Heesen has unveiled its largest steel yacht to-date.
Developed in collaboration with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, Project Ananda represents the inaugural build under the shipyard’s new direction.
At 72 metres, Project Ananda marks a significant step forward in Heesen’s engineering capabilities.
Ananda, meaning ‘inner joy’, encapsulates the philosophy behind the yacht’s onboard experience.
The collaborative process between Sinot and Heesen’s in-house engineering team began at an early stage, ensuring the exterior design could be realised.
The integrated approach aligns design intent with technical feasibility, maintaining consistency from concept through to construction.
Shipbuilding expertise
Project Ananda is built on an ultra-efficient steel hull and combines Dutch shipbuilding expertise with advanced performance.
Tank testing at the University of Southampton’s Wolfson Unit validated resistance, trim, heave and wave response.
The hybrid propulsion system incorporates twin MTU engines and PTI/PTO gearboxes, delivering a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots.
On board, a midships shell door opens onto a docking platform leading directly to a central glass elevator, an arrangement designed to transform a functional operational feature into a ceremonial arrival experience, allowing guests to bypass social areas and access their quarters with complete privacy.
The general arrangement is spread across five decks and prioritises fluid movement and layered privacy.
Integrated wellbeing experience
The layout can be adapted, with two configurable owner’s deck arrangements. The master suite on the foredeck features a private office and there is also a second master suite on the bridge deck.
All interior spaces will be crafted in-house at Heesen Interiors in Winterswijk.
Among Ananda’s features is a travertine-clad swimming pool area connected directly to a Teppanyaki-style bar within the main lounge.
The deck space is flush and free from visible mooring equipment and the midship spa and beach club spans approximately 100 square metres and includes a sauna, steam room, ice bath, snow shower, hyperbaric chamber, massage and medical treatment room and bar.
The project has been developed in collaboration with Heesen’s Human Health Engineering department to deliver an integrated wellbeing experience.
Keel laying is scheduled for November 2026, with launch and delivery anticipated in 2030.
