Hydrogen Propulsion Voyager: Premiere of the First Hydrogen-Fueled Luxury Yacht
The world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht, Project 821, also known as Breakthrough, is now up for sale. The luxury vessel, designed and built by the Dutch shipyard Feadship, is estimated to cost around $645 million USD. This makes it one of the most expensive yachts ever built.
Powered by liquid hydrogen fuel cells, Project 821 offers emission-free cruising for coastal and hotel load conditions. The yacht can also switch to conventional diesel-electric power when needed.
The superyacht boasts a 3.2 MW fuel cell system, using cryogenic liquid hydrogen at -253°C. It is equipped with five MTU generators that can run off both conventional diesel and sustainable HVO biodiesel. The yacht's tanks can also store methanol, which can be converted into hydrogen to extend its fuel-cell range.
Project 821's battery bank acts as a buffer storage facility between the fuel cells and the twin 3,200kW electric ABB pod thrusters. A pressurised double-wall cryogenic 92m2 fuel tank on board keeps hydrogen at a temperature of -253°C.
The superyacht can cruise for a week with a full tank of hydrogen at 10 knots, considering all usual hotel load requirements. Liquid hydrogen is lighter than diesel, with 1m3 weighing just 70kg, compared to 830kg for diesel. This lighter weight contributes to an overall length of approximately 14m longer than a conventional diesel installation.
Additional features on the Project 821 superyacht include a beach club with a 27ft contraflow pool, a cinema, a mini hospital, and an underwater 'Nemo' lounge. The vessel has accommodation for 30 guests and 44 crew.
Built over a span of five years, Project 821 is now available for purchase through superyacht broker Edmiston. The exact price is confidential and is estimated to be well north of half-a-billion euros.
Hydrogen is a relatively abundant resource and can be produced cleanly using green electricity to split water molecules. This makes Project 821 an exciting step towards more sustainable luxury travel.
[1] Superyacht Times [2] Bloomberg [3] The Guardian [5] Feadship
- The marine industry, led by Feadship, is pushing boundaries with Project 821, a catamaran-styled yacht, showcasing innovative design in the field of environmental science.
- The speed and performance of this hydrogen-powered vessel, known as Breakthrough, are impressive, offering a blend of sports and technology that sets a new standard in the yacht industry.
- Despite its hefty price tag of around $645 million USD, the finances for Project 821 are not solely based on fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen and HVO biodiesel, play a significant role in powering this eco-friendly superyacht.
- As climate-change concerns escalate, the use of renewable energy in the yacht industry is gaining momentum, with Project 821 serving as a testament to this change.
- With features like an underwater 'Nemo' lounge, mini hospital, and a cinema, Project 821 offers luxury design and a unique experience, while promoting a cleaner environment.
- Although the exact price of Project 821 is confidential, it is estimated to be well north of half-a-billion euros, positioning it as one of the most expensive yachts ever built.
- The switch to sustainable and emission-free cruising, as demonstrated by Project 821, could revolutionize the yachting world and set a precedent for the future of luxury travel and the maritime industry.
