Hydrogen-fueled yacht for Bill Gates

[zakiyatasnim]

Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates has ordered a hydrogen-powered superyacht, Aqua, worth an estimated £500 million ($644 million).



The miniature model of the yacht was first shown at an exhibition in Monaco in December 2019. The project was developed by the Dutch company Sinot. The source of inspiration, according to designer Sander Sinot, was “the lifestyle of a discerning, far-sighted owner.”


The length of the yacht will be 112 m. The five-deck vessel will be able to accommodate 14 guests and 31 crew members.

“The yacht is a breakthrough in terms of technology, aesthetics and design,” says Sandler Sinnott.

The energy source will be liquid hydrogen, housed in two 28-ton qatar number data tanks cooled to -253°C. In fuel cells, the hydrogen will be mixed with oxygen, and the byproduct will be water. The fuel will power two 1 MW engines.


The yacht's design is inspired by ocean waves, with a lot of wood and glass used in the decoration. The vessel will feature a pavilion, two VIP cabins in a minimalist Japanese style with floor-to-ceiling windows, a helipad, a cascading pool with panoramic views and a relaxation area.

To keep guests warm, bowls filled with fuel gel will be installed on the deck. Typically, wood or coal are used as fuel.


The vessel will be launched no earlier than 2024. The superyacht will be able to reach a speed of 17 knots (over 30 km/h) and travel more than 6,000 km without refueling. Due to the shortage of hydrogen refueling stations, the vessel will be equipped with a backup diesel engine.


Bill Gates, whose fortune is estimated by Forbes at $112 billion, has previously rented vessels and never owned a yacht of his own. The new purchase underscores the billionaire's long-standing interest in alternative fuels and new technology that could reduce pollution from factories and transportation.