Heesen Yachts Launches 50-Meter All-Aluminum Project Sophia
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Heesen Yachts has announced the launch of Project Sophia, a 50-meter all-aluminum motor yacht, at its facility in Oss. Launched on March 14, 2026, the vessel is engineered to combine high-speed performance with an exceptionally shallow draft, specifically designed for unrestricted cruising in regions like the Bahamas.
Project Sophia features a refined hard-chine hull with recessed propeller tunnels, a design that Heesen’s naval architects say delivers a 12% gain in hull efficiency. Powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines, the yacht reaches a top speed of 23 knots and offers a transatlantic range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots. The 499 GT vessel is also fully IMO Tier III-compliant.
The contemporary interior, crafted at Heesen’s dedicated cabinetry workshop in Winterswijk, features a palette of sage greens, mustard accents, and warm bronzes. The layout accommodates 12 guests across five staterooms and offers 324 square meters of luxury interior space alongside 250 square meters of outdoor deck area. Key amenities include a shallow pool with floating sun loungers on the main deck aft and an activity-focused beach club with tailored storage for wakeboards and land-exploration bikes.
“At Heesen, we believe that smart naval architecture underpins a yacht’s true value," said Peter van der Zanden, Director of Design & Development and Engineering. "With Project Sophia, our engineers have improved hull efficiency by 12%. This translates directly into lower fuel consumption and a quieter, more enjoyable experience at sea."
Finished in "Whisper Grey" by Awlgrip, Project Sophia is currently available for purchase. The yacht will now undergo sea trials in the North Sea and remains on schedule for delivery in June 2026.