Heesen launches superyacht 55m 'Project Castor'

By Katia Damborsky 18 May 2020

Thanks to drastic health and safety measures adopted early on, Dutch yard Heesen has launched the 55m (180.5') superyacht 'Project Castor' on schedule amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The fourth hull in Heesen's 55 Steel series, Project Castor hit the water for the first time at Heesen's Oss facilities today.

The yard was quick to introduce safety measures at their construction facilities and in their offices amid the Coronavirus crisis, resulting in 'increased flexibility' and 'as little disruption as possible'.

In order to maintain social distancing as recommended by the Dutch government, the yard introduced shift working, resulting in half the normal number of employees working together at any one time.

luxury yacht project castor on the water

The yard introduced shift working, resulting in half the normal number of employees working together at any one time.

A representative of the client commented: “We have been beyond impressed with how the Heesen team adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“They have adjusted their working hours to increase social distancing yet retain optimal man hours on our project and preserve an on-time, high-quality delivery which is no small feat in these challenging times.”

The yacht is set to undertake sea trials in the coming weeks, and delivery is scheduled for August.

Formerly known as YN 19055, Project Castor features 'muscular' exterior styling by Omega Architects' Frank Laupman. Notable features include a 'shark's tooth' motif on the overhang of the wheelhouse.

The motor yacht's interiors come from Bannenberg & Rowell, and this marks the eighth collaboration between the Dutch yard and the British design studio. Key materials in the interior include “signature woods and natural stones” with a “warm colour palette” and plenty of natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.

Project Castor features a number of variations to the first three 55 metre Steel Class yachts. These include a full-beam sky lounge, a 73 square metre Owner's cabin and larger lower deck suites.