Who Owns The Laurentia? Discover the Owner’s Story
If you’ve ever wondered about the story behind the Laurentia, you’re not alone. This striking yacht turns heads, but its owner has stayed quietly out of the spotlight. Let’s pull back the curtain on who’s behind the wheel and how a collaboration with Heesen Yachts and Omega Architects shaped its character.
Introduction: The Mystery of the Laurentia
The Laurentia, a striking 55-meter motor yacht from Heesen Yachts, has long intrigued maritime enthusiasts, but its ownership has remained a closely guarded secret, until now. This superyacht cuts through the water with a presence that demands attention, its steel hull and clean exterior lines hinting at a level of sophistication that few vessels can match. For years, onlookers have watched it glide into ports from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, always wondering who commands such a remarkable machine.
The allure of the Laurentia goes beyond its impressive dimensions. Built with a Fast Displacement Hull Form developed in collaboration with Van Oossanen Naval Architects, this motor yacht represents a perfect marriage of engineering and artistry. The exterior design by Omega Architects gives it a timeless silhouette, while the interior design by Ramon Alonso creates a world of warmth and elegance. Every detail, from the white oak paneling to the hand-stitched leather, speaks to a standard of craftsmanship reserved for the most discerning owners.
What makes the mystery so compelling is the silence surrounding its creation. Project Alida, as it was known during construction, emerged from the Heesen shipyard with little fanfare, yet its capabilities are anything but modest. With MTU engines and a top speed of 16.6 knots, the Laurentia is built for long voyages, offering a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots. It is a vessel designed for those who value privacy as much as performance, a floating sanctuary for someone who prefers the horizon to the spotlight.
The question of ownership has sparked countless conversations in yacht clubs and marinas. Some speculate about tech entrepreneurs, others whisper about European industrialists, but no one has been able to confirm the truth. The FDHF hull form, the beach club with its watertoys, and the skydeck with a hot tub and wet bar all point to an owner who understands both comfort and discretion. Now, the time has come to pull back the curtain and reveal the story behind this magnificent vessel.
The Laurentia at a Glance: History and Significance
Launched as Project Alida, the Laurentia is a testament to Heesen Yachts’ engineering prowess, featuring a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure designed by Omega Architects. This 55-meter (180 feet) motor yacht holds a displacement of 740 GT, placing it in a class of superyachts that balance volume with performance. The exterior design and interior design were shaped with a clean design philosophy, a hallmark of the Dutch shipyard’s most celebrated builds.
The naval architecture comes from Van Oossanen Naval Architects, who applied their innovative Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF). This hull design improves fuel efficiency and seakeeping, allowing the yacht to achieve a top speed of 16.6 knots during sea trials. The propulsion system relies on twin MTU engines, which deliver reliable power for long-range cruising.
Key specifications of the Laurentia include:
- Length: 55 meters (180 feet)
- Gross Tonnage: 740 GT
- Hull: Steel hull with aluminum superstructure
- Naval Architecture: Van Oossanen Naval Architects (FDHF)
- Exterior Design: Omega Architects
- Propulsion: Twin MTU engines
- Top Speed: 16.6 knots
The Laurentia also features a steering unit with large rudders, which provide precise maneuvering even in strong wind conditions. For close-quarters handling, a Naiad Dynamics zero speed bow thruster complements the system. The yacht’s range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots makes it suitable for transatlantic passages, including voyages across the North Sea.
Within Heesen Yachts’ fleet, the Laurentia represents a significant milestone. It showcases the builder’s ability to combine the FDHF efficiency with luxury amenities like a beach club, skydeck, and hot tub. This superyacht stands as a reference point for owners seeking a balance of performance, range, and refined aesthetics.
The Current Owner: A Reveal
The Laurentia is owned by Hisham Abushakra, a prominent figure in the yachting industry and the founder of The New Yachts Company, based in Miami. His name carries weight in the superyacht community, where he is known for his sharp eye for quality vessels and his ability to match discerning buyers with exceptional builds.
