Buying a superyacht shipyard might take most people months or even years of planning. But Dutch entrepreneur and yacht owner Laurens Last closed the deal to buy 100% of Heesen Yachts in just five weeks.
Now the new owner of one of the Netherlands’ most iconic yacht builders, Last is bringing bold ideas, personal passion, and hands-on leadership to a very traditional industry.
In an exclusive interview aboard the 50-meter Heesen yacht Bijin, Laurens shared how his journey—from packaging magnate to yacht builder—was driven by love for the ocean and a sharp eye for opportunity.
A Yacht Owner with a Vision
Laurens Last is not new to the world of yachts. He owns the 61-meter Samadhi and has spent years sailing, kite surfing, and exploring oceans around the world. For him, yachts are more than luxury—they’re a way of life.
“I’ve done it all,” he says. “From windsurfing as a kid to owning large yachts today. I live on the water, and I love it.”
That real-world experience gives him a rare perspective. “Many people build boats who’ve never spent a day living on one. That’s where I’m different—I understand how a yacht is actually used.”
Why Heesen—and Why Now?
For Laurens, buying Heesen wasn’t a long-drawn-out plan. He knew the shipyard well, having visited it five years earlier, and he admired its clean, efficient manufacturing setup. But it wasn’t until early 2024 that the opportunity became real.
“I thought about it for a week. Then we closed in five weeks,” he says. “It helped that I’m Dutch. I understand the local business culture. I saw that Heesen had no active owner at the time—and I knew I could add value.”
His approach to buying Heesen was fast, clean, and effective. “Being Dutch made the legal side easier too. It was all very straightforward.”
From Boardroom to Shipyard
Last’s background is in high-tech liquid packaging. He started as a hairdresser at 21, launched his own cosmetics brand, and eventually built an international packaging empire supplying brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s.
So, what does packaging have to do with yachts?
“More than you’d think,” he says. “Both industries require precision, innovation, and efficiency. In packaging, you need to manage costs carefully while delivering quality. I want to bring that same mindset to yacht building.”
A New Kind of Owner
Heesen is used to corporate ownership. Now, with a private owner who shows up, speaks to the team, and gets involved in design and operations, things are changing.
“I’m in the shipyard one week every month,” Laurens says. “I talk with staff, with clients, with designers. I bring my captain to project meetings. I want to blend all that knowledge—owner, crew, builder—into better boats.”
He’s also embracing his new public-facing role. “Publicity isn’t natural to me. But in yachting, it’s part of the job. Owners want to know who they’re buying from—and they want to trust you.”
Building Better Boats—Smarter
Last sees room for improvement in how yachts are built, especially in Northern Europe where labour costs are high.
“We can use automation and robotics to make things more efficient,” he explains. “I’m used to running lean, cost-efficient factories. I want every euro we spend to go into the boat—not overhead.”
But Laurens doesn’t believe in cutting corners. He’s focused on value over volume, and on what he calls total cost of ownership.
“It’s not just about what you pay upfront. A well-built yacht keeps its value, has lower maintenance costs, and gives you more time on the water. That’s what really matters.”
More Than Just Margins
In an industry where profit margins are famously thin, Laurens is aiming higher.
“Why can a handbag sell for 10 times what it costs to make, but a yacht builder struggles to make 2% profit? We need to rethink how we talk about value. A superyacht is one of the most advanced products on the planet—and it should be priced like it.”
He hopes to build a stronger brand around Heesen, one that creates emotional connection and exclusivity—much like Ferrari or Hermès.
“We need to make people feel proud to own a Heesen. It’s not about volume—it’s about being the best.”
What’s Next?
Laurens is already dreaming big. He wants to lead design innovation, improve efficiency, and build deeper relationships with yacht owners. Most of all, he wants to make Heesen a place where quality, performance, and passion come together.
He sums it up simply: “This isn’t just a business investment. It’s a way to live my passion—and help shape the future of yacht building.
Join the builders shaping tomorrow
Visionaries like Laurens Last are redefining what it means to build and own a superyacht—and DIBS is the platform where these transformations take centre stage. The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) delivers the connections, visibility, and market access that brands like Heesen need to thrive.
Whether you’re a legacy shipyard or a disruptive new voice, we help you unlock the full potential of the DIBS ecosystem—from bespoke activations to premium buyer matchmaking.
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