Heesen launches YN 19055, 55-metre steel class, Project Castor on schedule.

Heesen is delighted to announce that on May 14, YN 19055 Project Castor was launched at the Dutch facility in Oss on schedule for its delivery in August.

Thanks to the drastic measures adopted early on, both in our production processes and in the offices, we managed to introduce the necessary physical distance and were therefore able to carry on our work following the Dutch governmental guidelines with as little disruption as possible. By halving the number of employees working in the shipyard at any one time by working in two shifts, we did not lose productivity and increased flexibility.

Rupert Connor from Luxury Yacht Group who represents the client, comments: “We have been beyond impressed with how the Heesen team adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have adjusted their working hours to increase social distancing yet retain optimal man hours on our project and preserve an on-time, high-quality delivery which is no small feat in these challenging times.”

At 760GT, Project Castor is the most voluminous 55 metre currently offered by a Northern European shipyard. Powered by two MTU 8V 4000 M63 diesel main engines, she will reach a top speed of 15.5 knots and will boast a range of 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 13 knots. This outstanding performance is possible thanks to the proven design and engineering platform that sports the progressive FDHF (fast displacement hull form) hull devised by Van Oossanen. The Heesen 55-metre FDHF Steel offers exceptional seakeeping qualities coupled with more frugal fuel consumption compared to any other yacht in her class.

Twelve guests are accommodated in six staterooms, with the master suite located forward on the main deck. Four spacious guest cabins (two double and two twin) are on the lower deck, while the VIP is on the bridge deck. Project Castor is the first in the class to offer the new layout configuration.

YN 19055 will be delivered to her Owners in August 2020 after rigorous sea trials in the North Sea.