Abushakra’s connection to the industry is not superficial. He has spent years navigating the complexities of yacht sales, chartering, and new construction projects. This deep involvement means he does not simply purchase vessels; he understands every detail that goes into their design, engineering, and performance.
This acquisition was not a random purchase. It was a deliberate move by a professional who recognized the specific merits of the Laurentia, from its steel hull to its Fast Displacement Hull Form. His expertise allowed him to see beyond the surface and appreciate the engineering excellence beneath.
For those following the yacht, the ownership by Abushakra signals a commitment to quality. He is not a passive owner but an active participant in the yachting world, ensuring the vessel remains a standout example of modern shipbuilding.
Background of the Owner
Hisham Abushakra has spent decades in the yachting sector, building a reputation as a broker and consultant with a deep understanding of superyacht design and performance. Based in Miami, he founded The New Yachts Company, a firm that has become a trusted name for buyers and sellers looking for honest guidance.
His career is marked by a focus on the technical aspects of yachting. He does not just look at aesthetics; he evaluates the machinery, the MTU engines, the main generators, and the auxiliary systems like the Kilo-Pak units. This technical fluency sets him apart from many other industry players.
Abushakra has also built strong relationships with shipyards and naval architects. His familiarity with Van Oossanen Naval Architects and their innovative hull designs gave him confidence in the Laurentia’s performance capabilities. He knew the vessel could deliver on its promises.
His professional journey includes overseeing complex brokerage deals and advising on new construction projects. This background makes him a credible owner, one who views the Laurentia not just as a luxury item, but as a finely tuned machine designed for long-range cruising and comfort.
How the Acquisition Happened
Abushakra acquired the Laurentia through a private sale, leveraging his industry connections to secure the yacht shortly after its completion at Heesen’s shipyard. The timing was critical, as he was able to step in and negotiate terms directly with the builder, avoiding the delays of a lengthy public listing.
Because of his position in the market, the transaction was handled with efficiency. He used his own brokerage expertise to facilitate the paperwork and inspections, ensuring a smooth process. The details of the financial agreement remain private, but it was structured as a standard private sale with negotiated terms.
Before taking delivery, Abushakra requested specific adjustments to tailor the yacht to his preferences. These included fine-tuning elements of the interior design and ensuring the beach club and skydeck layouts met his standards for entertaining guests. The full-beam owner suite and full-beam VIP quarters were also reviewed closely.
The acquisition process highlighted his unique advantage as an owner. He did not need external consultants to explain the vessel’s systems or sea trials. He understood the 16.6 knots top speed and the 4,500Nm range at 13 knots intimately. The purchase was a natural extension of his life’s work in the industry.
The Owner’s Vision for the Laurentia
When Abushakra took ownership, he envisioned the Laurentia not just as a personal vessel but as a showcase of refined yacht design, balancing comfort and performance. He wanted a superyacht that could serve dual purposes: private family retreats and high-end charter experiences. This dual approach shaped every decision he made with the build.
To bring this vision to life, Abushakra assembled a world-class design team. Omega Architects handled the exterior design, creating the clean, modern lines that define the 55-meter motor yacht. The interior was entrusted to Ramon Alonso of RADYCA, whose Miami-based studio crafted a warm, sophisticated living space. This collaboration reflects a genuine appreciation for aesthetics at every level.
The result is a vessel that performs as beautifully as it looks. With a steel hull from Heesen Yachts and a Fast Displacement Hull Form designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the Laurentia achieves a top speed of 16.6 knots. The engineering allows for efficient cruising, with a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots, making transatlantic passages entirely feasible.
Abushakra’s vision centered on creating an environment where guests feel at home. The 740 GT layout includes a full-beam owner’s suite and a full-beam VIP, along with four guest suites. Every space balances intimate comfort with the expansive feel expected of a modern superyacht.
