First yacht in Heesen's restyled 55m Steel Class delivered and named Iris Blue

Heesen has announced the delivery of its 55-metre superyacht Iris Blue, following successful sea trials in "rough conditions" earlier this month. 

"Just like her foresisters, Iris Blue proved to be highly responsive, accepting steering commands immediately," said a spokesperson for the yard. Previously known as Project Apollo, she is the first of the Steel Class series to sport a revised design by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects (the original designer of the Steel Class series).

"As much as we love our original design with the vertical windows, we felt it was time to make an evolutionary step," said Laupman. The result is a more "aggressive" and "masculine" look, thanks to a larger expanse of floor-to-ceiling tinted glass. While imagery is yet to be disclosed, interior design comes courtesy of Luca Dini Design and Architecture.

Elsewhere, the yacht’s spacious six-cabin layout includes a 78-square-metre owner’s apartment with a starboard veranda and walk-in wardrobes. The layout has also been reconsidered and now features a larger sundeck with a bar around the whirlpool Jacuzzi forward. 

On the main deck, the central atrium has been modernised, with a wider and revised main staircase, while there is an additional companionway from the wheelhouse deck up to the sun deck to ease crew access.

According to BOATPro, Heesen has 12 yachts currently under construction.

This includes the full-custom, 57-metre Project Setteesettanta, which had its keel laid in December 2023.