Motor Yacht BREAKTHROUGH
In February 2020 international media reported about Bill Gates Yacht: He was supposed to have purchased Project Aqua, a 112-meter hydrogen-powered yacht designed by Sinot Yacht Design. This is ‘fake news’: Gates did not buy this project.
Gates is actually building a new motor yacht at Feadship. First known as Project 821 and now named BREAKTHROUGH, the yacht is the world’s first hydrogen powered superyacht.
Overview of BREAKTHROUGH (Project 821)
Builder: Feadship, a Dutch shipyard renowned for creating some of the world’s most luxurious and innovative yachts.
Owner: Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and prominent philanthropist.
Length: 118.8 meter (390 ft )
Design: RWD
Guest and Crew: 30 guests in 15 staterooms, 43 crew
Volume: 7,249 Tons
IMO: 9899650
BREAKTHROUGH: A Revolutionary Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht
In 2024 the launch of BREAKTHROUGH (Feadship Project 821) redefined the future of yachting. This 100-meter-plus hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht, five years in the making, is a testament to Feadship’s pursuit of green technology. Designed by RWD and backed by Edmiston, the yacht represents a bold commitment to emission-free cruising and a net-zero future.
Game-Changing Technology
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells: BREAKTHROUGH uses liquid hydrogen stored at -253°C in cryogenic tanks, powering 16 compact fuel cells. This innovative system generates electricity for hotel loads and amenities with only water vapor as exhaust.
- Sustainable Alternatives: Methanol can also fuel the cells, offering flexibility where hydrogen isn’t available. The yacht supplements its power needs with biofuel-driven MTU generators, cutting emissions by 90%.
- Silent, Emission-Free Operation: BREAKTHROUGH can cruise at 10 knots or remain anchored for a week without emissions, thanks to its efficient hydrogen system.
Engineering Feats
- Cryogenic Storage: Storing liquid hydrogen safely onboard was a significant challenge. Feadship developed double-walled cryogenic tanks to house 4 tons of hydrogen, with accompanying systems adding 4 meters to the yacht’s length.
- Efficiency in Design: The vessel’s waste heat recovery system powers amenities like pools, Jacuzzis, and heated bathroom floors. A smart AC system optimizes energy use across unoccupied spaces.
- At over 100 meters, BREAKTHROUGH surpasses its predecessor LAUNCHPAD as the largest Feadship to date. Its five above-water decks and two below showcase a modern, flowing design by RWD.
- Features include 14 sliding balconies, seven opening platforms, and a luxurious owners’ apartment spanning four private levels, complete with libraries, private dining, and elevator access.
A Vision for the Future
Feadship’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond yachts. The hydrogen technology developed for BREAKTHROUGH is already influencing passenger ferries and setting new standards for maritime regulations.
BREAKTHROUGH, with its groundbreaking design and green credentials, is not just a yacht—it’s a step toward a more sustainable future for the entire industry.
Key Features and Specifications
- Hydrogen-Powered: Project 821 is powered by liquid hydrogen, making it one of the first superyachts to embrace this clean energy source. The use of hydrogen fuel significantly reduces the yacht’s carbon footprint, producing only water as a byproduct.
- Fuel Cells: The yacht is equipped with hydrogen fuel cells that generate electricity to power its propulsion system and onboard amenities. This technology ensures a quieter and more environmentally friendly operation compared to traditional diesel engines.
- Design and Innovation: As with all Feadship yachts, Project 821 features cutting-edge design and engineering. The use of hydrogen fuel cells represents a major innovation in the yachting industry, aligning with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Range and Performance: While specific details about the yacht’s range and speed are not publicly available, hydrogen-powered vessels typically offer a comparable range to diesel-powered yachts, with the added benefit of reduced environmental impact.
- Luxury and Comfort: Despite its focus on sustainability, Project 821 does not compromise on luxury. The yacht is expected to feature the high-end amenities and sophisticated design elements characteristic of Feadship builds.
- Sustainability: In addition to its hydrogen propulsion system, the Project 821 as a sustainable yacht likely incorporates other sustainable features, such as energy-efficient systems, advanced waste management, and eco-friendly materials.
Impact on the Yachting Industry
Trailblazer: Project 821 sets a new standard for sustainable yachting, showcasing how luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist. It is expected to inspire other yacht builders and owners to adopt similar technologies.
Market Influence: As one of the world’s most high-profile billionaires, Bill Gates’ choice to commission a hydrogen-powered superyacht will likely influence other affluent individuals to consider more sustainable options for their maritime pursuits.
Technological Advancements: The development and success of Project 821 will contribute to advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology, which could eventually become more accessible and widely used across the maritime industry.
Listed for Sale!
The hydrogen-powered superyacht, BREAKTHROUGH, took more than five years to build, involving an extensive engineering phase to integrate its cutting-edge hydrogen technology. During this period, Bill Gates and his wife Melinda divorced, leading Gates to decide to sell the yacht, initially envisioned as a family vessel. The yacht’s price is rumored to be around $675 million, reflecting the high costs associated with its innovative hydrogen propulsion system.
Support Vessel Wayfinder
In December 2020 the yacht Wayfinder was launched at Astilleros Armon in Spain. Wayfinder was supposed to become be the support vessel for Bill Gates yacht. The vessel would have carried tenders and toys for the mothership. But the vesel has been sold.
Interior
Wayfinder will accommodate a crew of 18 and additional staff and guests of 14.
Her features include a hangar for a helicopter, tenders, and a rescue boat.
Environment
The boat was designed to reduce or diminish the impact on the environment. All wastewater will be cleaned before it’s discharged. And the vessel will store all waste from herself and her mothership.