Dutch shipyard Heesen is renowned for building superyachts on speculation with short delivery times. Building on the success of the 49.8-metre sisterships, Home and Amare II, all eyes are now on Project Orion, a new build currently under construction that will be part of the shipyard’s fast displacement hull form aluminium series.
Currently on the market, Project Orion has been designed with hybrid propulsion and weight control as a top priority, all while maintaining a sub-500GT internal volume. Set to make her debut in the first quarter of 2025, BOAT talks to the shipyard and designer to find out more…
Ultra-efficient hybrid-electric propulsion
Project Orion's hybrid propulsion system is a standout feature, capable of drawing power from two sources: diesel mechanical and diesel electrical. This advanced system ensures near zero noise and vibration, along with flexible power management that enhances fuel efficiency and achieves a higher maximum speed when the engines and e-motors are combined.
Equipped with two MTU tier III-compliant engines delivering 600kw each, Project Orion can reach a top speed of 16.3 knots. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, the yacht consumes 98 litres of fuel per hour (excluding hotel load), offering a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles. In hybrid mode at 10 knots, the fuel consumption drops significantly to just 45 litres per hour.
“Building yachts with a reduced environmental impact is part of our long-term strategy," explains Sara Gioanola, PR and press office manager at Heesen. Following the success of charter yacht Home, we see that increasingly more clients appreciate Heesen’s hybrid solutions, especially due to their quietness."
The fast displacement hull form, designed by Dutch naval architect Van Oossanen, further enhances fuel efficiency by reducing consumption by up to 30 per cent. This hull design also allows for a more compact machinery package and a Bahamas-friendly draught of 2.1 metres, making Project Orion not only efficient but also versatile.
A design ready to personalise
The exterior of Project Orion is the brainchild of Frank Laupman from the Dutch firm Omega Architects. Laupman penned a striking profile characterised by floor-to-ceiling windows and a trendy vertical bow, which not only enhances the yacht's aesthetic appeal but also increases waterline length for improved efficiency.
Inside, the six-stateroom yacht boasts interiors by Italian designer Cristiano Gatto, who has a long-standing relationship with Heesen. Gatto emphasises that despite the yacht being built on speculation, prospective owners have ample opportunity to personalise it. “Owners can choose between three interior options that offer various lifestyles in which the boat can be used. We are prepared to accommodate the client’s requests so that the boat is truly theirs and not just a boat that they found on the market. The sooner the owner arrives, the more elements we can personalise.”
Gatto's design philosophy for Project Orion aims to exude "a cosy and comfortable luxury lifestyle on board”, making it an attractive option on the charter market. This is achieved through the use of over 37 different materials, ranging from high-gloss wood veneers and woven leather to marble and custom carpets, all crafted by the skilled artisans at Heesen Interiors.
In line with the yacht’s sustainability pledges, Gatto explains, “We conduct a lot of research into the materials we use. For example, we use leather that is certified from the food industry because it is a product that would otherwise be thrown away.”
The layout features a few modifications compared to her sisterships. “We moved the gym area closer to the aft deck so that it is connected to the beach club. With the sauna and dayhead also there, this is a versatile space that is directly connected to the swim platform,” Gatto notes.
Natural light floods the interiors, thanks to the low bulwarks. “Just like on board sistership Home, I love the windows in the master stateroom. When you’re cruising at 16 knots and the glass is almost touching the floor, you can practically see the ocean at the bottom of your feet. It is quite the experience, and you can truly connect with the sea wherever you are on board.”
To find out more about the construction of Project Orion, contact the team at Heesen today.
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