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Bill Gates Yacht: The World's First Hydrogen Superyacht

Bill Gates Yacht: The World's First Hydrogen Superyacht

Introduction

Bill Gates owns the world's first hydrogen yacht. The Microsoft co founder spent $645 million on this amazing boat.

First called Project 821, now named Breakthrough, this big 388-foot boat is special. It runs on green hydrogen and makes no bad air. This luxury vessel shows how rich people can help the earth while still enjoying nice things.

Aerial view of the sleek 388-foot 'Breakthrough' superyacht commissioned by Bill Gates featuring its distinctive curved design and innovative architecture

Making Something New

The boat was built at Feadship in the Netherlands. It took more than five years to finish, from 2020 to 2024. More than 500 workers helped make it.

The hard part was finding a safe way to keep liquid hydrogen very cold, below -423°F. They made the boat 390 feet long so there was room for all the new green tech.

How It Works

The Bill Gates hydrogen powered superyacht uses fuel cell powered systems to make power. These cells turn hydrogen into electricity with only water coming out - no smoke! When the yacht can't find hydrogen, it can use special plant oil fuel that makes 90% less bad air than normal fuel. The MTU generators that run on this fuel are very clean and smart.

Expert Views on the Technology

Jan-Bart Verkuyl, the CEO of Feadship, says: "We have now shown that keeping very cold liquid hydrogen inside a big boat can work." He thinks this boat will change how all boats are made. Jamie Edmiston, who is selling the boat, calls it "the greenest yacht ever built." Ship tech experts say this boat is at least ten years ahead of other boats.

Special Tech Problems

Making a boat run on hydrogen is hard. The yacht has a special cold room that holds 4 tons of hydrogen. While hydrogen is lighter than normal fuel, it needs 10 times more space. Feadship worked hard to solve this problem as part of their plan to make boats that don't hurt the earth by 2030.

Fancy Design

Even though it's good for the earth, the boat is still super fancy. It has 14 hidden balconies that come out when you push a button.

Up to 30 people can sleep on the boat in 15 rooms. There are also many fun places like libraries, a movie room, a gym, and places to relax. The luxury vessel has seven floors of amazing spaces.

Luxurious interior of Bill Gates' hydrogen-powered yacht showing the stunning spiral staircase, ambient lighting and futuristic design elements characteristic of the vessel's premium craftsmanship

Cool Features

This boat has things other boats don't have. There's a room where you can see under the water, like being in a fish tank. It has a 29-foot pool where you can swim against moving water. For people who care about the earth, the boat has a system that uses extra heat to warm the pool, hot tubs, and even the towel racks in the bathrooms.

Life After Melinda

After Bill and Melinda Gates split up in 2021, Bill's boat plans changed too. First, he wanted this big boat for family trips.

Now, as a single man, his needs are different. The boat has spaces made for quiet time alone, like reading spots and thinking rooms. People close to Bill say he wanted places on the boat where he could work on his books and big ideas to help the world.

Celebrity Connections

Many famous people were excited to see this boat. Warren Buffett, Bill's good friend, was going to be one of the first guests.

Mark Zuckerberg and other tech leaders asked to see it. Music stars like Bono, who works with Gates on helping poor countries, were also on the guest list. Even some royal family members from Europe were going to visit, as they care about green living too.

Favorite Destinations

If Bill kept the boat, it would visit special places. Islands in the Pacific where his foundation helps people would be first on the list.

Then Greek islands for sunny breaks. Northern seas to see the Northern Lights would be perfect too. The boat can go far without making any bad air, so it could visit clean places without hurting them.

Good For The Earth

The boat that runs on green hydrogen is a big step toward boats that don't hurt our planet. It has smart air conditioning that turns off when no one is in a room. Even when they built the boat, they tried to be clean and green. This matches what Bill Gates believes about helping stop climate change.

Comparison with Other Green Boats

Most eco-friendly boats today use electric motors or cleaner fuel, but not pure hydrogen. Bill's boat is the first big one to use just hydrogen power. Other green boats like the ones owned by billionaire Michael Lee Chin still use some normal fuel.

The Bill Gates yacht makes these boats look old. As this boat hit the market, it made other rich boat owners think about going greener.

Helper Boat

At first, Bill Gates was going to have a second, smaller boat called Wayfinder. This cost about $25 million. It was meant to carry extra stuff, like a helicopter. But plans changed, and now both boats are for sale.

Price and Market

The Bill Gates yacht costs $645 million, making it one of the most expensive boats ever. Jamie Edmiston, who runs a yacht management company, is trying to sell it for €675 million. The yacht hit the market in 2024 and was a big topic at the Monaco boat show, even though it wasn't there.

New Standards

As the world's first hydrogen powered yacht, this boat sets new rules for fancy boats that are also good for the earth. The project needed new safety rules for keeping hydrogen on boats. These new ideas will help other boat makers who want to use cleaner fuels.

