Heesen’s YN 19480 Project Cosmos was launched at the shipyard in Oss on November 19. The 80m superyacht has a gross tonnage of 1,700GT. She is the biggest and fastest all-aluminium yacht ever built. 


During the launch 

She is impressive for its immense size and a remarkable top speed of almost 30 knots. This is achieved thanks to the lightweight and low-drag hull design by Heesen’s naval architects on an iteration of the Fast Displacement Hull Form devised by van Oossanen, and assembled, millimetre-perfect, by Heesen’s welders. 



Ensuring sufficient longitudinal strength was one of the biggest technological challenges facing Heesen’s engineering team, who designed and patented the Backbone – an intricate, full-length structural reinforcement system. Power comes from traditional, if highly refined, diesel propulsion – four engines, two gearboxes, variable-pitch propellers and ultra-innovative Promas rudders.


Project Cosmos renders 

Cosmos’s clean lines, a sporty silhouette and the extensive use of glass create a timeless, dynamic profile which were made by renowned British studio Winch Design. “The Winch vision for Cosmos was to retain Heesen’s sporty DNA but blend it with an innovative, futuristic spin. Curved glass forms smooth, sculpted shapes, creating a feeling of slick, contemporary charm,” said Jim Dixon, Director of Yachts and Aviation at the British design house. 


Project Cosmos helipad day view

Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design was responsible for the light and soothing interior design that makes guests feel at home from the moment they step aboard. While the overall palette is neutral, splashes of a range of blue hues are infused into the design throughout. The piece de résistance is undoubtedly the beach club, with its side and stern platforms. The backlit onyx bar with centrally positioned seating is the focal point of this ample and airy space close to the water. With the size, weight and performance of Project Cosmos so intimately connected, Sinot collaborated closely with Heesen’s in-house engineers to ensure that their stringent weight calculations were always met.


Project Cosmos helipad night view

“Today, we are celebrating the launch of a unique yacht,” said Heesen CEO Arthur Brouwer. “Unique not only for our shipyard, as she is the largest we have ever taken on and represents the pinnacle of our achievements to date. Cosmos is also unique in the industry – the largest and fastest aluminium yacht in her class ever built.”



Following her launch, Project Cosmos will remain at Heesen for commissioning before undergoing intense sea trials in the North Sea commencing in February. She is scheduled for delivery in April 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: Dick Holthuis/Heesen Yachts

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