First Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Super Yacht Makes History
AMSTERDAM — Five years in the making, Project 821, the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell powered super yacht, made history last month as it left drydock at the Dutch shipyard Feadship and made for the open water for the very first time.
The launch of the 390-foot RWD-designed vessel on May 4 was the culmination of a series of breakthroughs that ultimately allowed green technology to enter the luxury super yacht market.
The yacht is equipped to store liquid hydrogen on board at temperatures below -487.4° F and will use a fuel cell source to generate electricity for both hotel load — the power needed for amenities to comfortably live aboard ship — and coastal navigation.
“The aim has been to develop a new, clean technology not just for this project,” said Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship director and CEO at Royal Van Lent Shipyard, in a written statement, “but for the world.”
Feadship’s R&D team has been researching hydrogen, among other fossil-free fuel options, as part of the company’s pledge to develop “net-zero” yachts by 2030.
Hydrogen fuel cells, a combustion-free way to generate electricity, have pure water as their only exhaust.
Although there are hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars and fuel cells have been used as the primary source of electrical power on human spaceflight for more than six decades, Verkuyl said nothing existed in the maritime sector.
In fact, so new is the technology to the sector that Feadship, dealer Edmiston and Lloyd’s Register, had to develop equipment, protocols and safety regulations all at the same time.
“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,” Verkuyl said.
For longer excursions or when pure hydrogen is not available, the electricity powering the 3,200 kW ABB pod drives on board the yacht will come from MTU generators combusting HVO, a second-generation biofuel that reduces harmful emissions by 90%.
The project partners said there are already plans for two long-route Norwegian passenger and car ferries to enter service next year relying on technology invented for Project 821.
Meanwhile, Edmiston is listing the groundbreaking super yacht for a very affordable $647 million.
For that, the lucky owner will get a vessel with a top speed of 17 knots and a maximum range of 6,500 nautical miles when navigating at cruising speed.
The full owners’ deck above the bridge is essentially an apartment with two bedrooms, twin bathrooms and dressing rooms, a gym, a pantry, two offices each with a fireplace, and a living room.
Project 821 can also accommodate up to 30 guests in 14 staterooms, with 44 crew members.
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue
