Dutch yacht builder Heesen has unveiled YN 21872 Project Ananda, a 72-metre steel smart custom superyacht. Developed in collaboration with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, this vessel represents the inaugural build under the shipyard’s new strategic direction.
At 72 metres, Project Ananda marks a significant step forward in Heesen’s engineering capabilities, pushing the boundaries of speculation-built yachts while reinforcing the shipyard’s focus on owner and guest wellbeing, build quality, and seakeeping.
The project reflects a client-focused approach to yacht building, with flexibility and personalisation embedded throughout the design. The name Ananda, meaning “inner joy”, encapsulates the philosophy behind the yacht’s onboard experience.
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Exterior design and hybrid propulsion
Sinot and Heesen’s in-house engineering team began cooperating on the design at an early stage, ensuring the exterior design could be realised without compromise. The result is a yacht that retains Heesen’s characteristic sleek profile, interpreted through a more organic design language.
Built on an ultra-efficient steel hull, Project Ananda combines Dutch shipbuilding expertise with advanced performance. Tank testing at the University of Southampton’s Wolfson Unit validated resistance, trim, heave, and wave response. The hybrid propulsion system incorporates twin MTU engines and PTI/PTO gearboxes, delivering a range of 5000 nautical miles at 12 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots.
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Adaptable layout
Guest arrival is by a midships shell door that opens onto a docking platform leading directly to a central glass elevator. Spread across five decks, the general arrangement prioritises fluid movement and layered privacy. The layout is adaptable, with two configurable owner’s deck arrangements allowing the owner to choose between a forward-facing private deck or an aft-focused deck experience.
Both owner’s deck concepts serve as blank canvases, enabling clients to incorporate specific lifestyle requirements. Conceived as an apartment-like environment, the master suite on the foredeck features a private office and extensive panoramic sightlines. A second master suite on the bridge deck mirrors the scale and comfort of the primary stateroom, removing traditional hierarchies while offering flexibility for charter operations or multi-generational family use.
All interior spaces will be crafted in-house at Heesen Interiors in Winterswijk.
Travertine flooring
Among Ananda’s standout features is the travertine-clad swimming pool area connected directly to a Teppanyaki-style bar within the main lounge. Rather than using traditional teak decking, Heesen selected travertine flooring that extends from the outdoor pool area into the fully openable indoor lounge.
The deck space is entirely flush and free from visible mooring equipment. The midship spa and beach club spans approximately 100 m2, and has a sauna, steam room, ice bath, snow shower, hyperbaric chamber, massage and medical treatment room, and bar.
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Delivery in 2030
Design, naval architecture and tank testing phases have been completed. Keel laying is scheduled for November 2026, with launch and delivery anticipated in 2030.
Particulars of the yacht are:
- Length/gross tonnage: 72.3 metres/approx. 1750 GT
- Hull: Ultra-fuel-efficient steel hull
- Decks: Five (lower, main, owner’s, bridge, and sun deck)
- Hybrid propulsion: Twin MTU 12V4000 M65L IMO Tier III engines (2 x 1920 kW) with PTI/PTO gearboxes, enabling silent cruising for up to four hours
- Customisation: Built on speculation as a smart custom platform offering extensive personalisation
- Interior construction: Crafted in-house by Heesen Interiors
- Interior & exterior design: Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design
Picture by Heesen Yachts.
