The 119-metre Breakthrough, built by Dutch shipyard Feadship — most likely for Bill Gates — has become the first superyacht to be supplied with liquid hydrogen in the Netherlands.
Breakthrough is the first vessel of its kind to integrate a 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cell system, generating electricity through a non-combustion process with water as the only by-product.
Rumours have been swirling for several years that Bill Gates could have commissioned the yacht. In 2020, global media, including the Telegraph, reported Gates had commissioned a £500m hydrogen-powered Feadship superyacht concept, Aqua, designed by Sinot. While Sinot later denied these claims, online reports have consistently linked Gates to Feadship’s Project 821 since the build began, and speculation mounted after the yacht hit the water last year.
Unconfirmed reports published in several outlets in April, including the Daily Mail and Luxury Launches, claim that Gates recently sold the vessel to Patrick Dovigi, CEO of Green For Life Environmental, for $650m.
The milestone bunkering operation, which took place at the Port of Amsterdam, involved the superyacht receiving an initial bunkering of liquid hydrogen in early March, followed by a second operation three weeks later. Both refuelling events were carried out using a truck operated by Air Products, which supplied the liquid hydrogen.
While the bunkering took place several months ago, the news has only been released to the media in recent days, such is the secrecy surrounding the landmark build.
Liquid hydrogen must be stored at cryogenic temperatures below −253°C, requiring specialised double-walled tanks with high-grade insulation to maintain stability and prevent boil-off.
The yacht’s cryogenic storage system, designed by MAN Cryo, consists of a double-walled tank capable of holding 92 cubic metres, or four tonnes, of liquid hydrogen. This marks the first time such a tank has been filled for marine fuel use.
Milembe Mateyo, state harbour master at Port of Amsterdam, says: “We expect that several alternative marine fuels will coexist in the future. This requires flexibility and foresight from both us and the companies in the port area.”
She adds: “We are proud that the first bunkering with liquid hydrogen has now taken place in our port. It demonstrates that hydrogen is a viable solution for zero-emission sailing. This is an important step toward more sustainable shipping and our goal to facilitate the use of sustainable fuels as a Multi Fuel Port.”
Jan-Bart Verkuyl, CEO of Feadship Royal Van Lent Shipyard, adds: “Build number 821 [Breakthrough] is not only a testament to craftsmanship but also a bold step towards a zero-emission future. Collaborating with Air Products to safely integrate liquid hydrogen into a superyacht ecosystem has been a pioneering journey, and we are proud to lead the way in bringing meaningful change to the maritime world.”
Caroline Stancell, global vice president of hydrogen for mobility at Air Products, says: “As ports and shipping lines seek sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen will play a crucial role in decarbonising global trade routes. The successful deployment of Breakthrough proves that the transition is already underway.”
Sofia Liedholm, engineering manager – design & project at Man Cryo, says: “It is a significant milestone for this groundbreaking project that the cryogenic tank, designed by Man Cryo, has been filled with liquid hydrogen for the first time. Thanks to the excellent cooperation between Man Cryo and Air Products, we have successfully integrated two crucial parts of the hydrogen supply chain, enabling marine vessels to operate on sustainable fuel.
“This achievement also marks a significant milestone for the marine sector, showcasing that storage of liquid hydrogen below deck for use as ship fuel is now a reality.”
Port of Amsterdam contributed to the operation by advising the North Sea Canal Area Environmental Agency (OD) on safety procedures. This guidance drew on its prior experience with alternative fuels, including liquefied methane and gaseous hydrogen.
In a media statement, the port says that it aims to support the transition to sustainable shipping by enabling infrastructure, regulation and other conditions necessary for the use of cleaner fuels.
Read more about alternative boat fuels
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