Heesen delivers 50m hybrid superyacht ORION
Heesen Yachts is delighted to announce the delivery of the 50-metre hybrid superyacht YN 20750, now renamed ORION. This milestone marks the Dutch shipyard's third delivery in 2025, highlighting a busy and successful year thus far.
Fresh from intensive sea trials in the North Sea, ORION exceeded every expectation, showcasing flawless performance and reaffirming Heesen’s reputation for precision engineering. Moreover, ORION represents Heesen's commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility within the superyacht industry. As the third vessel in the shipyard’s advanced 50-meter Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) aluminium series equipped with hybrid propulsion, she represents the next generation of responsible luxury. With silent cruising up to 10 knots, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions, ORION resets the standard for eco-conscious yachting.
Specifically, ORION was constructed from lightweight aluminum, with an ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form devised by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and engineered by Heesen's in-house team, making her a technological powerhouse. She is powered by twin 816Hp M.T.U. diesel engines, which allow a top speed of 16.3 knots and an impressive transatlantic range of 3750 Nautical miles at 12 knots, reinforcing her low consumption rates. Furthermore, with a shallow draft of just 2.15 meters, ORION is perfectly equipped to navigate diverse cruising grounds, from the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas to the Mediterranean.
"The delivery of ORION is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen," comments Heesen's CCO Ruud van der Stroom. "This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precision Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration with owners, designers and our team of experts."
ORION is the result of a close collaboration between Heesen, the owner’s team and Cristiano Gatto Design, who created a bespoke selection of loose furniture to tailor the yacht to match the owners vision and lifestyle. The yacht’s sleek, contemporary interior was penned by Cristiano Gatto and his team who, alongside Heesen’s engineers and craftspeople, created the perfect luxurious canvas for the owners to express their creativity. The interior showcases unparalleled Dutch quality craftsmanship, featuring over 37 different materials, including exquisite Italian marble, high-gloss woods, and woven leather.
Furthermore, Peter van der Zanden, Head of Engineering at Heesen Yachts, delineates: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminium construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and the advanced hybrid propulsion system, make ORION an exceptional yacht. This synergy doesn't just result in reduced environmental impact and enhanced longevity for the yacht's components; it delivers an unparalleled experience for the owners – quiet, efficient, and versatile cruising, allowing them to explore diverse destinations with ease and comfort. ORION is a perfect example of Heesen's commitment to marrying performance, efficiency, and luxury."
The exterior design, a hallmark of Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, features a striking vertical bow and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light. Inside, the 499 GT interior volume accommodates twelve guests across six staterooms, all with ample luxurious amenities that safeguard the ultimate luxury yacht experience on board. Furthermore, 5 additional cabins can be used as preferred, for instance for crew member accommodation to further simplify yacht handling.
“The delivery of ORION marks an incredibly proud milestone, made possible through outstanding collaboration between the owner, the team at Ocean Independence, and Heesen,” said Anton Foord, broker for ORION. “As we look ahead, it’s exciting to envision the enjoyment she will bring to her owner and guests. And entering the charter market this summer, she offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation.”
Concludingly, the delivery of ORION reinforces Heesen's position at the forefront of the superyacht market, demonstrating the shipyard's capability to build complex, high-performance hybrid yachts with exceptional quality and design, delivered on schedule.
