Heesen begins building hybrid Project Oslo24

Heesen has officially begun the construction of the Dutch builder’s hybrid, Project Oslo24. A keel-laying ceremony on October 4, saw the owners weld their “good luck coins” to the structure. The occasion was also witnessed by a Lloyd’s Register surveyor who signed off the first stage of the build.

Friso Visser, Heesen, chief commercial officer, said: “We were the first shipyard who dared to take the financial risk of building hybrid yachts on speculation and today, all our yachts are available with hybrid propulsion as an option. ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’ is our mantra. Today, that change is real. It is a pleasure to see that clients trust our systems and decide to implement them in their highly customised yachts to reduce their footprint.”

Project Oslo24 is a customised version of Heesen’s 50m steel class platform. She will be equipped with Heesen’s hybrid system. The hybrid drivetrain draws on diesel engines and electric motors, together or individually and in any combination, for both propulsion and onboard needs.

Seen before in the automotive world, but those systems are typically used for energy-saving and reducing emissions. Hybrid propulsion sea allows also for silent cruising and minimal vibration, said Heesen.

At the system’s heart are twin MTU 8V4000 M63 (IMO Tier III) main engines, each one coupled to a water-cooled, 135kW Danfoss electric motor on the same propeller shaft.

The owner is working with Luca Dini Design and Architecture to create the interior. Contrasting dark, high-gloss and light matte wood finishes, with a ribbed canneté texture and soft leather in warm tones offer guests “a refuge” said the builder.

“The owner of Oslo24 and his family are deeply involved in every aspect of this project,” said Stefan Zucker of Zucker and Partner, the owner’s representative. “For us this makes it an even more exciting project.”

Project Oslo24 (YN20150) is due for delivery in March 2024.