Heesen has sold YN 19150 Project Electra, the second hybrid yacht in the 5000 aluminium class. The fifty-meter yacht stays below 500 GT and has a shallow draft. The yacht is due for delivery at the end of April following intensive sea trials in the North Sea.

The hybrid propulsion system combines diesel and electric propulsion, which offers greater flexibility in power management and improved performance as well as cruising in near perfect silence with zero vibrations. The vessel offers four different cruising modes:

  • Hybrid mode: up to nine knots at noise levels of 46 dB. Two water-cooled DC electric shaft motors of 127 kW each quietly power the yacht. The benefits are silent cruising and higher manoeuvrability in close quarters.
  • Economic Mode: nine to twelve knots with main engines on and generators off. Ideal for longer passages, the economic mode offers frugal fuel consumption (at 12 knots the yacht burns just 98 litres per hour) and extended generator service life.
  • Cruising Mode: twelve to fifteen knots. This is the traditional mode, where the diesel engines drive the yacht’s propellers and the generators provide the hotel load.
  • Boost Mode: to achieve the max speed 16.3 knots, the generator-powered shaft motors are brought into service alongside the main engines to give an extra kick of power.

Efficiency is increased further thanks to its Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), devised by Dutch hydrodynamicists at Van Oossanen Naval Architects.

Ingenious naval architecture combined with clever engineering and meticulous attention to weight reduction make Project Electra one of the most efficient yachts in its class. In fact, its predecessor Home received several international accolades recognising the innovative eco-friendliness of Heesen’s hybrid solution, including the Rina Green award.

Vertical bow

Dutch designer Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has created a highly contemporary exterior. Electra has a nearly vertical bow with spray rails that seeks to blend aesthetics with functionality. It provides progressive buoyancy when carving through waves. The distinctive bow shape also means the crew accommodation can be set further forward.

Accommodation

Twelve guests are accommodated in five lower deck suites and a master stateroom on the main deck forward. The interior design by Cristiano Gatto integrates organic shapes that emphasise the indoor-outdoor connection by way of deep and low furniture. Guests are invited to fully enjoy the many panoramic vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows.