Heesen Yachts has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of Project Grace, YN 21350. They have successfully joining her hull and superstructure. This step brings the 50-metre yacht closer to completion and underlines Heesen’s growing ambitions in the steel displacement market.
Project Grace represents the first vessel in the shipyard’s newly introduced 50-metre Steel class. By launching this platform, Heesen aims to offer clients a balance between volume, performance, and customisation, while maintaining the yard’s reputation for engineering precision and forward-thinking design.
The operation began in Franeker, at Talsma Shipyard, where the hull was fabricated with meticulous attention to strength and efficiency. From there, the completed hull travelled through the Netherlands’ inland waterways to Heesen’s main facility in Oss. Once in the shed, engineers installed her twin main engines before carefully completing the joining process.
For the first time, Heesen is fitting one of its yachts with MAN IMO Tier III engines. Each unit delivers 882kW, combining efficiency with compliance to the latest emissions standards. “The MAN D2862LE438 was the clear choice for this platform,” explained Peter van der Zanden, Heesen’s Head of Design & Development. “It offers the performance profile we need while ensuring efficiency for long-range cruising.”
Exterior design
Exterior styling comes from Harrison Eidsgaard, a studio renowned for translating contemporary lines into elegant, timeless forms. Grace’s design showcases sharp lines, low bulwarks, and expansive windows, ensuring natural light floods the interior and enhancing her visual connection to the sea. The studio is also refining onboard circulation to maximise guest living areas while creating efficient working spaces for crew.
Heesen CCO Ruud van der Stroom described the joining milestone as a powerful moment: “This is where the vision becomes reality. The lines of this first 50-metre Steel yacht show the strength of the design, and we are confident she will resonate with discerning owners.”
Available for sale, Project Grace is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2028. With her combination of performance, comfort, and striking design, she reflects Heesen’s strategy to expand its offering for owners seeking steel displacement yachts alongside the yard’s proven aluminium builds.