yachts joined the hull and superstructure of its latest superyacht project known as YN 18151. The 51-metre Eidsgaard Design superyacht has now been moved inside the build shed where she will be completed, ready for delivery in the spring of 2018.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162067/image/large-ab349c977384d448373a460636f0510e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162067">

“It is exciting to see this full-custom project take shape. Working with SuperYachtsMonaco, who represent the client’s commercial interest and Superyacht Technical Services who are providing the technical support, is a very positive experience,” had the Heesen Board of Directors to say.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162068/image/large-bbb02b979f6a90ea03acf2e28d832107.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162068">

As no profile renderings of the yacht’s exterior are available, these construction images leave much to the imagination as to the project’s ultimate look. Heesen reports that an extensive use of curved glass will give the yacht an aggressive appearance. The project is the first time Eidsgaard Design has worked with Heesen Yachts on a superyacht project and has introduced a few characteristic styling features that would set the yacht apart from any other Heesen superyacht before her.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162069/image/large-289765379ee56969cd2a62a5e108ac48.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162069">

According to Jim Evans of SuperYachtsMonaco, the project ticked several of his client’s boxes and comments on why Heesen Yachts was ultimately selected as the builder of the owner’s new yacht: “The client demanded the ability to properly customise the yacht with Eidsgaard Design’s interior and exterior designs. He also required a reasonable approach to pricing, of course, and was looking for a shipyard which would work closely with his team. Heesen was the yard best equipped and most prepared to accommodate all of these requirements and more than a year into the project, and I can say without hesitation that they are fulfilling all their promises."

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162070/image/large-8741e6c11536d9982ae86ab92c0ed05b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162070">

Powered by two MTU 16V 4000 M93L diesel engines with ingenious naval architecture and precision engineering by Heesen’s in-house experts, YN 18151 will reach an impressive top speed of 25 knots with a range of 2,425nm at cruising speed of 11 knots.

Exclusive: Heesen Yachts’ 51m hull 18151 takes shape

Last week we already announced of the sale of the Heesen project YN 18151, a 51 metre semi-displacement full-custom superyacht below the 500GT threshold. The yard has now released at statement regarding the sale of the yacht, which will have unique exterior lines and interiors by Eidsgaard Design.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154776/image/large-cc13c58f043f53563bca5e6bc3f2fb96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154776">The Heesen Board of Directors comments: “We are delighted with the sale of this new contract brokered by SuperYachtsMonaco, and are very excited about our first collaboration with Eidsgaard Design. While much information about this unique project remains still under wraps – due to the desire for discretion on behalf of the owner – the project’s svelte profile, head-turning looks and impressive performance will definitely generate genuine interest amongst superyacht connoisseurs.”Jim Evans, Managing Director of SuperYachtsMonaco, comments: "We are hugely excited to have brokered this new contract and to be providing the project management for a custom Eidsgaard-designed Heesen yacht. The yacht has been devised with the involvement of an experienced owner who has very exacting requirements in regard to speed, stability and the highest quality standards. Following extensive pre-contract research and development, we are certain that Heesen is the right partner to deliver this unique project and look forward to working together with them.”Powered by two MTU 16V 4000 M93L diesel engines, the yacht will reach a top speed of 25 knots with a range of 2,425nm at cruising speed of 11 knots.The Eidsgaard Design team devised innovative exterior lines that are enhanced by the extensive use of curved glazed glass. The interior layout offers a very high degree of versatility and is conceived to meet the needs of the owner for large and formal receptions. 10 guests are accommodated in the 5 cabins. The owner’s suite, traditionally located on the main deck forward, boats a fixed balcony with glass sliding doors that allow fresh air to flow into the room. The Eidsgaard design team comments: "We are delighted to be embarking on our first collaboration with Heesen yachts. From the outset the challenging and dynamic brief from the owner promised to create something truly unique and uncompromising, and we are very much looking forward to this yacht making a splash in early 2018". The delivery of YN 18151 is scheduled in the spring of 2018.By Maarten Janssen, photo by Justin Ratcliffe

Heesen comments on sale of 51m Eidsgaard design

Mark Cavendish, Sales &amp; Marketing Director, has announced the sale of a 51 metre aluminium superyacht yesterday at the Holland Yachting Group press tour.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154650/image/large-f18d21acca0c31a6b1c2b8f6f9ab874d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154650">The superyacht, with hull number 18151, is designed by Eidsgaard design and the buyer was brought to the shipyard by the team of SuperYachtsMonaco.An official press release with further details is expected soon.By Maarten Janssen