Heesen Yachts has announced the delivery of Orion, an all-aluminum, 164-foot, hybrid superyacht that is the Dutch shipyard’s third delivery of 2025.
Orion is Heesen’s third vessel in its 50-meter Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) aluminium series equipped with hybrid propulsion. The yacht’s eco-conscious cruising setup includes silent operation up to 10 knots, reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.
The superyacht is the result of a collaboration between Heesen, the owner’s team and designer Cristiano Gatto, who worked with the owner to create bespoke furniture for Orion. Gatto and his team, working alongside Heesen’s engineers and craftspeople, also developed a contemporary interior using more than 37 different materials, including Italian marble, high-gloss woods and woven leather, according to the builder.
“The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen,” stated Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen’s Chief Commercial Officer in a press release. “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.”
Constructed from lightweight aluminium with the Fast Displacement Hull Form developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and engineered by Heesen’s in-house team, Orion is powered by two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines. This setup enables a reported top speed of 16.3 knots and a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots, consuming only 25.9 gallons per hour (excluding hotel loads). In hybrid mode at 10 knots, consumption drops to a miserly 11.9 gph.
With a 7-foot draft, Orion is well suited for a wide array of cruising grounds from the Bahamas to the Mediterranean. The superyacht has a vertical bow and sole-to-ceiling windows that bring in an abundance of natural light, a key component of Frank Laupman of Omega Architects’ exterior design. The 499 GT interior accommodates 12 guests across six staterooms, including a main-deck owner’s stateroom and a full-beam VIP suite.
Peter van der Zanden, head of engineering at Heesen Yachts, emphasized the technical achievements: “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.”
Orion will join Ocean Independence’s charter fleet, offering select charter opportunities.