Restoration and Preservation Efforts
Rather than major renovations, Hisham Abushakra, a Miami-based owner, focused on preserving the Laurentia’s original clean design, maintaining the high-gloss weng and marble features that define its interior. The approach has always been proactive care over reactive repairs. This philosophy keeps the yacht in pristine condition year after year.
The interior showcases white oak, weng, marble slabs, and hand-stitched leather throughout. These natural materials require consistent attention to maintain their luster. The crew follows a rigorous routine to protect the neutral colors and delicate surfaces from wear, ensuring the yacht looks as fresh as it did at launch.
Technology upgrades have been made discreetly, without compromising the aesthetic. Navigation systems and the steering unit have been updated to modern standards, while the large rudders and bow thruster ensure precise maneuvering even in strong wind, a trait proven during sea trials in the North Sea. These improvements enhance safety and performance without altering the visual character.
Preservation also extends to the mechanical systems. The MTU engines and main generators receive scheduled maintenance to maintain reliability. Supporting systems, including Kilo-Pak and Naiad Dynamics equipment, are checked regularly. The yacht’s fresh water systems are also monitored to ensure quality. This comprehensive approach protects the owner’s investment and ensures the yacht remains charter-ready at all times.
Plans for Public Access and Events
Hisham Abushakra has occasionally opened the Laurentia for select industry events, such as at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, showcasing its beach club and skydeck to prospective clients. These appearances serve a strategic purpose: building the yacht’s reputation in the charter market. They also demonstrate confidence in the product.
The yacht is designed for business networking and social entertaining. The beach club offers direct water access and serves as a hub for watertoys, while the skydeck features a hot tub and wet bar. These venues create memorable settings for cocktail parties and alfresco dining under the open sky. The Portuguese bridge offers additional panoramic views for guests.
Guests can enjoy the Portuguese bridge for panoramic views or gather in the skylounge with its floor-to-ceiling windows and glass insets. The foredeck provides an ideal spot for lounging and taking in the scenery. The foredeck provides additional space for lounging, while the main saloon offers a refined indoor alternative. Each area flows naturally into the next, encouraging movement and conversation.
While the Laurentia is not open to the general public, it is available for private charter opportunities through The New Yachts Company. The combination of indoor areas and alfresco areas makes it ideal for corporate events, family celebrations, and exclusive gatherings. Abushakra’s approach positions the yacht as both a personal treasure and a professional asset.
Challenges Faced Along the Way
Owning a superyacht comes with challenges, from sea trials in the North Sea that tested the Laurentia’s steering under strong winds to the ongoing logistics of crew management. The vessel, built by Heesen Yachts, is a 740 GT motor yacht. The Laurentia, a 55-meter motor yacht built by Heesen Yachts, relies on a powerful steering unit to move its large rudders. In adverse conditions, maneuvering these rudders demands precision and constant attention from the bridge team.
The steering unit and large rudders must respond instantly, especially when strong winds push against the steel hull. The hull form, designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, ensures stability. Sea trials in the North Sea revealed how the vessel behaves when waves and gusts combine. The crew learned to adjust throttle and rudder angles to keep the yacht stable, even when the conditions turned uncomfortable. These tests are essential because they expose how the yacht handles real-world stress, not just calm-water simulations.
Maintaining the top speed of 16.6 knots while managing fuel capacity for a 4,500Nm range is another balancing act, especially given the yacht’s large fuel capacity. The MTU engines and main generators work hard to deliver power, but efficiency depends on speed and sea state. At 13 knots, the range extends significantly, allowing longer passages without refueling. Owners and captains must decide whether to push for speed or preserve fuel for the journey ahead.
Crew accommodations and staffing add another layer of complexity. The Laurentia carries a team that handles everything from navigation to guest services. The crew quarters are designed to be functional and compact. The interior design, created by Omega Architects and Ramon Alonso, includes dedicated crew quarters that are functional but compact. Staffing a 55-meter yacht means hiring experienced professionals who can work long hours in tight spaces while maintaining the clean design and high standards the owner expects. Managing rotations, training, and daily routines requires constant oversight from the captain and chief stewardess.
