Heesen Yachts has laid the keel of Project Grace, a 50-metre steel Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) yacht. It is the first in the new 50-metre series that the Dutch yacht builder presented last year during the inaugural press conference at the Monaco Yacht Show.
The keel laying took place in the presence of the Lloyd’s Register surveyor. This milestone in yacht construction represents the official beginning of an innovative yacht that combines cutting-edge technology with craftsmanship. Watch a video of the keel laying and Robert Drontmann, Heesen Sales Director, and Peder Eidsgaard of Harrison Eidsgaard discussing the new 50-metre FDHF Steel series below.
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Hull constructed at Talsma
All Heesen steel hulls are welded off-site to avoid cross-contamination with its aluminium production. Heesen has a longstanding partnership with Talsma, a shipyard in Friesland, a Dutch region renowned for its maritime expertise. This collaboration leverages Talsma’s specialised skills in steel construction, ensuring each hull meets Heesen’s high standards. Stringent quality control protocols are implemented at every stage of the construction process.
Heesen integrates its proprietary construction methods into the building process at Talsma. These methods optimise time, ensure efficient production and maintain hull quality.
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50 metres, 499 GT, suitable for hybrid solutions
Once the steel hull is completed, it is transported via rivers and canals to Heesen’s shipyard in Oss. Here, the engine room installation, the joining and outfitting process will take place.
To create this new 50-metre Steel Series, Heesen chose a holistic approach and enlisted British studio Harrison Eidsgaard with the exterior and interior design. At 50 metres and 499 GT, this yacht features a Fast Displacement steel hull for extraordinary seaworthiness and optimal comfort in all sea conditions. The design allows for the optional installation of Heesen’s hybrid solutions for intelligent power management and silent cruise capability.
‘The design of Heesen’s 50-metre steel exudes confidence,’ comments Peder Eidsgaard of Harrison Eidsgaard. ‘In keeping with the company DNA, it translates the fast and sporty look of the aluminium yachts into a dynamic, agile form. The profile is not radical or extravagant but refined and timeless. This is a yacht conceived to stand the test of time.’
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Maximum natural light
The yacht’s sharp, modern lines and low bulwarks enhance the view, integrating the environment into the profile. Full-height windows and the absence of fashion plates maximise natural light, enhancing the connection between the interiors and the outdoors. The layout is designed for both guest comfort and crew efficiency, featuring separate crew routing for discreet service and ample hidden storage for tenders and toys on the main deck forward.
‘The keys to a successful layout in a 499-GT yacht are simplicity and versatility,’ explains Robert Drontmann, Heesen Sales Director. ‘We want to maximise lifestyle space for the guests while ensuring that the crew have optimal working space to deliver a top-notch experience. Features such as the infinity pool or the unique coffee table on the sundeck, which doubles as an atrium skylight, will be focal points that invite guests to gather together. The sundeck will be large enough to hold up to twenty guests for outdoor dining.’
YN 21350, Project Grace is available for sale, with delivery scheduled for Q1 2027.
Picture: Artist impression of Project Grace (image by Heesen Yachts).
