Dutch shipyard Heesen has laid the keel for the 55 m superyacht Project “Kansei” at Talsma, the yard’s partner for steel hull fabrication in the northern Netherlands. In the presence of a Lloyd’s Register surveyor, Heesen CEO Jeroen van der Meer performed the ceremonial welding, placing a 1978 coin in the keel to honour the shipyard’s founding year.
The keel laying marks the start of construction of the anniversary yacht, which is scheduled for launch in October 2028 to coincide with Heesen’s 50th anniversary. Delivery is planned for the first quarter of 2029.
The name “Kansei” is derived from the Japanese concept of anticipating emotional needs and designing for human sensibility, reflecting Heesen’s guiding pillars of Human, Health and Happiness. The yacht has been designed with a focus on wellbeing and comfort on board.
Luca Dini Design and Architecture worked with Heesen’s leadership team on the interior concept. The design features backlit rice paper, raffia ceilings and open living spaces intended to create a calm atmosphere.
Based on Heesen’s 55 m platform
Project “Kansei” also introduces a different approach to the layout. The aft section of the main deck includes a gym and yoga area leading onto a terrace with a juice bar. On the lower deck, the wellness area comprises a sauna, hammam and an emotional shower with snow, mist and water features.
Social areas include a formal dining room with an indoor bar on the bridge deck and a sundeck with a live cooking station and an integrated AV/IT entertainment system. The interior will be built by Heesen Interiors at the shipyard’s carpentry facility in Winterswijk.
The 55 m superyacht is based on Heesen’s established steel platform, incorporating feedback from owners, captains and chief engineers. Updates include a one-metre extension of the swim platform to increase waterside space and the addition of a transformer for easier access to the sea.
Project “Kansei” remains available for sale. A future owner joining the project at this stage will be able to customise the interior before construction progresses.
Project “Kansei”
- Steel Hull, LOA 56m, beam 9.6m, draft 2.7m
- Main engines 2 x MTU 8V 4000 M63 delivering a top speed of 15.5 knots
- Transatlantic Range of 4,500 nm at 12 knots
- Internal volume: approx. 760 GT, 12 guests in 6 staterooms
- Exterior design Omega Architects, Interior Design Luca Dini Design & Architecture
