Heesen Yachts has revealed the first details of Project Ananda, a new 72.3-metre steel superyacht that will become the largest steel yacht ever built by the Dutch shipyard when delivered later this decade.

Designed as a speculative Smart Custom project, Project Ananda combines large-volume yacht design with extensive personalization options while placing wellness, privacy and hybrid technology at the center of its concept.

Keel laying is scheduled for November 2026 with launch and delivery targeted for 2030.

Project Ananda Becomes Heesen’s Largest Steel Yacht

At 72.3 metres, Project Ananda pushes Heesen into a new size category while maintaining the yard’s focus on efficiency and customisation.

The yacht has been developed as part of Heesen’s Smart Custom platform, allowing owners to modify layouts and features while reducing build timelines compared with fully custom projects.

The yacht’s name comes from Sanskrit and translates to “inner joy,” reflecting the project’s emphasis on owner experience and wellbeing.

Five Decks Built Around Privacy And Flexibility

Project Ananda stretches across five decks with layouts specifically designed to create separation between guest spaces, private areas and entertainment zones.

One of the more unusual features is a midship arrival platform connected directly to a central glass elevator.

According to Heesen, this allows guests to access cabins privately while bypassing social spaces entirely.

The yacht also introduces two alternative owner’s deck configurations, allowing buyers to prioritize either forward-facing privacy or aft-focused outdoor living.

Two Master Suites Challenge Traditional Yacht Layouts

Project Ananda departs from traditional hierarchy by offering two master suites.

The primary owner’s suite occupies the foredeck with panoramic views and a dedicated office, while a second master suite on the bridge deck mirrors many of the same features.

The arrangement provides greater flexibility for multi-generational families or charter operations where equal accommodation becomes increasingly valuable.

Wellness Facilities Become A Core Design Priority

Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of Project Ananda is its wellness offering.

The yacht includes a 100-square-metre beach club and spa area developed together with Heesen’s Human Health Engineering department.

Facilities include a sauna, steam room, snow shower, ice bath, hyperbaric chamber, massage rooms and dedicated treatment spaces.

The project reflects growing demand for wellness-focused superyacht experiences that extend beyond traditional gyms and spas.

Hybrid Propulsion Supports Long-Range Cruising

Project Ananda will use a hybrid propulsion system combining twin MTU engines with PTI/PTO gearbox technology.

Heesen expects the yacht to achieve a range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots while delivering a maximum speed of 16 knots.

Engineering phases including naval architecture development and tank testing have already been completed.

Interior And Exterior Blur Traditional Boundaries

The yacht introduces several design elements intended to strengthen connections between interior and exterior spaces.

Travertine flooring replaces traditional teak decking in several areas, extending continuously between outdoor pool spaces and indoor entertainment zones.

A large pool deck, hidden mooring systems and open-plan layouts are intended to create spaces that easily transition between relaxation and entertainment.

Project Ananda Reflects Changing Superyacht Priorities

Project Ananda illustrates how superyacht buyers increasingly prioritize flexibility, wellness and lifestyle-driven design over pure size alone.

For Heesen, the project represents more than simply building a larger yacht.

It is a statement about where the future of ultra-luxury yacht design may be heading.