Heesen Yachts has joined the hull and superstructure of YN 20750, also known as Project Orion at its facility in Oss. The 50-metre yacht is available for delivery in Q1 2025.
Heesen‘s Orion will sail in perfect silence up to 10 knots, thanks to the company’s innovative hybrid systems.
Heesen has been the first shipyard to combine hybrid propulsion with the ultra-performing Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) on a lightweight aluminium yacht. The yacht builder carried out this innovative combination on a speculative project for the first time back in 2008.
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Fuel efficient
At 12 knots, Orion will consume 98 litres per hour, excluding hotel load, while at 10 knots in hybrid mode, consumption falls to a mere 45 litres per hour. According to Heesen, this is an outstanding achievement for a 50-metre yacht displacing 295 tonnes.
Two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines of just 600 kW each will deliver this performance. These engines are more compact than those typically fitted on a yacht of this size, which demonstrates the efficiency of the FDHF devised by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and engineered by the shipyard’s in-house specialists. A lightweight build and meticulous weight control are essential to achieving these results.
Exterior and interior design
Frank Laupman of Omega Architects created the exterior with the nearly vertical bow with spray rails and the expansive use of structural glass and open bulwarks. Italian designer Cristiano Gatto provided the interior design.
Twelve guests are accommodated in six staterooms, with the owners’ suite with floor-to-ceiling windows located on the main deck forward. Five guest cabins, two twins, two doubles and one VIP at full beam are traditionally found on the lower deck. This layout configuration proves to be a winning setup for both private and charter use.
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Layout changes
Project Orion incorporates two major layout innovations based on data from market research and feedback from its foresisters.
By moving the engine room forward, Heesen has created a wellness area of about 26 m2, which grants direct access to the large, fixed swim platform. Project Orion boasts a shallow draught of just 2.15 metres that allows it to cruise in the Bahamas and the small creeks in the Mediterranean.
The sundeck layout was also reorganised, such as by moving the whirlpool forward and surrounding it with large sun pads to provide more privacy for guests when the yacht is docked stern-to in a marina.
Picture by Ruben Griffioen acquired through Heesen.
Also read: VIDEO: Heesen joins hull and superstructure of 55-metre Project Serena
