Construction update on 50m Heesen Project Aster

Dutch yard Heesen Yachts has revealed that its latest 50 metre superyacht Project Aster has entered the fairing phase.

The yard is also preparing to fit the interiors of the yacht which is due for completion in 2019. It comes after the the yacht passed a construction milestone in February after the semi-displacement hull and superstructure were joined.

Hull YN18750, as the yacht is also known, is the seventh iteration of the Heesen 5000 Aluminium class, as designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. Built on speculation, Project Aster follows in the wake of the recent launch White and the recently delivered VanTom.

The sub-500GT interior has been designed by Cristiano Gatto and the Italian designer has drawn on previous Heesen 5000 Aluminium projects for inspiration. For example, the silver ceiling was first seen on Project Aster’s sister ship Satori (now renamed Septimus).

Key materials on board will include brushed spruce, stainless steel inserts and woven leather, developed in collaboration with Foglizzo. The overall effect is described as “quiet and serene”.

Accommodation is for up to 12 guests split across six staterooms, including a main deck master suite and five lower deck cabins. Meanwhile, the crew quarters will be suitable for a staff of up to nine people.

In a statement, the yard added: "The design of Aster showcases the creative fruits of Cristiano’s five-year collaboration with Heesen. Her interior design has been conceived to emphasise Heesen’s ornate craftsmanship and clever engineering, such as high gloss lacquered wood with complicated inserts in leather, metal, upholstery and wood."

Power will come from a pair of MTU 16V4000 diesel engines for a top speed of 23 knots and a cruising range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots.

Other superyacht projects currently under development at the Dutch yard include the 49.8 metre Project Boreas and the 56 metre Project Neptune, both of which are also due for completion next year.