Q&A with Henk van Grunsven, Delivery Manager Heesen

At Heesen, Dutch quality and efficiency are at the heart of everything we do. Given the size of our projects, numerous teams and disciplines, that’s no small task. In our latest Q&A series, we’re talking to Heesen veteran and Delivery Manager Henk van Grunsven, whose impressive career at the yard spans almost 40 years. We want to know about his personal career highlights and the secret of a perfect yacht delivery.

Can you tell us about your impressive career at Heesen?
“I began as a trainee in August 1983, and my ties with Heesen have remained strong ever since. I was officially appointed on 17 June 1985, 40 years ago. Initially, I worked in the production department, installing technical systems on board. After 11 months, I moved to the office for work preparation, handling drawings and material corrections for a few years. Gradually, I transitioned into the role of project manager. By the mid-90s, I became the manager of the ‘Werktuigbouwkunde’ (mechanical) department. Initially, production and engineering were combined, but when they split, I chose the production department and worked there until 2008. For the next decade, I served as the general manager of production. In 2018, I returned to manage the Mechanical Production department. Since April 2020, I have been the Delivery Manager in the Customer Support and After Sales department. So, I have experienced many facets of the company.”

Why do you think people have long careers at Heesen?
“Some say it’s because of the ‘Bossche bollen’, a local delicacy that we treat our employees to when a yacht is sold. But truly, I believe the pride in our unique product is the key reason. It’s especially remarkable given our location in Brabant, an unusual place for a shipyard. Our team’s satisfaction comes from building so many beautiful yachts.”

You are now Delivery Manager. What exactly does that entail?
“As Delivery Manager, I take over at the project launch. My focus is on organising classification and flag state documents, and preparing and executing sea trials. The Mechanical Engineering department handles the preparation, determining the program and measurements needed. I plan and schedule the sea trials, whether for two days, three days, or longer, and ensure the sea trials report returns to Engineering. I stay involved until delivery of the yacht to secure all necessary certificates and documents. Additionally, I manage the Pinpoint Works tool, used to prepare the List of Minor Defects, covering all final touch-ups before delivery.”

What in your opinion is the secret of the perfect delivery?
“The perfect delivery is when the list of issues is short, ideally under twenty items, with minimal financial impact. Receiving flag state and classification documents smoothly is crucial. Achieving this requires extensive consultations, addressing responsibilities, and ensuring commitments are met. Teamwork is essential; look beyond your department and focus on the overall package with your colleagues.

For most yachts, our list is very short, sometimes with minor issues like scratches or dents, which our specialised touch-up crew can easily fix. Major technical problems are rare; otherwise, we couldn’t complete sea trials. Technical issues affecting classification or flag state are minimal, as we need these certificates to deliver the yacht.”

Are you nervous when your yacht is put through sea trials?
“Sea trials with our yachts don’t make me nervous. We have a well-defined program and a reputation at Heesen for handling trials smoothly. We trust our team’s skills and our products’ seaworthiness. Our program checks various subjects within specific time units, and our extensive experience ensures success. We usually know if it will be a two, three, or four-day trial.

We rarely encounter significant issues during sea trials, occasionally minor leaks or malfunctions. We seldom cancel or postpone due to technical problems. However, high waves on the North Sea can cause delays. While our yachts can handle heavy weather, it’s essential for our team to perform accurate measurements. We may reschedule or cancel trials due to poor weather, but our yachts can easily handle 2 to 3-metre waves.”

Who did you learn the most from at Heesen and what was that?
“In almost four decades, I have learned a lot from various people here. My practical experience on the work floor came from Henk Kuijpers, who has over 40 years of practical experience. I also learned much from Hans Boerakker, my first supervisor at the office, and my first director, Jan Gremmen. From Jan, I learned that leadership isn’t just about the product, but also about the people. His human touch in leadership has been a significant lesson for me.”

What career advise would you give to the new generation at Heesen?
“I advise new shipyard employees to observe closely. Use your eyes and ears in the production sheds and on board. Listen to the advice of long-term colleagues. They face practical issues you can’t learn from paperwork or office work. Practical experience is key to learning.”

If you could keep one Heesen yacht for yourself, which one would it be?
“If I could keep a boat we built here, I’d choose a 3700 series yacht. The specific one doesn’t matter. A 37-metre yacht is manageable with a small crew, and you can handle many things yourself, like the toys on board. The systems are straightforward, and the yacht offers a considerable top speed. I’d take my wife, my children, and their partners. I’m a real family man.”

And where would you go?
“I would take her along the Croatian coast, where we have spent many holidays. The waters there are pristine, and the nature is truly beautiful, with much to explore.”

Finally, can you share with us one hilarious moment from your career at Heesen?
“A great moment from my 40 years at Heesen was during the sea trials of the record-breaking yacht Octopussy, build number 7038. We encountered a problem with a bent plate that needed removal. Frans Heesen, who was on board, didn’t hesitate. He took off his shirt, pants, shoes, and socks, and jumped into the cold waters of Hollands Diep in his underpants to remove the plate himself. That was a truly memorable moment.”