Feadship Unveils World’s First Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Superyacht

Yacht builder Feadship launched Project 821, possibly the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht. The yacht, measuring 118.80 meters, runs on hydrogen, a lightweight and efficient fuel. Hydrogen, when processed in a fuel cell, produces electricity and water vapor, making it an eco-friendly energy source. Storing hydrogen is challenging as it requires extremely cold temperatures to remain in liquid form. To address this, Feadship extended Project 821 to accommodate a four-meter storage tank.

The custom tank takes up more space than traditional diesel fuel tanks, despite hydrogen being lighter. The advantage is that Project 821 can also run on methanol, a cleaner alternative to gasoline that is easier to store. Methanol doesn’t need super-cold storage, potentially reducing space requirements. Feadship is currently focused on hydrogen technology but expects advancements in methanol-to-hydrogen conversion.

Project 821 stores around 543 kW hours of energy, less than the diesel-powered Savannah, which holds 1 megawatt hour. However, its hydrogen fuel cells generate power continuously, similar to an onboard refillable generator. This eliminates noisy engines and pollution, providing a quieter, cleaner cruising experience.

The yacht includes a heat recycling system that uses waste heat from the fuel cells to warm various areas onboard. An intelligent air conditioning system adjusts temperatures based on room occupancy to save energy.

Designed by British RWD Studio, Project 821’s interior features a coastal vibe with light colors and luxury materials like marble and wood. The yacht is family-oriented, with a top deck resembling a luxurious apartment. It offers ample space for walking, private guest areas on each floor, and a variety of amenities. Project 821 is the largest superyacht ever built in the Netherlands and is currently listed for sale by Edmiston.