© Feadship
The boat, rumoured to have been commissioned by Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates, is currently available for purchase for a listed price of €600 million ($647 million)
Feadship’s Amsterdam shipyard has unveiled Project 821, the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht, marking a significant advancement in sustainable yachting. Designed by RWD with owner representation by Edmiston, this 100-meter-plus yacht aims to explore the boundaries of green technology in superyachts, featuring a zero-diesel, emission-free power system driven by green hydrogen.
| Innovation and Technology
The five-year development of Project 821 has resulted in a yacht powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity with pure water as the only by-product. This approach aligns with Feadship’s commitment to creating “net zero” yachts by 2030. Hydrogen fuel cells have been used in space missions and automobiles but were unprecedented in the maritime sector. Feadship collaborated with Edmiston, Lloyd’s Register, and other industry experts to develop the necessary equipment, protocols, and safety regulations for this new energy system.
One of the significant challenges was storing liquid hydrogen at -253°C on a luxury yacht. This required a double-walled cryogenic storage tank, which occupies significantly more space than traditional diesel fuel tanks. Project 821’s fuel tank holds 92 cubic meters of hydrogen, powering sixteen compact fuel cells that connect to the yacht’s DC electrical grid. The yacht also utilizes methanol, which can be converted to hydrogen, offering a practical alternative for longer journeys.
“The aim has been to develop a new, clean technology not just for this project, but for the world. 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 / CEO Royal Van Lent Shipyard.
| Environmental Impact
Project 821 primarily addresses the substantial energy demands of a yacht’s hotel load—heating, air conditioning, and other amenities—which constitute 70-78% of annual energy use. By supplying this load with hydrogen fuel cells, the yacht can operate silently and emission-free for a week at anchor or navigate protected marine zones at 10 knots. For longer voyages, the yacht’s ABB pod drives are powered by MTU generators using HVO, a biofuel that reduces emissions by 90%.
The yacht also incorporates an efficient waste heat recovery system to heat the pool, Jacuzzi, and other areas, alongside a Smart AC system that adjusts to occupancy, further reducing energy consumption.
| Design and Features
RWD Studio designed Project 821 with a luxurious, modern aesthetic. The yacht features five decks above the waterline and two below, with an owner’s deck 37 meters above the water. It boasts numerous hull openings, including fourteen balconies, five shell doors, and seven large platforms, enhancing the connection to the sea. The interior, designed with light, neutral tones and luxurious materials, provides a seamless coastal vibe across all decks.
| Future Implications
Project 821’s innovations are expected to influence future yacht designs and inspire the maritime industry towards greener solutions. The yacht’s development highlights the feasibility of cryogenic hydrogen storage and fuel cell technology, paving the way for future advancements in sustainable maritime travel.
“The brief was to build the greenest and most environmentally advanced yacht ever built, without compromise. It was a huge challenge, but one that the team has embraced and delivered on. The yacht we see today, designed by RWD and built by Feadship is without doubt the best yacht ever built.” says Jamie Edmiston, Chief Executive of super yacht broker Edmiston who is offering the yacht for sale.
Project 821 is available for sale through super yacht broker Edmiston.
