Passed all testsHeesen delivers hybrid superyacht "Orion"

Uske Berndt

 · 10.06.2025

The 50 metre long "Orion" has passed its sea trials. Top speed: 16.3 knots.
Photo: Ruben Griffeon
Heesen has delivered the 50 metre long "Orion" and the sea trials have gone well. The hybrid superyacht comes with a modern drive, efficient hull and an interior design by Cristiano Gatto.

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In March of this year, the Perfect purchase contractOcean Independence had been sold to an experienced owner. The Dutch shipyard has reached another milestone with the delivery of the 50-metre hybrid superyacht. The construction number YN 20750 is Heesen's third delivery in 2025.

Hybrid drive and low emissions

As number three in the 50 metre long aluminium series with Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), "Orion" also has a hybrid drive. This enables quiet sailing, reduced fuel consumption and comparatively low emissions.

Peter van der Zanden, Head of Engineering at Heesen Yachts, explains: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminium construction, combined with the efficient hull shape and the hybrid propulsion system, make "Orion" an exceptional yacht."

16 knots top speed for "Orion" from Heesen

Two MTU engines (12V 2000 M61, IMO III) power "Orion", which has a maximum speed of 16.3 knots and a transatlantic range of 3750 nautical miles at twelve knots. In hybrid mode at ten knots, consumption drops to just 45 litres per hour. During the test runs on the North Sea, "Orion" cut a fine figure throughout.

With its shallow draught of just 2.15 metres, the yacht is suitable for a variety of areas - including the shallow waters of the Bahamas, a popular destination for charter guests.

Laupman lines with vertical bow

The elegant, contemporary interior on board the Heesen "Orion" was designed by Cristiano Gatto. The 37 different materials include Italian marble, high-gloss woods and woven leather. The exterior lines by Frank Laupman (Omega Architects) feature a striking vertical bow and large floor-to-ceiling windows.

Mega volume for twelve guests

A volume of 499 gross tonnes offers plenty of space for twelve guests in six cabins, including an owner's cabin on the main deck and a VIP suite across the full width of the yacht. "Orion" will join the Ocean Independence charter fleet.

Technical data Heesen "Orion":

  • Length: 50 m
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Hull form: Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF)/Van Oossanen
  • Volume: under 500 GT
  • Draught: 2.15 m
  • Engines: 2 x MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III)
  • Maximum speed: 16.3 kn
  • Range: 3750 nm at 12 knots
  • Consumption: 98 l/h at 12 kn (without hotel load)
  • Hybrid consumption: 45 l/h at 10 kn
  • Guest capacity: 12 in 6 cabins
  • Exterior lines: Omega Architects
  • Interior: Cristiano Gatto Design

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Uske Berndt

Uske Berndt

Editor News & Panorama

Uske was born just outside Volkswagen in 1970 and tested various small boats with sails through her boyfriend (now husband 😊) on a quarry pond. Her studies in Kiel took her to the Baltic Sea with boats of all kinds and eventually to a regatta from Hong Kong to Mauritius via the Academic Sailing Club. Her teacher training ended at the Burda School of Journalism in Munich instead of in the classroom and finally at Boote Exclusiv. After a long break and various stories about house building, she returned to Delius Klasing and has been filling the magazine with long stories about large ships ever since. A family-owned H-boat was quickly sold again as the mother realized that sailing with two small children was neither relaxing nor fun.

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