The moment a hull and superstructure join together is when most yacht owners can better understand how the finished superyacht will look. That moment occurred for the yacht Project Grace at Heesen following a week’s worth of coordination and transportation.
Transportation was necessary to get the steel hull from Heesen’s subcontractor in Franeker, in the northern part of The Netherlands. A barge transferred the hull through various canals and rivers to the interior city of Oss, where Heesen has its riverfront headquarters. Before securing the aluminum superstructure in place, Heesen’s craftspeople installed the twin MAN engines.
The first Heesen 50M Steel FHDF series, the yacht Project Grace represents yet another first. Specifically, she introduces the builder’s customers to the 12-cylinder MAN D2862 LE438 engine. Delivering 1,200 hp, this engine “was the clear choice, offering a power and efficiency profile that is perfectly calibrated for Project Grace’s performance targets,” says Peter van der Zanden, head of the design & development/engineering department. Further compliant with international emissions regulations, the power package should permit a range of 3,800 nautical miles at 12 knots. Top speed, meanwhile, should be 15½ knots.
Since Heesen began construction on spec, it selected the design studio Harrison Eidsgaard for interior proposals. The designers envision family-focused, casually elegant areas that of course allow for significant tailoring to personal tastes. Project Grace provides six staterooms for long stays onboard as well as spaces that cater to just one-day visits. For instance, the sundeck can accommodate last-minute invitations for lunch or dinner while at anchor. Simultaneously, it’s ideal for a birthday bash or anniversary party for nearly two dozen people. Closer to the water level, meanwhile, the split-level aft-deck terrace has an infinity pool and big swim platform for boarding watertoys. The toys stow on the foredeck, freeing up all of this aft space entirely for leisure.
The megayacht remains available for sale, with delivery in the first quarter of 2028. “We are confident her iconic design will resonate strongly with a discerning owner,” says Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen’s CCO.
Harrison Eidsgaard he.design
Heesen Yachts heesenyachts.com
More About the Yacht Project Grace
LOA: 163’8” (49.9 meters)
Beam: 30’6” (9.6 meters)
Draft: approx. 8’4” (2.55 meters) at half load
Guests: 12 in 6 staterooms
Engines: 2/1,182-hp MANs
Range: 3,800 nautical miles at 12 knots
Builder: Heesen Yachts
Stylist: Harrison Eidsgaard
Naval Architect: Van Oossanen Naval Architects
Interior Designer: Harrison Eidsgaard