Heesen Yachts unveils its most sustainable superyacht to date

Dutch superyacht builder Heesen Yachts has unveiled its most sustainable superyacht to date: the 50m Project Orion — the latest hybrid yacht to join the Heesen fleet. 

By combining engineering, technical expertise and sustainable material choices, Heesen plans to reduce its environmental impact and move towards a more sustainable future.

Scheduled for delivery in 2025, the yacht is crafted from lightweight aluminium to minimise weight, which, when combined with hybrid-electric propulsion, will allow her to cruise silently and use only 45 litres of fuel per hour at speeds of up to 10 knots. This marks a 30% reduction from a motor yacht of this size powered by traditional diesel engines.

The yacht’s hybrid engine also allows the superyacht to cruise in virtual silence. When cruising in hybrid mode the noise level sits at approximately 46 decibels — the equivalent of the sound of softly falling rain — so guests can experience the environment in total tranquillity. It also means that the yacht has the flexibility to move locations without disturbing guests on board.Related: Steppes Travel tells us the best luxury cruise holidays to take this year

“Building yachts with a reduced environmental impact is part of our long-term strategy,” explains Mark Cavendish, chief commercial officer 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.”

Project Orion features a near-vertical bow and floor-to-ceiling windows. Italian designer Cristiano Gatto has created a contemporary interior that can be personalised by the owner when they purchase the yacht. The interiors are designed to emulate a “cosy and comfortable luxury lifestyle on board” while also adhering to the yacht’s sustainable focused credentials. 

“We conduct a lot of research into the materials we use,” explains Cristiano. “For example, we use leather that is certified from the food industry because it is a product that would otherwise be thrown away.”Related: Climate conscious cruises — The future of marine voyages

Other standout features on board include a large swim platform that is connected to a sauna and gym area, an expansive sundeck and a light-filled master suite with floor to ceiling windows.

When it comes to sustainability, Mark says that Project Orian will be one of the most efficient yachts on the market.

“The yacht industry is constantly investing in new technologies and solutions for a more sustainable future. Alternative fuels like methanol and hydrogen, although promising, will take time to become available in sufficient quantities and require major technical modifications to the design of yachts,” he says. 

“Project Orion is one of the most efficient yachts currently available on the market and will be on the water from next year,” he adds.

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