Image credit - Heesen

Dutch shipbuilder Heesen, owned by entrepreneur and investor Laurens Last, has launched its 50-metre, all-aluminium superyacht Sophia at its Oss facility, with delivery scheduled for June 2026. Weighing only 499GT (gross tonnes), the lightweight yacht has a top speed of 23 knots and complies with IMO tier III regulations of emitting 70-80 per cent less nitrogen oxide (NOx) compared to tier II vessels.  

It features a shallow draft of 2.15 metres enabling it to cruise in some of the world’s most attractive cruising grounds, like the Bahamas. It also includes a hard-chine hull with recessed propeller tunnels which allows for navigation in shallow waters with 12 per cent more hull efficiency than traditional designs.  

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Following the launch, the yacht will undergo system commissioning prior to sea trials in the North Sea before scheduling for delivery in June 2026. 

Peter van der Zanden, director of design, development and engineering, stated that enhanced hull efficiency contributes to lower fuel consumption and a quieter experience which represents the brand’s focus on performance driven naval architecture. 

The yacht is powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines offering a transatlantic range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots. 

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Finished in Whisper Grey by Awlgrip, Sophia’s interior fit-out was completed in-house at Heesen’s Winterswijk cabinetry workshop which includes a shallow pool with floating sun loungers, while the beach club offers a custom made stowage for wakeboards and bikes and a fold down platform. With a sliding door windbreaker, guests can enjoy elevated social spaces comfortably even while cruising.