Heesen joins hull and superstructure of 57-metre superyacht Project Akira

by | Feb 1, 2023 | News, Ship design, Shipbuilding, Yachts

Heesen joins hull and superstructure of Project Akira

Heesen Yachts has joined the hull and superstructure of superyacht Project Akira, YN 20457, at its facility in Oss, the Netherlands. The project is available for delivery in summer 2024.

Project Akira is the first in the new 57-metre all-aluminium series of fast yachts, with an enclosed volume of approximately 780 GT and a lightweight, ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form. Heesen says it is one of the few shipyards in the world with the in-house capability to weld such high-performance structures to the required tolerances.

The shipyard presented the 57-metre series design at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019, and construction of YN 20457 began in February 2022, as a speculative venture, with the official keel-laying witnessed by the American Bureau of Shipping surveyor.

Heesen Project Akira inside the building hall.

Also read: Heesen has Eidsgaard design exterior of new 50-metre yacht series

IMO Tier III

Another milestone was marked on November 18, 2022, when Akira’s two IMO Tier III-compliant MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines were installed. This propulsion package, in concert with the super-efficient hull design, will give the yacht a maximum speed of 22 knots – quite remarkable for a superyacht displacing approximately 490 tonnes at half load.

Heesen Project Akira once completed

Also read: Heesen to build full-custom 57-metre superyacht

Glass elevator

Frank Laupman of Omega Architects penned a distinctive profile. Harrison Eidsgaard worked closely with Frank Laupman and Heesen’s in-house engineers to create an efficient and purposeful layout.

Twelve guests are accommodated in six staterooms, with the 63m2 owner’s apartment located forward on the main deck. There is a VIP suite up on the bridge deck, while the remaining guest cabins are on the lower deck. A glass and stainless-steel elevator serves all three decks. Heesen Yachts Interiors, Heesen’s fine cabinetry workshop in Winterswijk, will be responsible for handcrafting the refined bespoke furniture for Project Akira.

Also read: Heesen lays keel for 55-metre superyacht Project Venus

Project Akira particulars

  • First of the new 57-metre Aluminium Series
  • All aluminium FDHF, top speed of 22 knots
  • Shallow draught – ideal for the Bahamas
  • Exterior design by Omega Architects
  • Over 400 m2 of luxury interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard.