Heesen Ushers in 2026 with Fire Horse Momentum
Alexandra
The hull-to-superstructure mating of Project Evita (YN 21557) is scheduled for January at Heesen's production site, requiring precision crane lifts, dock reservation, and coordinated logistics to secure a subsequent March launch window for sister projects; the yard's capacity planning also accounts for sea-trial berthing in the North Sea and specialised transport for aluminium and steel assemblies.
Production milestones, capacity and calendar
Heesen’s operational plan for the opening months of 2026 demonstrates a compact sequence of critical milestones. The shipyard aligns outfitting sheds, launchways and sea-trial slots to accommodate a busy Q1–Q4 timetable that includes material handling for aluminium and steel hulls, tandem crane operations for superstructure joins, and tug coordination for North Sea trials.
| Project | YN # | LOA (m) | Material | Target Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Evita | 21557 | 57 | Aluminium | Hull & superstructure join (Jan) |
| Project Sophia | 21150 | 50 | Aluminium | Launch (Mar) |
| Project Frida | 21055 | 55 | Steel | Outfitting completion → sea trials (Mar) |
| Project Setteesettanta | 20857 | 57 | Aluminium/Custom | Launch (Apr) |
| Project Angelica | 21255 | Smart custom (50–70m class) | Custom | Launch (Oct) |
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Planned deliveries and yard output
Across 2026 Heesen anticipates delivering a combined total of 162 linear metres and 2,179 gross tons to clients, a metric that reflects both volume and the yard's focus on the 50–70 metre segment. Production throughput depends on just-in-time supply of specialist equipment, marine systems integration, and the availability of skilled fit-out teams for interior and technical installations.
Key project profiles
- Project Evita (YN 21557) — a 57-metre aluminium platform whose hull and superstructure join in January; the operation requires multi-crane sequencing and temporary structural supports to manage alignment tolerances.
- Project Sophia (YN 21150) — a 50-metre aluminium yacht scheduled to hit the water in March, featuring refined lines, a new livery and class-specific performance tuning.
- Project Frida (YN 21055) — a 55-metre steel yacht moving from outfitting to sea trials in North Sea conditions that will validate seakeeping and systems integration under operational stresses.
- Project Setteesettanta (YN 20857) — a full-custom 57-metre four-deck vessel with shallow draft tailored for Bahamas cruising; interior by Cristiano Gatto underlines Heesen’s bespoke design capability.
- Project Angelica (YN 21255) — branded as a smart custom solution and slated for October launch, representing the yard’s continuing push into adaptive, tech-forward superyacht concepts.
Strategic shift under new ownership
With the arrival of owner Laurens Last in 2025, Heesen moved from a phase of consolidation into one of strategic investment and renewed market focus. The transition required governance realignment and a commitment to sustain Dutch-quality production while scaling output. CEO Jeroen van der Meer frames 2026 as an action year: operational discipline, accelerated programme delivery and a pipeline of new designs to be unveiled throughout the year.
Design pipeline and market positioning
Behind closed doors, new designs targeting the 50–70 metre market are being finalised; these concepts will be released progressively, positioning Heesen to compete on performance, efficiency and customisation. For operators and charter brokers, the influx of modern hull forms and smart systems signals future availability of efficient platforms for long-range cruising and charter use.
Implications for charter, yachting and boat rentals
The ramp-up of production and launches at Heesen can influence the broader charter and yachting ecosystem in several ways. New entries in the 50–70 metre bracket enhance the pool of modern yachts suitable for premium charters, while bespoke shallow-draft designs like Setteesettanta open more shallow-water destinations to larger vessels. For charter managers, availability of newly launched yachts can alter seasonal inventory and pricing dynamics.
- Increased supply of modern yachts may expand choices for seasonal charters in the Mediterranean, Bahamas and similar destinations.
- Shallow-draft designs broaden access to lagoons, bays and island chains previously limited to smaller craft.
- Advanced onboard systems and efficient hulls can reduce operating costs and improve guest comfort, indirectly affecting charter rates and demand.
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and helping clients find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste.
Operational notes for marinas and captains
Marinas hosting launches and sea trials must coordinate berthing, provisioning and technical support, while captains assigned to newbuild handovers will require familiarisation with bespoke control systems and performance envelopes. Safety protocols during launch and trials must factor in crane access, pilotage for tight manoeuvres and contingency towing arrangements.
The production and design momentum at Heesen is relevant to destination planners, charter operators and owners who watch shipyard schedules to time purchases, charters or refit windows. While the global tourism map may not be radically reshaped by one yard’s calendar, these launches feed the pool of available yachts and influence seasonal availability, particularly in established yachting hubs.
The most important and interesting aspects here are Heesen’s clear move from transformation to action under renewed ownership, the concentrated delivery schedule across multiple 50–70 metre projects, and the introduction of designs that extend cruising access to shallow-water destinations; experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process, where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Forecast: the direct global impact of these launches is modest in scale, yet locally significant. New launches strengthen regional charter inventories and support marinas and service providers; to gain a deeper understanding of this unstable and ever-changing world, as unpredictable as the sea, join the community of boat enthusiasts and get the best deal on your first rental.
Summary: Heesen enters 2026 under renewed leadership and a packed launch calendar, with key milestones for Project Evita, Sophia, Frida, Setteesettanta and Angelica shaping a year focused on delivery and innovation. The yard plans 162 linear metres and 2,179 gross tons of output, while new designs aim to redefine the 50–70 metre market. For sailors, charterers and buyers, these developments translate into more choices for yacht charter and sale, expanded access to beaches, bays and clearwater lagoons, and fresh opportunities for sailing, boating and fishing activities. Platforms like GetBoat.com support this ecosystem by offering transparent listings, make/model details, ratings and a user-friendly route to book or buy yachts, charters and boats, helping you find the right vessel for every destination, captain and budget.
