Project Sophia was launched at Heesen in Oss on 14 March 2026. The aluminium yacht combines a top speed of 23 knots with a draught of 2.15 metres - the reference value for unrestricted cruising in the Bahamas. Two MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines power the vessel and enable a transatlantic range of 3,100 nautical miles at eleven knots.
At 499 gross tonnes, the yacht remains just under the 500 GT limit and complies with the IMO Tier III standard. The Dutch shipyard has opted for a hard-chine hull with sunken propeller tunnels, which both allows navigation in shallow water and increases hull efficiency by twelve per cent. Project Sophia offers space for twelve guests in five cabins, spread over 324 square metres of interior space and 250 square metres of exterior space. Heesen's takeover.
Construction and efficiency
Peter van der Zanden, Director Design & Development and Engineering at Heesen: "We are convinced that the true value of a yacht lies in its well thought-out design. As part of the Sophia project, our engineers have increased hull efficiency by twelve per cent. This is more than just a technical figure; it means lower fuel consumption and a smoother, more pleasant experience at sea."
The shipyard manufactures the entire interior in its own joinery in Winterswijk and thus retains control over the schedule and material processing. This vertical integration enables precise coordination between the hull and interior.
Interior fittings and outdoor areas
On the aft deck of the main deck there is a shallow pool with "floating" sun loungers that draw the eye to the horizon. The beach club offers storage space for wakeboards and bikes as well as a fold-out bathing platform.
On the sun deck, a sliding windscreen protects guests even when the yacht is underway. The yacht is painted in the Awlgrip colour "Whisper Grey". After the launch, the systems will be commissioned before intensive sea trials in the North Sea begin. Project Sophia is currently for sale. The shipyard is planning delivery for June 2026, in time for the summer season.
Technical data Heesen Project Sophia:
- Length: 50 metres
- Draught: 2.15 metres
- Material: Aluminium
- Propulsion: Two MTU 16V 4000 M65L
- Maximum speed: 23 knots
- Range: 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots
- Gross register tonnes: 499 GT
- Guest capacity: 12 guests in 5 cabins
- Indoor area: 324 square metres
- Outdoor area: 250 square metres
- Paint finish: Awlgrip Whisper Grey
- Delivery: June 2026
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
