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Bill Gates’ Superyacht, The World’s First $1 Billion Hydrogen-Powered Vessel

Aptly named 'Breakthrough', the revolutionary vessel features cryogenic hydrogen tanks.

Image: DMARGE

• Breakthrough is the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht at a staggering $645 million USD.
• The revolutionary vessel features cryogenic hydrogen tanks at -253°C, backed by a hybrid bio-fuel system.
• Despite commissioning this groundbreaking vessel, Bill Gates opts to list it for sale.

A fierce passion has swept through the world’s wealthiest tech moguls, driving them to vie for ownership of the most innovative and luxurious superyachts. While Amazon’s Boss Jeff Bezos flaunts Koru , Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin commands Dragonfly , and Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg cruises in Launchpad , Microsoft founder Bill Gates is redefining the industry with his ground-breaking $645 million USD ($990 million AUD) eco-conscious vessel, Breakthrough .

In an era when modern superyachts often face criticism for their environmental impact , Gates—an outspoken advocate for climate change solutions — has orchestrated a maritime masterpiece that defies convention. Breakthrough , formerly Project 821, marks a watershed moment in luxury seafaring as the world’s first fuel-cell-powered superyacht, masterfully merging opulence with environmental stewardship.

How Does Breakthrough Combine Green Tech with Raw Power?

This 390-foot masterpiece, crafted by the celebrated Dutch yacht powerhouse Feadship , is powered by green hydrogen stored in cryogenic tanks at an icy -253°C (-423.4°F). The yacht’s innovative propulsion system eliminates the harmful emissions typically associated with traditional diesel engines and is set to redefine standards in the sustainable luxury yachting segment.

This revolutionary vessel is the culmination of five years of meticulous construction. Together with its partners, Lloyd’s Register and Edmiston , Feadship ventured into uncharted waters, developing new protocols and safety regulations while scaling equipment to unprecedented specifications. The Herculean effort has resulted in a vessel that recently completed its trials off Amsterdam and is now ready for delivery.

For longer ocean voyages where hydrogen may be in short supply, the yacht deploys 3,200 kW ABB pod drives powered by MTU generators running on hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) — a second-generation biofuel that drastically cuts environmental impact. This hybrid system, perfected on Feadship’s Obsidian in 2023, comprises two 900kW and three 2,500kW MTU generators, guaranteeing flawless performance in all conditions.

What Makes Breakthrough the Future Of Luxury Superyachts?

Aside from its innovative propulsion system, Breakthrough boasts new levels in providing luxury amenities. Cruising effortlessly at 17 knots and with a phenomenal range of 6,500 nautical miles, this engineering marvel features five decks above the waterline and two below. Its stunning exterior design, brilliantly conceived by RWD ,  features five shell doors, 14 slide-out balconies, and seven expansive opening platforms.

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The space aboard this vessel exudes unparalleled opulence, accommodating up to 30 guests in 15 exquisitely designed rooms, including a luxurious owner’s suite for the ultimate experience. The crew quarters are designed with almost equal attention to detail and accommodate 44 staff members across multiple cabins, guaranteeing flawless service throughout every voyage.

Inside, Breakthrough features some of the amenities that any of the world’s great resorts would be proud to boast. Access throughout the vessel is easily obtained via a private owner’s walkway, and several offices with elegant fireplaces provide smart workspace. A private movie theatre, full-scale gym, and complete wellness area offer a variety of choices for entertainment. The 27-foot contraflow pool, several hot tubs, and steam room provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun.

The yacht’s interior design also features a stunning atrium with a spiral staircase connecting four townhouse-level living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the vast rooms with natural light, and Feadship’s patented waste heat recovery system maintains optimal comfort throughout the year. This innovative system efficiently heats the pools, Jacuzzis, steam room, and different living spaces; a smart AC system converts climate control in unoccupied areas on its own to maximize energy efficiency. The yacht even has its own hospital, catering to the well-being of guests during long voyages.

Why is Breakthrough up for sale?

