Ship & Boat International: eNews June 2019
An efficiency boost of 12% and a notably reduced draught are two of the reported key features of Heesen Yachts’ forthcoming Aquamarine (aka 5000 Aluminium Class) newbuild. Designed by Van Oossanen and Omega Architects, the yacht will achieve this efficiency gain by “raising the transom and making it sleeker”, as well as incorporating propeller tunnels into her semi-displacement hull, Heesen says. Raising the five-bladed Schaffran propellers will help to limit the Aquamarine’s draught to 2.15m, the builder adds, while two interceptors will grant the yacht enhanced dynamic trim at high speeds.
The first-in-class Aquamarine is under construction at Heesen’s facility in Oss, the Netherlands, and will measure 50m x 9m and run on twin MTU 16V4000 M65L engines, rated a combined 5,593kW, to obtain a top speed of 23knots. The engines are designed to operate with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for reduced NOx emissions – which, Heesen claims, could make her the first fast-cruising yacht under 500gt to comply with IMO Tier III emission restrictions.
In a similar, eco-friendly vein, the vessel’s generators will be fitted with soot filters. The Aquamarine’s estimated range is 3,100nm at 11knots.
The yacht will feature five cabins, accommodating up to 12 guests. A raised aft deck will make room for a combined tender garage / ‘luxury beach club’ space beneath, connecting to the vessel’s flush swim platform for easy access to the water. Delivery of the Aquamarine is scheduled for January 2021.
