World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Project 821 Sets Sail

The world of luxury yachting hit a historic milestone today when Feadship, the renowned Dutch shipyard, unveiled Project 821, the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht.

This revolutionary vessel, which measures an astonishing 118.80 meters, represents a significant advancement in green technology in the maritime industry.

Project 821, which has been in the works for five years, exemplifies Feadship’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of environmentally responsible innovation in superyacht construction.

This yacht, created in collaboration with the design firm RWD and under the expert guidance of Edmiston, serves as a beacon of sustainability.

It addresses the fundamental question of how far green technology can develop on the open seas.

Jan-Bart Verkuyl, CEO and Director of Feadship’s Royal Van Lent Shipyard is leading this groundbreaking initiative to pioneer a new era of renewable energy not only for luxury yachts but also for the world.

Video Credits: Feadship/Facebook

With a length of more than 100 meters, Project 821 emerged as an ideal choice for investigating the possibility of pure green hydrogen as a fuel-cell source, a feat previously unheard of in the maritime domain.

The yacht’s revolutionary design is centred on integrating hydrogen fuel cells, a combustion-free technique of generating electricity that emits only water as exhaust.

While hydrogen fuel cells have been used in various sectors, including automotive and aerospace, their adaptation for marine vessels has presented distinct challenges due to the lack of current regulations governing hydrogen storage and fuel-cell systems.

Feadship set out with partners Edmiston and Lloyd’s Register to create scaled equipment, safety processes, and regulatory frameworks.

Their efforts resulted in the development of a groundbreaking cryogenic storage technology capable of safely storing compressed liquid hydrogen aboard a luxury yacht, assuring emission-free power generation.

Despite the logistical challenges of hydrogen storage, Project 821’s technology demonstrates hydrogen’s incredible efficiency and cleanliness as a fuel source.

The yacht’s fuel cells are versatile, capable of using methanol as an alternate fuel when pure hydrogen is unavailable.

Aside from its propulsion technology, Project 821 includes a plethora of energy-saving technologies, such as a waste heat recovery system and a Smart AC system, which further reduces its environmental impact.

With these developments, the yacht can operate emission-free for extended periods, allowing for quiet nights at anchor or navigating sensitive marine zones.

Project 821 also offers unparalleled luxury and comfort, with spacious living areas distributed across five decks above water and two decks below.

The yacht was designed with families in mind, and it features luxury amenities such as a private owners’ deck with multiple bedrooms, offices, and a gym.

Jamie Edmiston, Chief Executive of Edmiston, commended Project 821 as the greenest and most environmentally advanced yacht ever built, a sentiment shared by Charlie Baker, Director of RWD Studio, who expressed pride in the project’s forward-thinking nature.

Project 821 symbolizes an accomplishment of invention and mechanical prowess and ushers in a new era of sustainable luxury at sea.

Project 821 is a testament to the unlimited possibilities of green innovation on the high seas for those captivated by cutting-edge technologies and incomparable luxury.

According to reports, the 119-metre superyacht was allegedly commissioned by Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates and is reportedly on sale with an asking price of €600m ($647m).

Reference: Feadship / Hydrogeninsight

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