Perhaps most tantalizingly, despite commissioning this truly unique vessel, Gates has opted not to take delivery. Instead, Breakthrough is currently listed for sale through Edmiston, the ultra-high-end yacht brokerage firm. This decision mirrors Gates’ long-standing philosophy of promoting technological advancement without necessarily maintaining possession—creating an unprecedented opportunity for another visionary billionaire to acquire this masterpiece of marine engineering.

In a world where luxury and environmental consciousness rarely intersect, Breakthrough is a beacon of what is possible when innovation meets ambition. This revolutionary vessel not only raises the bar for sustainable maritime technology but also challenges the superyacht industry to reimagine its approach to luxury seafaring. With the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht ready to make waves, it carries with it the promise of a more sustainable future for maritime luxury—a breakthrough indeed.

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World's first hydrogen superyacht linked to Bill Gates hits the high seas - and the 390-foot boat with two-bedrooms, a gym and offices is on sale for more than $600M

• This 'mothership' superyacht must store its hydrogen fuel at -423.4 Fahrenheit
• Gates is reportedly selling a 224-ft 'shadow vessel' that pairs with the superyacht
• READ MORE:  Hydrogen-powered plane takes to the skies over UK for first time

By MATTHEW PHELAN SENIOR SCIENCE REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 20:20 EST, 7 May 2024 | Updated: 07:46 EST, 8 May 2024

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The world's first hydrogen gas fuel-cell superyacht, long rumored to have been commissioned by billionaire Microsoft founder  Bill Gates , is now officially for sale.

Dubbed Project 821, the 390-foot (119-meter) superyacht is designed to run on 'green' hydrogen, which is produced by by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity.

The luxurious vessel features two bedrooms, a gym, offices and numerous bathrooms for a home away from home feel - the makers designed to mimic an upscale apartment. 

Dutch  shipbuilder Feadship said the launch of this approximately $646 million vessel on May 4th at their Amsterdam shipyard sees the yachting world 'forever changed.'

The world's first hydrogen gas fuel-cell superyacht (pictured), long rumored to have been commissioned by billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates, is now officially for sale 

Dubbed 'Project 821,' the 390-foot (119-meter) long superyacht (above) is designed to run on 'green' hydrogen gas - although to be stored as a liquid, this gas must be cryogenically stored at an incredible -423.4 degrees Fahrenheit in painstakingly designed, double-walled tanks

The ostensibly ecologically friendly superyacht has taken over five years to construct from design to completion, with custom additions for the final buyer yet to be made.

While a spate of news reports in 2020 leaked that Feadship and design firm Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design had been commissioned by the billionaire to construct this hydrogen-powered eco-yacht, details verifying the Gates deal remained elusive. 

As one yacht industry trade publication knowingly put it at the time, 'While Sinot has denied Gates is building the concept, it is understood that Gates is in talks to build a new superyacht with an unknown yard.'  

That trade publication, BOAT International , published a statement from Sinot denying any official agreement with Gates for the luxury boat project.

Responding to reports in the Guardian and the Sunday Telegraph, Sinot said, 'Various articles have appeared in international media stating that Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design sold its concept Aqua to Mr. Bill Gates.' 

'These articles are factually incorrect.'

Although there were denials, the trade press declared in 2020 that 'it is understood that Gates is in talks to build a new superyacht'

Feadship, however, only declined to comment entirely, telling MegaYacht News that it 'does not comment on its order book.'

This month, news broke on financial news site Benzinga that Gates intended to sell his ownership of an unknown superyacht as well as his $25 million yacht, the Wayfinder: a 224-foot catamaran-style boat built by famed shipbuilder Astilleros Armon. 

The Wayfinder, according to Benzinga , was 'designed as a shadow vessel, typically accompanying a larger mothership, which until recently, was not disclosed.'

The site, which covers stock market trades and other business news, indicated that this mothership was, in fact, Feadship's new hydrogen superyacht, Project 821. 