The revolutionary 'Breakthrough' yacht (formerly Project 821) at the Feadship shipyard in the Netherlands, representing the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht with its distinctive black hull design

Connection to Gates' Green Work

This boat fits with Bill Gates' other work to help the earth. He wrote a book called "How to Avoid a Climate Disaster" and gives money to clean energy projects. His green for life environmental focus shows in this boat. Bill thinks rich people should lead the way in using clean energy, and this yacht shows how that can work.

Future of Hydrogen Boats

Experts think more boats will use hydrogen in the next five years. As more places get hydrogen fuel stations, boats that run on green hydrogen will become more normal. The special tanks that Bill's boat has will get smaller and better. Soon, even smaller boats might use this clean power too.

Waste Management and Other Systems

The boat has special waste management systems that cost about 370 million to develop. These systems make sure nothing bad goes into the ocean. The boat also has smart air conditioning that knows when to turn on and off to save energy.

Conclusion

The Bill Gates yacht shows that fancy things can also be good for the earth. By using hydrogen power and other green tech, it proves that even big boats can be clean. While Gates decided not to keep this amazing boat, it will still change how boats are made in the future. This special vessel shows that being fancy and being green can go together.

References

Erhan Berber

Erhan Berber

CEO, De Yachting

Bodrum, Turkey

I have over ten years of experience in luxury yacht charters. I focus on creating amazing sailing experiences along the Turkish Riviera. As the CEO of De Yachting since 2010, I have managed many successful charters. I know Turkey's most beautiful coastal spots very well.

Areas of Expertise
Luxury Yacht Charters Turkish Riviera Greek Islands Mediterranean Routes Yacht Management Maritime Tourism

Have questions about yacht chartering?

Feel free to reach out directly

Contact Erhan

Guest Experiences

Andreas Müller
🇩🇪 Germany
Bodrum → Greek Islands → Bodrum
Family Trip 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

"Perfect blend of Turkish and Greek culture! Captain showed us amazing spots in Kos and Symi. Kids loved snorkeling at Orak Island. Chef's seafood BBQ was exceptional. A perfect mix of history and relaxation."

🇹🇷 "Türk ve Yunan kültürünün mükemmel birleşimi. Kos ve Symi'deki özel yerler, Orak Adası'nda şnorkelle yüzme deneyimi unutulmazdı."

🇩🇪 "Perfekte Mischung aus türkischer und griechischer Kultur. Besondere Orte in Kos und Symi, Schnorcheln auf der Orak-Insel."

🇫🇷 "Un mélange parfait des cultures turque et grecque. Les endroits spéciaux à Kos et Symi, la plongée sur l'île d'Orak."

Isabella & Marco Rossi
🇮🇹 Italy
Fethiye → Göcek → Fethiye
Honeymoon 💑

"Absolutely magical! The Blue Cave in Göcek was breathtaking. Crew arranged romantic dinners under the stars at Tomb Bay. Loved swimming in crystal clear waters of Cleopatra's Bath. Turkish hospitality at its finest!"

🇹🇷 "Göcek'teki Mavi Mağara muhteşemdi. Tomb Koyu'nda yıldızların altında romantik akşam yemeği ve Kleopatra Hamamı'nda yüzmek harikaydı."

🇩🇪 "Die Blaue Höhle in Göcek war atemberaubend. Romantisches Abendessen unter den Sternen in der Tomb-Bucht."

🇫🇷 "La Grotte Bleue de Göcek était époustouflante. Dîner romantique sous les étoiles à Tomb Bay."

James Wilson
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Marmaris → Gulf of Hisarönü → Marmaris
Friends Group 👥

"What a week! The bays around Selimiye were perfect for water sports. Excellent service from the crew. Fresh fish at Orhaniye village was incredible. Bencik Bay's sunset was unforgettable."

🇹🇷 "Selimiye'deki koylar su sporları için mükemmeldi. Orhaniye'de taze balık ve Bencik Koyu'nda gün batımı muhteşemdi."

🇩🇪 "Die Buchten um Selimiye waren perfekt für Wassersport. Frischer Fisch in Orhaniye und Sonnenuntergang in Bencik."

🇫🇷 "Les baies autour de Selimiye étaient parfaites pour les sports nautiques. Poisson frais à Orhaniye."

Sophie Van der Berg
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Bodrum → Gökova → Bodrum
Solo Adventure 🎒

"Amazing experience exploring Gökova's hidden coves! English Harbour was stunning, and Seven Islands were paradise. Captain knew all the secret spots. Loved learning about local history and culture."

🇹🇷 "Gökova'nın gizli koyları muhteşemdi. İngiliz Limanı ve Yedi Adalar cennet gibiydi. Yerel tarih ve kültürü keşfetmek harikaydı."

🇩🇪 "Die versteckten Buchten von Gökova waren fantastisch. Der English Harbour und die Sieben Inseln waren paradiesisch."

🇫🇷 "Les criques cachées de Gökova étaient magnifiques. Le Port Anglais et les Sept Îles étaient paradisiaques."

