Dutch yard Heesen has joined the hull and superstructure of its 50-metre aluminium motor yacht known as Project Orion. Work is progressing at Heesen's facility in Oss in the Netherlands with delivery scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
The yacht, which is also known as YN 20750, is being built on speculation. Once complete, she will join sisterships Home and Amare II on the water. Frank Laupman, together with his studio Omega Architects, designed the yacht's exterior.
Accommodation is for 12 guests across six cabins, including an owners' suite located on the main deck forward as well as a full-beam VIP cabin on the lower deck. The design team has made full use of the yacht's large windows, low bulwarks and internal layout to satisfy a brief for comfortable, yet elegant interiors. “The interior style of Project Orion is the result of our research moved by matching and partially contrasting needs: comfort in luxury," said designer Cristiano Gatto.
More than 35 different types of high-gloss woods, woven leather, marbles and custom carpets will feature throughout the yacht, with a contrast of colours and shapes working to create a contemporary theme.
On-deck highlights include a 26-square-metre wellness area with a sauna, a gymnasium, a day head with shower stall and direct access to the fixed swim platform. The 77-square-metre sundeck has also been arranged with sunpads and a whirlpool forward to provide more privacy for guests when the yacht is docked stern-to in a marina. Removing the loungers will create a party area, equipped with a wet bar, a dining table in the shade under the hard top and relaxation areas both aft and fore.
Technical features on board include a shallow 2.15-metre draft, a sub-500 GT enclosed volume and a hybrid propulsion system that promises to deliver silent and efficient cruising at 10 knots.
At 12 knots, Project 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. This impressive performance will be achieved with two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines of just 600kW each, a compact size that demonstrates the efficiency of the yacht's Fast Displacement Hull Form.
The construction update comes at a busy time for the Dutch yard, with nine other projects currently in build at the yard. Both Ultra G and My Genesis are scheduled to be delivered this month.
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