Community Reaction and Local Impact
In Miami, where Hisham Abushakra is based, the Laurentia has become a familiar sight, drawing admiration from the local yachting community and boosting his company’s profile. The 55-meter motor yacht turns heads at every marina it visits. Fellow yacht owners and captains often approach Abushakra to discuss the vessel’s clean design and impressive sea-keeping abilities.
The buzz at boat shows has been particularly notable. Enthusiasts gravitate toward the Laurentia’s sleek exterior design by Omega Architects and the thoughtful interior design by Ramon Alonso. The yacht was originally built as Project Alida. The yacht has sparked genuine interest in Heesen Yachts as a brand, with many prospective buyers asking about the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) developed with Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The superyacht’s 16.6-knot top speed and efficient 4,500Nm range at 13 knots impress those who value both performance and economy.
Locally, the Laurentia generates meaningful economic activity for marine services in the Miami area. Docking fees, maintenance work, provisioning, and crew supplies all flow to nearby businesses. The 740 GT vessel requires regular attention from technicians, painters, and engineers, keeping several local contractors busy throughout the year. This steady stream of work benefits the broader marine economy.
Beyond the direct spending, the Laurentia serves as a floating ambassador for Abushakra’s brokerage, and the yacht is often featured on YouTube and other media channels. When the yacht appears at events or simply cruises the local waters, it showcases the quality of vessels he represents. The full-beam owner suite, the skylounge with glass insets, and the beach club with watertoys all demonstrate the level of craftsmanship clients can expect. For Abushakra, the Laurentia is more than a personal vessel. It is a living portfolio piece that speaks for itself wherever it goes.
Financial Aspects: Purchase Price and Ongoing Costs
While the exact purchase price of the Laurentia remains undisclosed, industry estimates for a 55-meter Heesen of this spec typically range in the tens of millions of euros, with annual running costs around 10% of the initial value. The yacht’s builders, Omega Architects and RADYCA, are known for their high standards. A superyacht of this caliber represents a significant investment, and the Laurentia is no exception. Experts suggest that bespoke builds from Heesen Yachts command a premium due to their engineering precision and the quality of their steel hull and aluminum superstructures.
Beyond the acquisition price, the true financial commitment lies in the day-to-day operations. Crew salaries form a substantial portion of the annual budget, as a vessel of this size requires a full-time, professional team to handle navigation, hospitality, and safety. The crew accommodations are designed to support the team. Additionally, fuel costs are considerable, especially given the Laurentia’s large fuel capacity that enables a transatlantic range of 4,500Nm at 13 knots. Owners should also budget for dockage fees, insurance premiums, and routine class survey requirements.
Maintenance is a continuous expense, particularly for the MTU engines and the main generators supplied by Kilo-Pak. The stabilizers from Naiad Dynamics also require regular service. These power plants require regular servicing by certified technicians to ensure peak performance and longevity. Similarly, the advanced stabilization systems from Naiad Dynamics, which include zero-speed stabilizers, demand periodic inspection and upkeep to guarantee passenger comfort whether at anchor or underway. The yacht’s fresh water systems are also part of the maintenance plan.
Owners also allocate funds for the exterior design and interior design elements, such as refinishing white oak surfaces or polishing marble slabs. The neutral colors used throughout require careful upkeep. While the initial build by Omega Architects and RADYCA sets the standard, preserving that clean design requires a dedicated budget. In total, experts suggest that prudent owners set aside a contingency fund for unexpected repairs, ensuring the motor yacht remains in pristine, seaworthy condition for years of enjoyment.
What the Future Holds for the Laurentia
Looking ahead, Hisham Abushakra plans to keep the Laurentia in top condition for both personal use and select charter opportunities, with itineraries in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. The yacht is managed by The New Yachts Company. The owner has expressed a clear commitment to preserving the vessel’s legacy as a prime example of Heesen Yachts craftsmanship. Regular maintenance schedules are already in place, ensuring the 55-meter motor yacht remains as pristine as the day she left the yard.
