The Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts has delivered its 50-metre hybrid superyacht YN 20750, now christened “Orion”. It is Heesen’s third delivery in 2025.
Fresh from intensive sea trials in the North Sea, “Orion” exceeded every expectation, showcasing flawless performance, Heesen states.
“Orion” is the third vessel in the shipyard’s advanced 50-metre Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) aluminium series equipped with hybrid propulsion. With silent cruising up to 10 knots, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions, “Orion” resets the standard for eco-conscious yachting, the company says.
This yacht is the result of a close collaboration between Heesen, the owner’s team, and Cristiano Gatto, who created a bespoke selection of loose furniture to tailor the yacht to match the owner’s 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 owners to express their creativity.
“The delivery of ‘Orion’ is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen,” comments 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” cruises at 16.3 knots top speed
At her core, “Orion” is a technological powerhouse. Constructed from lightweight aluminium and the ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form devised by Van Oossanen and engineered by Heesen’s in-house team, she is powered by two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines.
This enables a top speed of 16.3 knots and gives her an impressive transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots, consuming only 98 litres per hour (excluding hotel load). In hybrid mode at 10 knots, this drops to just 45 litres per hour. With a shallow draft of just 2.15 metres, “Orion” is perfectly equipped to navigate diverse cruising grounds, from the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas to the Mediterranean.
Peter van der Zanden, Head of Engineering at Heesen Yachts, states: “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 interiors with natural light. Inside, the 499 GT interior volume accommodates twelve guests in six staterooms, including a main deck owner’s stateroom and a full-beam VIP suite.
“Orion” will join Ocean Independence’s charter fleet and will be available for select clients to enjoy the luxury of a silent cruise in an unparalleled Northern European-quality superyacht.
