Project Ananda: Heesen Launches a 72m Hybrid Vision of Wellbeing and Flexibility

Heesen has unveiled Project Ananda, a 72-metre hybrid explorer-style superyacht that signals a clear shift in the Dutch shipyard’s direction. Developed in close collaboration with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, this is the first project to emerge under Heesen’s new strategic focus on owner wellbeing, flexibility, and long-range capability.

The name Ananda, Sanskrit for inner joy, sets the tone. Rather than chasing maximum size or traditional superyacht hierarchies, this yacht is designed around the idea of creating a floating sanctuary that supports health, privacy, and highly personalised living.

Sinot’s exterior design softens Heesen’s typically sharp lines into smoother, more organic forms while preserving the yard’s signature sleek profile. Built on an efficient steel hull, the yacht has already completed extensive tank testing at the University of Southampton’s Wolfson Unit.

She features a hybrid propulsion system with twin MTU engines, delivering a strong 5,000-nautical-mile range at 12 knots and a top speed of 16 knots — ideal for owners who want to cruise further with greater comfort and efficiency.

One of the most interesting aspects is the arrival experience. Guests step from a midships shell door onto a docking platform and into a private glass elevator, allowing them to reach their accommodation without crossing social areas, a thoughtful touch for those who value discretion.

Across five decks, the layout is deliberately adaptable. Heesen is offering two completely different Owner’s Deck configurations: one with a forward private deck and another focused aft. Both master suites are full-beam and apartment-style, with a second master on the bridge deck providing rare flexibility for multi-generational families or charter guests.

Wellbeing is not an afterthought but a core feature. The standout area is a 100-square-metre midship spa and beach club, developed with Heesen’s Human Health Engineering team. It includes a sauna, steam room, ice bath, snow shower, hyperbaric chamber, and treatment rooms.

Equally striking is the main deck pool area, finished in travertine rather than teak. The stone flooring flows seamlessly from the outdoor pool into the fully openable lounge, creating an elegant indoor-outdoor space that can shift from quiet relaxation to lively entertainment. Interiors will be executed entirely by Heesen Interiors in Winterswijk, ensuring the high level of quality and control the yard is known for.

Keel laying is planned for November 2026, with delivery expected in 2030.

In Project Ananda, Heesen appears to have recognised that today’s owners are looking for more than just another large yacht, they want a vessel that genuinely enhances their quality of life at sea.