Frans Heesen wins Excellence Award
Frans Heesen, founder and director of Dutch boatbuilder Heesen Yachts, was awarded the HISWA Excellence Award 2009 for innovative and pioneering work in the watersports industry at the Maritime Awards Gala in Rotterdam. Heesen was commended for the respect he has generated on the global stage, strengthening the image of Holland as a leading yacht-building country. The jury also praised his ambassadorial role for yacht building in general and his dedication to mutual cooperation and socially responsible business. Founded in 1978, Heesen Yachts is a leading builder of luxury super-fast yachts, sportsfishing vessels, and displacement as well as semi-displacement ships. The company is based in Oss in the southern part of the Netherlands.