The maintenance program focuses on the core systems that keep the superyacht performing at her best. The MTU engines and main generators receive routine inspections, while the steering unit and large rudders are checked after every season of sea trials. The FDHF hull requires special attention. Preventative care is the priority, especially for the advanced Fast Displacement Hull Form designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. This approach protects the 16.6 knots top speed and the efficient 4,500Nm range at 13 knots.
Future upgrades are envisioned with sustainability in mind. The owner is exploring eco-friendly systems that could reduce emissions without compromising performance. Planned enhancements may include more efficient water treatment solutions and updated climate control for the guest suites and crew accommodations. These upgrades aim to modernize the vessel while respecting the clean design and interior design choices made by Omega Architects and RADYCA. The integration of advanced systems, such as Kilo-Pak and Naiad Dynamics, ensures that the Laurentia remains at the forefront of eco-conscious yachting, with the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) contributing to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Charter availability is part of the long-term vision, though it remains selective. The Mediterranean summer season will feature stops along the French Riviera and the Amalfi Coast, while winter months may see the Laurentia cruising the Caribbean. Guests onboard can expect the full-beam owner suite, the beach club, and the skydeck with its hot tub and wet bar. The owner remains dedicated to sharing the yacht’s beauty while ensuring every voyage honors the original craftsmanship and the legacy of Project Alida. The Laurentia’s charter program, managed by The New Yachts Company, offers exclusive access to the yacht’s luxurious amenities, including the full-beam VIP stateroom and the Portuguese bridge.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Owner’s Story
Hisham Abushakra’s stewardship of the Laurentia reflects a passion for yachting that goes beyond ownership, cementing his place in the vessel’s history. From the earliest sea trials to the final delivery, his hands-on approach shaped every detail of this 55-meter motor yacht. The story of the Laurentia is not just about a superyacht, it is about a man who understood the balance between performance and comfort. Abushakra, a Miami-based owner, collaborated closely with naval architects Van Oossanen Naval Architects to perfect the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), ensuring superior seakeeping even in the challenging conditions of the North Sea.
Abushakra’s vision guided the collaboration with Heesen Yachts and Omega Architects. The steel hull and Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), developed with Van Oossanen Naval Architects, delivered a top speed of 16.6 knots and a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots. These specifications were not arbitrary numbers, they were the result of a clear commitment to seaworthiness and efficiency. The yacht’s performance was validated during rigorous sea trials in the North Sea, where the steering system and rudders were tested to ensure precise maneuvering.
The challenges overcome during construction were considerable. The steering unit and large rudders were tested in strong wind conditions to ensure precise maneuvering. Abushakra’s insistence on a clean design extended from the exterior lines to the interior design by Ramon Alonso at RADYCA. Every guest suite, from the full-beam owner’s stateroom to the full-beam VIP, reflects a dedication to quality that is rare in modern yacht building. The interior’s neutral palette, white oak, weng, and marble slabs were meticulously selected to create a timeless aesthetic.
As a Miami-based owner, Abushakra positioned the Laurentia as a standout in Heesen Yachts’ lineup. The 740 GT of interior volume houses a beach club, skydeck, and hot tub, while the Portuguese bridge offers alfresco dining for cocktail parties. Neutral colors, white oak, weng, and marble slabs create a timeless interior, complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows in the skylounge. The yacht’s advanced engineering includes MTU engines and Naiad Dynamics zero-speed stabilizers, ensuring comfort and stability at anchor and at sea.
Looking ahead, the Laurentia’s enduring appeal lies in its thoughtful design and proven performance. With MTU engines, Naiad Dynamics zero speed stabilizers, and a bow thruster, the yacht remains ready for any voyage. Abushakra’s role as a custodian, rather than a mere owner, ensures that this vessel will continue to impress for years to come. The yacht was showcased at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, where it garnered attention from enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
