H eesen Yachts proudly delivers ORION, the 50-metre hybrid superyacht formerly known as YN 20750. As the third delivery of the year, this celestial vessel marks another brilliant milestone in the Dutch shipyard’s stellar 2025 trajectory.
Fresh from intensive sea trials in the North Sea, ORION exceeded every expectation, showcasing flawless performance and reaffirming Heesen’s reputation for precision engineering.
ORION represents Heesen’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility within the superyacht industry. As the third vessel in the shipyard’s advanced 50-metre Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) aluminium series equipped with hybrid propulsion, she represents the next generation of responsible luxury. With silent cruising up to 10 knots, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions, ORION resets the standard for eco-conscious yachting.
ORION 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 owners 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 interior showcases unparalleled Dutch quality craftsmanship, featuring over 37 different materials, including exquisite Italian marble, high-gloss woods, and woven leather.
“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.”
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 of engineers, she is powered by two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines. This enables a top speed of 16.3 knots and boasts an impressive transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots, consuming a mere 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.
“The delivery of ORION marks an incredibly proud milestone, made possible through outstanding collaboration between the owner, the team at Ocean Independence, and Heesen,” Anton Foord, broker for ORION. “As we look ahead, it’s exciting to envision the enjoyment she will bring to her owner and guests. And entering the charter market this summer, she offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation.”
The delivery of ORION reinforces Heesen’s position at the forefront of the superyacht market, demonstrating the shipyard’s capability to build complex, high-performance hybrid yachts with exceptional quality and design, delivered on schedule.
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.
