New details have been unveiled about the 56.7-metre in-build Heesen superyacht Project Akira. Construction began in 2021 on the first Heesen 5700 Aluminium yacht, with Marine Construction Management (MCM) acting as owner’s representatives during the build.
“We were introduced to these clients a few years ago when they were weighing up the options of designing and building from scratch, purchasing from the brokerage market or purchasing a yacht already in-build,” explained Peter Wilson, co-founder of MCM. 
Project Akira features exterior design by Omega Architects, with naval architecture penned by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and Heesen Yachts. The yacht was sold in April 2023, with Wes Sanford of Northrop & Johnson and James Corts of MarineMax, acting on behalf of the buyer.
Read: Project Akira: First 57m Heesen 5700 Aluminium superyacht sold
Photo: Heesen Yachts
Photo: Heesen YachtsMCM were appointed as owner’s representatives for the build, with their first tasks to review the project’s specifications and drawings and to work with the lawyers in the development of the final specification and contract documents. 
Project Akira was already under construction, which meant that MCM needed to ensure that the specifications met the owner’s needs. “The bulk of the aluminium works on the hull, deck and superstructure was complete, though at a stage where the owners could still put their imprint on the design, particularly in the interior,” explained Wilson.
Read: Construction of 57m Heesen superyacht Project Akira officially begins
Photo: Heesen Yachts“We had a lot of input into the technical specification of the yacht and the project was at a stage where those improvements could be implemented and included in the yacht’s system. Having said that, the specification was already written to a high standard and some choices come down to preferences, not necessarily right and wrong.”
Boasting a gross tonnage of 750GT, the all-aluminium yacht features an efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) hull shape, a concept developed by Netherlands-based naval architects Van Oossanen.
Read: Behind the scenes with industry pioneer Van Oossanen Naval Architects
“Her hull design concept is the FDHF which provides hydrodynamic efficiency allowing for low consumption and long range at cruising/delivery speeds,” added Wilson. “Also, importantly, based on her keel laying date she is fully IMO Tier III compliant.”
Coupled to this advanced naval architecture and engineering platform is a progressive yet elegant exterior design from long-time Heesen collaborators Omega Architects. Project Akira showcases angular, yet graceful lines, paired with a transom scoop. 
Project Akira features interior design from the drawing boards of Harrison Eidsgaard, with the owners working with the studio to personalise the yacht to their own style. She will also be equipped with bespoke furniture, crafted by Heesen's interior engineers.
Project Akira can comfortably accommodate as many as 12 guests across six staterooms, including a 63-square-metre main deck owner’s apartment. She has a bridge deck VIP and the remaining four suites are situated on the lower deck, as well as cabins for a crew of 13.
Despite Project Akira being the first hull from a new platform model, her owner’s are able to draw on the knowledge and expertise of both Heesen and MCM to customise her to meet their needs.
“Akira is indeed the first of a new series,” confirmed Wilson. “However our projects are typically custom so this being the first in this line for Heesen is not really a differentiation from our normal modus. 
“The shipyard has been very inclusive and open to ideas, and welcome recipients of our experience that we can bring to bear. It has been a really healthy collaboration.”
Construction of Akira is currently on track, with sea trials expected to take place in the summer, and a 2024 delivery date.
“Currently the engine room is close to fully populated and from a systems perspective the yacht is quite complete. The interior is being installed at a fast pace and the exterior paint process is nearing completion. We are excited about putting her through her paces in the North Sea quite soon!”