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It is called Breakthrogh and is considered the most experimental superyacht built in recent years. To power it with liquid hydrogen (water vapor-only emissions during operation) required innovative engineering design, and its construction took five years. However, fuell cells can also use HVO, a plant-based diesel biofuel. In this case, CO2 emissions will be reduced by 90%.
Bill Gates strongly wanted it and has now entrusted it to be sold to Edmiston Brokers, a world leader in luxury superyachts, which is based in the Monegasque city’s Boulevard Albert 1er and will present it at the upcoming Monaco Yacths Show from September 24-27. The yacht, which recently went to sea, has been valued at US$645 million, and that will be her sale price. It is reported that Bill Gates has never sailed on it.
Initially called Project 821, Breakthrough (Revolutionary, Innovative) was built by the Dutch of Feadship in the Amsterdam shipyards and designed by De Voogt Naval Architects. Exterior and interior space design is by the British firm RWD, which is based in Brockenhurst.
As the broker stated, “the assignment given by Bill Gates was to build- without compromise-the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly yacht ever. It was a historic challenge but the team took it on and overcame it.”
In fact, the ship sails using liquid hydrogen as fuel, the storage of which below deck (at a cryogenic temperature of minus 253° Celsius) required the construction of special tanks to store it safely. And this was one of the biggest obstacles to overcome. But the investment in research to provide an answer to the problem will be strategic for the future of boating. Jan-Bart Verkuyl, an industry manager at Feadship shipyards, confirmed that “fuel cells will play an important role for yachts in the near future.”
The heat generated from the conversion of hydrogen to electricity is totally recovered for space floor heating, raising the water temperature in swimming pools, and powering all on-board services.
On Breakthrough special attention was paid to materials, and for the interiors, defined as practical elegance, marble and oak wood were used in addition to leather, rattan and natural fibers.
There is a heliport to get to and from it quickly, while to entertain guests on board there is a private cinema, game room, and library, as well as an infinity pool, spa, gym, several hot tubs, and even a basketball court.
In this luxurious yacht that has seven decks, an entire area is reserved for the owner, a series of rooms (Owners Quarters) that are spread over four floors: two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, two offices with fireplaces, as well as a large living room with kitchen.
Breakthrough is the world’s first superyacht with hydrogen propulsion, and the first bunkering of this fuel was done in June. The Amsterdam Port Authority reported that it has successfully completed the first bunkering of liquid hydrogen in the Netherlands. The operation was accomplished by the ‘truck-to-ship’ method and a subsequent series of refuelings.
The technical problems faced by the designers and construction site were considerable, but the biggest challenge was to find a way to store the compressed liquid hydrogen at a temperature of – 253° Celsius. To safely store it, a double-walled cryogenic tank was built, which also serves the function of a cooling case and which, well insulated, is located in a dedicated compartment. The cryogenic tank that was built aboard Breakthrough can hold 92 metric cubic meters of hydrogen. Fuel cells on this yacht can also use methanol or biodiesel, which are easier liquid fuels to store.
Breakthrough cannot store the amount of hydrogen needed for an Atlantic or Pacific ocean crossing so, for long voyages, the electricity that powers the two 3200 kW ABB engines is generated by MTU gensets that can be powered by Hvo fuels, such as biofuel diesel made from vegetable oils, animal fats and plant residues. With this technology, Bill Gates’ yacht can offer week-long, silent, emission-free operation while sailing at 10 knots or remaining at anchor.
Length 118.80 m
Width 19 m
Draught 5.05 m
Speed 17 knots
Autonomy 6,500 miles
Main engine propulsion:
2 x ABB 3200 kW at 260 rpm (revolutions per minute)
Fuel tank capacity: 604,500 liters
Capacity of water tanks: 141,900
Guests 22
Cabins 15
Crew 48
In recent days, at the same time as the news of his new megayacht being put up for sale, Bill Gates’ ‘old’ superyacht called Wayfinder was spotted in Sardinia. At 68.2 m long, it is considered his luxury support vessel and is ideal for vacations.
With a catamaran hull, this shuttle was built in 2021 by Asilleros Armon of Vigo in Spain. Exterior design by Incat Crowter, interior design by Oliver Design. Autonomy of 4,400 miles, 200,000 liters of fuel, speed of 13 knots. Her estimated value is US$25 million and she flies the flag of the Cayman Islands.
Wayfinder serves as a support shuttle to a larger ship to supply it with fuel, spare parts, and also for maintenance and logistics. It can accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins and is available for charters starting at US$375,000 per week.
The yacht is equipped with many ‘marine toys’ such as speedboats, jet skis and kayaks, as well as everything needed to go underwater and fish.
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