Long seen as a gas-guzzling environmental scourge, the world of superyachts has just gone green.
Feadship, a Dutch shipyard, just launched what it claims is the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht. Dubbed Project 821, the boat left the company’s Amsterdam shipyard on 4 May, and is part of Feadship’s pioneering research into fossil-free fuel options for boats.
Feadship calls it a superyacht but, technically, at 390 feet (119 meters), it's a megayacht.
The ship is partly powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which generate power through a chemical reaction rather than combustion. Many cars make use of this technology, but this is a first for superyachts and Feadship hopes other boat builders will follow suit. “The value of the research as well the development of class and flag safety regulations for an entirely new type of energy generation is an advancement we are proud to have made available to all,” said Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship director.
Hydrogen requires heavy-duty storage tanks, which add significant weight to the boat and demand additional space. Though Project 821 is equipped to hold four tons of hydrogen and 16 fuel cells, it is not enough to fully power the vessel for long journeys. In cases where green energy alone is not enough, the boat also has two generators. These use hydrotreated vegetable oil, which is a diesel-like fuel but doesn’t require fossil resources. The vessel will cruise noise- and emissions-free at 10 knots (11.5 mph/18.5 kph).
All photos credit: Feadship/RWD/Edmiston Yachts
The superyacht was designed by RWD, a firm located in Hampshire, England. Accommodation onboard is for as many as 30 guests in 12 staterooms, including the owner's suite and four VIPs that can be rearranged into eight guest staterooms. Additional quarters and two separate staff cabins are available for 44 crew.
Originally rumoured to have been commissioned by Bill Gates, says AutoEvolution, who has now clearly decided (if the rumour was ever true) as the vessel is now on the market
for the reported asking price of €600 million ($643.5 million).