Heesen Yachts Announces Keel Laying of YN 21350, PROJECT GRACE
Heesen Yachts has announced the keel laying of PROJECT GRACE, 50m Steel FDHF, the first in the new 50-meter series that Heesen presented last year during the inaugural press conference at the Monaco Yacht Show.
The keel laying took place in the presence of the Lloyd’s Register surveyor. This milestone in yacht construction represents the official beginning of an innovative yacht that exemplifies Heesen's dedication to excellence in yacht building, combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled craftsmanship.
All Heesen steel hulls are welded off-site to avoid cross-contamination with aluminum production. Heesen has a longstanding partnership with Talsma, a highly regarded shipyard in Friesland, a Dutch region renowned for its maritime expertise. This collaboration leverages Talsma's specialized skills in steel construction, ensuring each hull meets Heesen's high standards. Stringent quality control protocols are implemented at every stage of the construction process.
Heesen integrates its proprietary construction methods, developed over years of innovation and experience, into the building process at Talsma. These methods optimize time, ensure efficient production, and maintain excellent hull quality. By working closely with Talsma, Heesen consistently applies these methods and quality standards, resulting in robust, reliable steel hulls that embody innovative design and refined engineering.
Once the steel hull is completed, it is transported via rivers and canals to Heesen's shipyard in Oss. Here, the engine room installation, the joining, and the outfitting process will take place, ensuring that the final product meets Heesen’s Dutch-rigorous standards of excellence.
To create this new 50-meter Steel Series, Heesen chose a holistic approach and enlisted British studio Harrison Eidsgaard with the exterior and interior design and Van Oossanen Naval Architects with the naval architecture. At 50 meters and 499 GT, this yacht features a Fast Displacement steel hull for extraordinary seaworthiness and optimal comfort in all sea conditions. The design allows for the optional installation of Heesen's hybrid solutions for intelligent power management and silent cruise capability, seamlessly blending luxury and sustainability.
“The design of Heesen's 50-meter steel exudes confidence,” comments Peder Eidsgaard. “In keeping with the company DNA, it translates the fast and sporty look of the aluminum yachts into a dynamic, agile form. The profile is not radical or extravagant but refined and timeless. This is a yacht conceived to stand the test of time.”
The yacht's sharp, modern lines and low bulwarks enhance the view, integrating the environment into the profile. Full-height windows and the absence of fashion plates maximize natural light, enhancing the connection between the interiors and the outdoors. The layout is designed for both guest comfort and crew efficiency, featuring separate crew routing for discreet service and ample hidden storage for tenders and toys on the main deck forward.
“The keys to a successful layout in a 499GT yacht are simplicity and versatility,” adds Robert Drontmann, Heesen Sales Director. “We want to maximize lifestyle space for the guests while ensuring that the crew has optimal working space to deliver a top-notch experience. Features such as the infinity pool or the unique coffee table on the sundeck, which doubles as an atrium skylight, will be focal points that invite guests to gather together. The sundeck will be large enough to hold up to 20 guests for outdoor dining. Hospitality is a central element in yachting, and we wanted to ensure that visiting day guests can be properly entertained too.”
PROJECT GRACE is available for sale with Heesen Brokerage, with her delivery scheduled for Q1 2027.
