Chinese Shipyard Secures First European Order For 36-Metre Explorer Series
Chinese shipyard Heysea Yachts has signed its first European contract to build the inaugural yacht of its new explorer series, which is currently under development alongside a 45-metre and a 54-metre yacht. The achievement represents a significant milestone for the Guangdong-based builder as it expands its reach into the premium European market. The 35.9-metre vessel is already in the hull block fabrication stage at Heysea’s facility in Guangdong, China, and is scheduled for delivery to her owners in January 2028. Naval architecture and the construction of her steel and aluminium superstructure are being completed in-house, while the builder is collaborating with Italian designers VYD Studio on the exterior and interior finishes, led by designer Paolo Dose.
The yacht can accommodate guests across four cabins, comprising a full-beam 8.2-metre owner’s suite on the main deck and three lower-deck cabins. Crew accommodation is offered for up to six, in addition to a dedicated captain’s cabin on the upper deck. Standout features on board include a large skylounge, a dedicated spa area with a sauna and extensive storage for expedition equipment, including a sizeable aft deck configured for tenders and toys.
Designed for unrestricted navigation, the yacht will offer a fuel capacity of 38,000 litres and a fresh water capacity of 7,000 litres. Twin 900hp engines are expected to deliver a maximum speed of 14 knots, subject to sea trials. The explorer-focused design philosophy emphasises self-sufficiency and range, making the vessel ideal for extended cruising in remote waters. For owners interested in maintaining their investment, Easthope Marine offers comprehensive vessel management services with particular expertise in caring for explorer yachts, assisting with ongoing maintenance and operational support throughout the yacht’s lifecycle. According to BOATPro data, the explorer yacht is one of three vessels currently under construction at Heysea Yachts, including the 42.2-metre Heysea 139 and the 35.1-metre Asteria 116.
The shipyard’s growing order book reflects increasing demand for purpose-built explorer yachts among European buyers seeking capable, well-appointed vessels for global exploration. This contract underscores Heysea’s commitment to delivering quality construction and thoughtful design to discerning owners who value both performance and comfort in expedition-ready yachts.
This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.
