Heesen Launches Second Hybrid Yacht, Aptly Named ‘Electra’

After 2 years in build, superyacht Project Electra has been launched and will shortly undergo sea trials in the North Sea before delivery April this year.

For Dutch shipyard Heesen, Project Electra (a.k.a YN 19150) is the second hybrid superyacht launch in their 5000 aluminium Full Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) class, having previously launched and delivered the award-winning hybrid superyacht “Home” to its owner in 2017.

Like M/Y Home, Project Electra owes its distinctive profile with a near-vertical bow and long waterline to the mind of Frank Laupman of Omega Architects who designed the exterior of the superyacht. Utilising the extensive usage of structural glass, Italian designer Cristiano Gatto was then able to create a contemporary and calming interior that also provided a simple sense of connection with the outdoors.

Aside from Electra’s streamlined appearance and elegant design, the attractiveness of this model to potential owners leans gently upon its innovative and eco-friendly offerings.

Compared to a traditional diesel engine arrangement, the hybrid power and propulsion system chosen by Heesen is quieter (said to be the equivalent of soft rain when in hybrid mode) and more fuel-efficient.

It also offers considerable cost-saving benefits to captains with a choice of four different power cruising modes:

• Hybrid Mode: up to 9 knots at noise levels of just 46dB. Two water-cooled DC electric shaft motors of 127kW each quietly power the yacht. The benefits are silent cruising and higher maneuverability in close quarters.
• Economic Mode: Speeds of 9-12 knots with main engines on and generators off. Ideal for longer passages as this mode allows for reduced fuel consumption (at 12 knots the yacht burns only 98 litres per hour) and extended generator life.
• Cruising / Conventional Mode: Speeds of 12-15 knots. This is the traditional mode, where the diesel engines drive the yacht’s propellers and the generators supply the hotel electrical demand.
• Boost Mode: For top speed of 16.3 knots. Generator-powered shaft motors are brought into service alongside the main engines giving an extra kick of power to the gearbox.
  

Owners will be pleased to note up to 12 guests can be accommodated onboard in 6 staterooms, each with private en-suite bathrooms and an overall layout designed to provide multiple outdoor living areas for guests to enjoy at any given time.

Having been just been launched, Project Electra will now complete commissioning of her systems and will undergo intensive sea trials in the North Sea prior to her owner delivery in April 2020.