There is his son Pieter who now owns and runs the ever-successful Heerema group while another son, Edward, has nurtured his fame and fortune as owner and president of innovative pipeline installation contractor Allseas. Now, however, a third brother from the Heerema flock is on the verge of reaching the big time.

Hugo Heerema is owner, president and jovial team leader of Bluewater, the Dutch floating production and moorings expert.