Michael & Sarah Thompson
🇦🇺 Australia
Bodrum → North Dodecanese → Bodrum
Couple Retreat ❤️

"Worth the long journey! Exploring Leros and Patmos was incredible. The crew's knowledge of Greek mythology enhanced our experience. Traditional Turkish breakfast was a daily highlight!"

🇹🇷 "Leros ve Patmos'u keşfetmek inanılmazdı. Mürettebatın Yunan mitolojisi bilgisi deneyimimizi zenginleştirdi."

🇩🇪 "Die Erkundung von Leros und Patmos war unglaublich. Traditionelles türkisches Frühstück war ein tägliches Highlight."

🇫🇷 "L'exploration de Leros et Patmos était incroyable. Le petit-déjeuner turc traditionnel était un moment fort quotidien."

Hans & Eva Schmidt
🇩🇪 Germany
Göcek → Marmaris → Göcek
Special Occasion 🎉

"Perfect 30th anniversary celebration! Loved exploring Dalyan River and the ancient ruins. Swimming in Ekincik was amazing. Chef prepared outstanding Turkish mezzes. Will definitely return!"

🇹🇷 "Dalyan Nehri'ni ve antik kalıntıları keşfetmek harikaydı. Ekincik'te yüzmek ve şefin hazırladığı Türk mezeleri muhteşemdi."

🇩🇪 "Die Erkundung des Dalyan-Flusses und der antiken Ruinen war wunderbar. Schwimmen in Ekincik und türkische Mezze waren fantastisch."

🇫🇷 "L'exploration de la rivière Dalyan et des ruines antiques était merveilleuse. La baignade à Ekincik et les mezzés turcs étaient fantastiques."

Robert Anderson
🇺🇸 United States
Bodrum → Hisarönü → Bodrum
Business Group 💼

"Outstanding corporate retreat! Perfect mix of work and relaxation. The yacht's amenities were top-notch for our meetings. Evening stops at local restaurants were fantastic. Team loved every moment!"

🇹🇷 "Mükemmel bir iş retreat'i. Yatın toplantı olanakları üst düzeydi. Yerel restoranlardaki akşam molalarımız harikaydı."

🇩🇪 "Perfekter Firmenausflug. Die Yacht-Einrichtungen waren erstklassig. Die Abendstopps in lokalen Restaurants waren fantastisch."

🇫🇷 "Retraite d'entreprise parfaite. Les installations du yacht étaient excellentes. Les arrêts du soir aux restaurants locaux étaient fantastiques."

Emma & David Hughes
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Fethiye → Kekova → Fethiye
Family Trip 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

"The sunken city of Kekova amazed our children! Loved kayaking over ancient ruins. BBQ in Butterfly Valley was special. Captain's knowledge of Lycian history made it educational and fun!"

🇹🇷 "Kekova'daki batık şehir çocuklarımızı büyüledi. Kelebek Vadisi'ndeki BBQ ve kaptanın Likya tarihi bilgisi harikaydı."

🇩🇪 "Die versunkene Stadt von Kekova hat unsere Kinder begeistert. BBQ im Schmetterlingstal und die Lykische Geschichte waren fantastisch."

🇫🇷 "La ville engloutie de Kekova a émerveillé nos enfants. Le BBQ dans la Vallée des Papillons et l'histoire lycienne étaient fantastiques."

Antoine & Marie Dubois
🇫🇷 France
Marmaris → Fethiye → Marmaris
Couple Retreat ❤️

"Magnifique experience! The tranquil waters of Turunç Bay were perfect for paddleboarding. Loved exploring Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon. Chef's Turkish-French fusion dishes were outstanding!"

🇹🇷 "Turunç Koyu'nun sakin suları paddle board için mükemmeldi. Ölüdeniz'in Mavi Lagünü ve şefin Türk-Fransız füzyon yemekleri harikaydı."

🇩🇪 "Die ruhigen Gewässer der Turunç-Bucht waren perfekt zum Paddeln. Die Blaue Lagune von Ölüdeniz war wunderschön."

🇫🇷 "Les eaux calmes de la baie de Turunç étaient parfaites pour le paddle. Le Lagon Bleu d'Ölüdeniz était magnifique."

Lars & Ingrid Johansson
🇸🇪 Sweden
Göcek → Göcek Bays → Göcek
Friends Group 👥

"12 Islands tour exceeded expectations! Wall Bay was perfect for diving. Appreciated the eco-friendly approach of the crew. Traditional Turkish night in Yassıca Islands was the highlight!"

🇹🇷 "12 Adalar turu beklentilerimizi aştı. Wall Bay'de dalış ve Yassıca Adaları'ndaki geleneksel Türk gecesi muhteşemdi."

🇩🇪 "Die 12-Inseln-Tour übertraf alle Erwartungen. Tauchen in der Wall Bay und türkischer Abend auf den Yassıca-Inseln waren super."

🇫🇷 "La tournée des 12 îles a dépassé nos attentes. La plongée à Wall Bay et la soirée turque aux îles Yassıca étaient superbes."

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