Heesen has announced that the hull and superstructure of YN 19850 were joined together at the shipyard in Oss on Saturday, 16 January. The 50m Project Sapphire is the second in the new semi-displacement 5000 Aluminium Class, a fast-cruising design of under 500GT which follows from the successful Satori Class.
For this new class of vessel, Heesen’s in-house team of naval architects created an optimised, low-drag hull design with a reduced transom depth and propeller tunnels to allow for a shallower shaft angle. Together, these refinements have led to efficiency gains of some 12%, while a draught of just 2.15m makes Sapphire the perfect yacht for exploration. The in-house team was supported by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, who carried out the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tests.
Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has created a shape for the new 5000 Aluminium Class that is unique yet elegant and represents the culmination of a ten-year programme of design development at Heesen.
Project Sapphire’s ultra-efficient hull shape is perfectly complemented by two MTU 16V4000M65L ‘green oceanic’ engines, fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) units to reduce NOx emissions. Particulate filters on the generators augment the environmental package, while a pair of interceptors will guarantee an optimal dynamic trim at high speeds. With a top speed of 23 knots and a range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots, Sapphire will be ideal for both island hopping and longer passages.
Italian designer Cristiano Gatto has created a refined and elegant interior design. Twelve guests can be accommodated in four spacious suites on the lower deck and a master stateroom forward on the main deck.
Project Sapphire is on schedule for delivery in June 2022.
Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminium and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.
Credits: Heesen
The 145m or 140m (the length of the yacht is still in question) Solaris hit the water for the first time on a very foggy Sunday 28 February. Although there’s still not very much information about Solaris, we know that the yacht has eight decks, as well as a helicopter pad and a spacious beach club aft. Solaris can accommodate up to thirty-six passengers and a crew of sixty.The explorer vessel has become the eighth vessel in Roman Abramovich’s fleet. Credits: Instagram DrDuu
March 1, 2021
The 142m superyacht Nord has docked at Gibraltar. Previously known as Opus and Project Redwood, Nord was designed by design studio Nuvolari Lenard. The owner is represented by Moran Yacht & Ship. Explorer vessel Nord can accommodate 36 guests in 20 staterooms.Gibraltar Yachting shows how it was. Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet, including Octopus, Rising Sun, and Azzam.Credits: YouTube/Gibraltar Yachting
March 1, 2021
Project Titanium marks the third collaboration between the Imperial The Italian Sea Group – Admiral shipyard. Boasting an exterior and interior design from the Winch Design studio, Project Titanium has been designed with the intention to find the perfect balance between high-end quality standards and high-tech solutions with particular attention to eco-sustainability, thanks to her innovative diesel-electric propulsion system, powered by Azipods."Imperial is one of the major brokers of the superyacht industry. We would like, first of all, to thank our Client, who put his trust in us to develop and confirm this outstanding project, and we are really looking forward to commencing! Partnering with esteemed professionals such as Admiral and Winch Design on this project, with their proven track records, is another proof of the reputation Imperial has gained throughout the past 15 years to create a certain idea of exigence, of dedication and of detailed achievements within our industry," says Julia Stewart, Imperial Director. The Italian Sea Group"Imperial is now a consolidated partner of ours with whom we are capable to share know-how, values, and purposes." says Giuseppe Taranto, The Italian Sea Group - Admiral Vice Chairman. Jim Dixon, Director, Yachts & Aviation at Winch Design, comments: "Embarking on this project brings equal measures of pride and excitement for the Winch Embarking on this project brings equal measures of pride and excitement for the Winch Design team, and follows a huge amount of hard work already achieved. It’s a privilege to be working with the esteemed Admiral Yachts on the build and again with the management team at Imperial. Project Titanium is incredibly dynamic and will be a landmark for the industry. We look forward to working closely with all those involved and can’t wait to see her develop!""Titanium Project represents our concrete step as a world-wide key player in the gigayacht industry, as well as a fine example of our production capabilities, being able to offer the most incredible client’s experience. We are now fully integrated in the 60m to 100m segment and, for sure, comparison with Northern European shipyards comes at ease in terms of efficiency, quality and performances, while we surpass them in flexibility in accomplishing the most demanding client’s requests," also added Giuseppe Taranto. Project Titanium has an expected delivery planned for 2025. Established in 2005, Imperial builds, brokers, manages and charters many of the world’s finest superyachts. The Imperial main office is located in Monaco, the heart of the superyacht industry. Imperial has been involved in many of the recent major sales and deliveries of the superyacht industry, such as Bel Abri (Amels 52m), Fast Support Vessel 6711 (Damen 67m), Project 783 (Nobiskrug 73m), Amore Vero (Oceanco 86m), Amadea (Lürssen 106.10m), Lana (Benetti 107m) and Flying Fox (Lürssen 136m).Credits: Imperial, The Italian Sea Group
March 1, 2021
EYOS Expeditions, the world’s foremost provider of private yacht expeditions, and Nansen Polar Expeditions have joined forces on a long-term strategic alliance coinciding with Nansen’s recent fleet expansion. Together, EYOS and Nansen will combine their collective experience to introduce a new expedition yacht experience in the polar regions. 72m Cloudbreak EYOS works regularlyNansen Polar Expeditions has been operating since 2019 with their first vessel, Villa, a rugged – yet luxurious – expedition ship, and they’ve recently acquired Nansen Explorer, a 72m ICE 1A+ vessel that will accommodate 12 guests following an extensive refit. EYOS has more than a decade of experience operating private yacht expeditions to the polar regions aboard the world’s most prestigious private and charter expedition yachts. Photo by Reeve JolliffeEYOS CEO Ben Lyons said, “One of the most exciting elements of our new alliance with Nansen Polar Expeditions is the ability to go beyond the boundaries of a typical expedition. Given the high ice-class and helicopter capability of MV Nansen Explorer, we intend to reach destinations far removed from even where most expedition vessels are sailing, and certainly well out of reach of a conventional superyacht.” Photo by Reeve JolliffeNansen Polar Expeditions CEO Audun Lie Dahl said, “Working so closely with EYOS on this multifaceted alliance opens up new markets and opportunities for both companies. There is a great personal connection and history between us, and we couldn’t have found a better partner as we continue to expand our fleet.” Credits: Reeve Jolliffe; EYOS Expeditions
February 28, 2021
The new 94m Feadship hybrid yacht Project 817 launched in Kaag, the Netherlands yesterday. Her advanced hybrid propulsion system allows the yacht to cruise on diesel-electric power at 12 knots. In diesel mode she’s able to reach a top speed of 20 knots. Her exterior was made by Azure and Feadship's Studio De Voogt and the interior is the work of Peter Marino Architects. Project 817 can carry a 14m tender, the largest ever installed on any Feadship. “There she is, the 94m Project 817; this groundbreaking eco-friendly Feadship has left the yard for the first time. Onlookers are admiring her special pearl-white livery, which is housing an exceptionally advanced hybrid propulsion system,” the shipyard’s Facebook page notes. Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
February 27, 2021