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Heesen Shipyard Founder Frans Heesen Dies at 84
Heesen Yachts has announced the passing of its founder, Frans Heesen, who died peacefully on April 23 in Oss, the Dutch city where the yard is based. He was 84.
Frans Heesen, remembered for his visionary leadership and bold decisions - such as building the record-breaking superyacht Octopussy in 1988—played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s global reputation for speed and innovation.
The shipyard described him as a leader who created a family-like work culture and left a lasting legacy. “His presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit and vision will forever remain a guiding force at Heesen Yachts.”
Here is the story of superyacht Octopussy, a superyacht commissioned by John Staluppi to break the 50-knot speed barrier - an achievement that redefined yacht engineering.
