Charter yacht of the week: Orion the 50m silent superyacht

Each week, we select one of the finest superyachts for charter. This week, BOAT takes a closer look at 50-metre Orion, delivered by Heesen in 2025. Its hybrid propulsion system sets this yacht apart, offering silent cruising at up to 10 knots, along with reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Why charter Orion?

Delivered from Heesen’s Oss facility in 2025, 50-metre yacht Orion is now officially in the charter fleet, set to cruise the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and North American waters in 2026. Named after the most recognisable constellations in the night sky, her exterior, by Dutch studio Omega Architects,  makes a striking impression. A strong vertical bow, pronounced spray rails, and a low centre of gravity give her a purposeful, dynamic presence without feeling overbearing.

A hybrid propulsion system sets this model apart, allowing silent cruising at up to 10 knots, while zero-speed stabilisers ensure maximum comfort at anchor.

Orion has a shallow 2.1-metre draught, a sub-500 GT enclosed volume. At 12 knots, the yacht for charter can consume 98 litres per hour excluding hotel load, while at 10 knots in hybrid mode, consumption falls to a mere 45 litres per hour. 

A vital part of a charter yacht is how it feels when underway. Heesen’s trademark Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, offers a level of comfort that is noticeably superior. 

Interior mood

Inside, the yacht features a luxurious interior with more than 35 types of high-gloss woods, woven leather, marble, cream furnishings, and bespoke carpets. The onboard atmosphere feels light and natural, with high-gloss finishes balanced by soft textures and a neutral colour palette. Designer Gatto’s philosophy for Orion was to create “a cosy and comfortable luxury lifestyle on board,” making her a particularly appealing choice for the charter market.

The main saloon is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides, offering sweeping views and a seamless connection with the surrounding seascape. Mirrored surfaces amplify the natural light, enhancing the sense of space and openness. The interior dining area is also located here, beneath a striking geometric chandelier and framed by glass doors that can be fully opened in fine weather. On the upper deck, an additional lounge invites guests to cosy up for a movie or enjoy pre-dinner cocktails before moving out to the sundeck.

Accommodation is for 12 guests across six cabins, including an owner's suite located on the main deck forward, as well as a full-beam VIP cabin on the lower deck. The design team has made full use of the yacht's large windows, low bulwarks and internal layout to meet the brief for comfortable yet elegant interiors. 

The cabins are light and filled with natural light. Each bathroom features a mix of marble and lacquered wood. The master cabin has floor to ceiling windows as well as a large double-width shower with a central rain shower and a double vanity set into marble. 

Out on deck

On deck, there is ample space for guests to lounge and soak up the sun. The 77-square-metre sundeck features sunpads and a forward-facing whirlpool, offering extra privacy when the yacht is docked stern-to in a marina. While on charter, the sun loungers can be removed to create a versatile entertainment area, complete with a wet bar, a shaded dining table under the hardtop, and relaxing spaces both forward and aft.

The main exterior dining area on board Orion is on the upper deck aft. There's a large round table for the full complement of guests and additional seating behind. More lounge space can also be found on the main deck aft, while the foredeck also has space to relax. 

Toys and wellness

Wellness is a key part of this luxury charter yacht, with highlights including a 26-square-metre wellness area featuring a sauna, a gym, a day head with a shower stall and direct access to the fixed swim platform. The space is set as near as possible to the swim platform so that guests can jump into the water after the sauna or a workout in the gym.

Book Orion

Orion is available for charter with Ocean Independence with a weekly rate from $350,000. The yacht for charter will be cruising the Caribbean, North America and the Mediterranean.