Articles ORION: A 50m Heesen Hybrid Superyacht Delivered with 360° Ocean Independence Support

There is something quietly powerful about the arrival of ORION. The latest 50-metre hybrid yacht from Heesen doesn’t shout for attention. She doesn’t need to.

Delivered in June 2025 and now available for charter with Ocean Independence, ORION offers a refined take on performance, efficiency and style. But beyond her technical pedigree lies another story. One that demonstrates how our 360° service can deliver a seamless ownership experience, from introduction to charter.

Built on spec by Heesen and known during construction as Project ORION, this yacht was always designed to be different. The sleek aluminium hull, engineered for Heesen’s Fast Displacement Hull Form, combines with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system to produce smooth, near-silent cruising. At 10 knots, she burns as little as 45 litres of fuel per hour, which speaks volumes about her thoughtful design. Add in a shallow draft of 2.15 metres and a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles, and it becomes clear: ORION is a yacht built to go further, in more ways than one.

Inside, ORION is just as considered. Cristiano Gatto’s interior blends Italian materials with precise craftsmanship. The layout accommodates 12 guests in 6 cabins, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck and a generous VIP below. The colour palette is warm and modern, with marble, leather, and brushed metal used to subtle effect. Floor-to-ceiling windows and fold-down balconies draw the outside in, making the transition from sea to salon feel effortless.

Master stateroom on board ORION

Outdoor living is clearly a priority. The 240 square metres of exterior space include a sun deck with Jacuzzi, shaded bar and relaxed dining area. At the stern, a well-appointed beach club houses a gym, sauna, dayhead and hydraulic swim platform. Stabilisers work both at anchor and underway to ensure comfort across all decks, even in less-than-perfect conditions.

Jacuzzi on sundeck on board ORION

From a technical perspective, ORION is a confident expression of what next-generation yachting can look like. But what makes her particularly special, at least to us, is the role Ocean Independence has played in bringing her to life.

The Client was introduced to the project by Ocean Independence Consultant, Anton Foord. Recognising the rare combination of hybrid innovation, shallow draft and Northern European build quality, Anton matched the Client with the project early in 2025. “We were particularly drawn to Heesen due to the exceptional build and finish quality”, says Anton. Our Team then guided the Owner through the final build phase, coordinating with Heesen and the interior designer to tailor the yacht to the Owner’s preferences.

Throughout construction, we provided strategic oversight, attending key build meetings, reviewing specifications, ensuring timelines were met, and liaising directly with the yard. Once delivery was confirmed for June 2025, we transitioned seamlessly into our management and charter roles. Today, ORION is part of the Ocean Independence charter fleet, available in the Mediterranean for summer and heading to the Caribbean for winter. “It is incredibly exciting to welcome a yacht to the charter fleet that sits at the cutting edge of technology and design”, says Stephanie Archer, Senior Charter Manager. “She has a wide appeal and promises to offer exceptional experiences to all who come on board.” Charter rates start at €365,000 per week, plus expenses.

Swim platform on board ORION Main salon on board ORION

Her hybrid technology is central to her charter appeal, allowing for silent cruising that is ideal for night passages or early morning departures. The onboard toy collection includes a 6.2m tender, Jet skis, Seabobs, eFoils, snorkelling gear and inflatables, with a chase boat available on request. Combined with wellness amenities, flexible interior spaces and a dedicated crew of nine, the result is a charter experience that feels polished but never overstated.

Every aspect of her operation is managed in-house: compliance, crew recruitment, itinerary planning, budgeting, charter marketing and guest experience. This continuity, from introduction to operation, is central to our 360° service approach. “The ability to offer all services is a real plus for Clients, as they know they can get the same level of service from people they trust”, says Toby Maclaurin. “The different services all play into each other, making each one more efficient in themselves.” With charter considerations able to be factored into the build phase, and operational management optimised for both ownership and charter, every element contributes to a cohesive and efficient whole. It allows owners to enjoy their yachts without distraction, knowing that experienced professionals are looking after every detail.

In many ways, ORION captures the very best of modern yachting. Intelligent and innovative design. Quiet confidence. Global capability. And behind it all, a Team that understands how to deliver value from start to finish.

To enquire about ORION for charter, or to learn more about our new build and management services, please contact the Ocean Independence team.

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