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Heesen unveils hybrid superyacht Nova

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Heesen shipyard has unveiled its new yacht at the Monaco Boat Show: 50m Project Nova. The yacht is another model with the Fast Displacement hull that Heesen first used for Galactica Star, launched in 2013.

Unlike Galactica Star, Project Nova is not boasting excessive speeds but rather a focus on fuel efficiency. At 12 knots, a 50-metre superyacht with a light displacement of 315 tons and a weight of almost 500 tons uses 98 litres of fuel per hour (30% below the average for this class). At 10 knots, the fuel consumption is 57.5 litres per hour.

The maximum speed of the Project Nova is comparable to other displacement yachts at 16.3 knots. The yacht can travel 3,750 miles on one tank of 45,000 liters of fuel.

Her impressive fuel efficiency has been achieved by the combination of two MTU 12V 2000 M61 engines, each rated at 600kW, and two water-cooled electrical engines, each rated at 127kW. At speeds of up to 9 knots, the Nova can be propelled solely by the electric engines, without engaging the main engines, in which case her fuel consumption will be reduced to only 45 litres per hour.

Thanks to the hybrid propulsion system, the yacht has achieved an unprecedented noise level: when cruising with the petrol engines switched off, the maximum noise level in the accommodation spaces will not exceed 50 decibels. On long passages, the electric engines can be used as generators.

The most memorable features of the Project Nova's exterior styling are the vertical bow and splash guards. The interiors of the Project Nova, designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, are contemporary in style and use natural materials. The designer's task was to recreate the atmosphere of a seaside mansion on board. The main and upper decks have panoramic glazing and the aft decks have a gym on the main deck and a Jacuzzi on the upper deck. There is a gym and a hammam, as well as six cabins, including a VIP cabin on the lower deck and a master cabin on the main deck.

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