Unlike traditional yachts that rely on diesel engines or other fossil fuel-based means of propulsion, hydrogen fuel-cell yachts use hydrogen as their primary fuel source.  

Unlike traditional yachts that rely on diesel engines or other fossil fuel-based means of propulsion, hydrogen fuel-cell yachts use hydrogen as their primary fuel source. Above an 'aft' or rear view of the new hydrogen superyacht's top decks

Hydrogen gas (H2) reacts with oxygen (O2) gas in a fuel cell, producing nothing but pure electricity and pure water: H2O. Above, a 'foredeck' or front view of the new superyacht

Hydrogen gas (H2) reacts with oxygen (O2) gas in the fuel cell, producing nothing but pure electricity and pure water: H2O. 

'The aim has been to develop a new, clean technology not just for this project, but for the world,' Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship's director and CEO, said.

The company added that the size of the yacht made it a good candidate for exploring the feasibility of a pure green hydrogen-powered fuel-cell system.

The ship's liquid hydrogen fuel requires approximately eight to 10 times more storage space than traditional diesel fuel for an equivalent amount of energy, Feadship said.

All that fuel tank space, alongside the 16 fuel-cell energy converters themselves, plus the needed switchboard connection for the DC electrical grid, and a set of water-vapor emission vent stacks, added 13 feet to the ship's original specs.

'For those captivated by cutting-edge innovations,' Feadship said in a statement, 'this yacht presents an opportunity for potential acquisition as it showcases the pinnacle of modern technological advancements.'

The company pitched the high-priced luxury vessel as an investment in the sustainably technology's future, like a glamorous R&D project. 

This month, news broke on finance site Benzinga that Gates intended to sell his ownership of an unknown superyacht as well as his $25 million yacht, the Wayfinder - a smaller 224-ft catamaran boat 'designed as a shadow vessel, typically accompanying a larger mothership'

The gigantic Project 821 has five decks above the waterline and two below sea level, 14 balconies, seven fold-out platforms, a pool, a Jacuzzi, a steam room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a home gym, pantry, two offices each with a fireplace, and space for its own library

'Investing in the required technology is necessary to make the transition away from fossil fuel,' Feadship said, 'and hydrogen is one of the most efficient and cleanest options.'

But, environmentally conscious amenities aside, Project 821 does also serve its elite market of wealthy seafarers with a variety of 'superyacht' prerequisites.

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The ship has five decks above the waterline and two below sea level. 

It has 14 balconies, seven fold-out platforms, a pool, a Jacuzzi, a steam room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a home gym, pantry, and two offices each with a fireplace.

The ship also comes with space for its owner to stock a full library.

According to Feadship, the boat's power and food stores allow for an 'entire week’s worth of silent operation at anchor or [briefly] navigating emission-free at 10 knots while leaving harbors or cruising in protected marine zones.'

'It creates, in essence, a secluded four-level townhouse-by-the sea,' the firm boasted in their press release, 'within the much larger yacht.'

British RWD Studio, rather than Sinot, was reportedly responsible for crafting Project 821 ship-exterior and interior décor, deploying marble, rattan, taupe eucalyptus and limed oak to create, in Feadship's words, 'a luxe coastal vibe.'

When pressed for comment this year, a Feadship spokesperson reiterated that it would not be disclosing who had originally commissioned the eco-superyacht, nor who would ultimately buy the ship. 

'Feadship does not share any information about owners and prices,' the firm said, 'whether it is a 19-meter yacht from the 1960s or a 119-meter yacht from the 21st century.'

Share or comment on this article: World's first hydrogen superyacht linked to Bill Gates hits the high seas - and the 390-foot boat with two-bedrooms, a gym and offices is on sale for more than $600M

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Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd

Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group

Bill Gates’ $645 million fuel-cell superyacht has finally completed its extensive sea trials. Powered by liquid hydrogen stored at a bone-chilling -423°F, nearly as cold as outer space, the mammoth vessel features an underwater lounge, a hospital, and a 29-foot contraflow pool.