When Feadship’s Amsterdam shipyard unveiled its drydock on May 4, the yachting world witnessed a revolutionary moment. Introducing Project 821, the globe’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht, a marvel five years in the making.
This innovation-packed vessel addresses a crucial question: How far can green technology be pushed in superyachts?
Designed by RWD and with owner’s representation by Edmiston, Feadship’s response is a multifaceted, zero-diesel yacht designed to navigate between harbors and anchorages, running its hotel load and amenities on emission-free green hydrogen.
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Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship Director and CEO of Royal Van Lent Shipyard, highlighted the project’s goal to develop new, clean technology not just for this yacht but for the broader maritime industry. The yacht’s substantial size, over 100 meters, made it an ideal candidate to explore pure green hydrogen as a fuel-cell source, appealing to those fascinated by cutting-edge innovation and potential ownership.
Feadship’s R&D team has been investigating hydrogen among other fossil-free fuel options, committing to create “net zero” yachts by 2030. Hydrogen fuel cells, which produce electricity without combustion and emit only pure water, had seen use in cars and human spaceflight for over sixty years, but had not been applied to the maritime sector. With no existing regulations for hydrogen storage and fuel-cell systems at class, flag-state, or IMO level, Feadship, Edmiston, and Lloyd’s Register collaborated with experts to develop scaled equipment, protocols, and safety regulations.
“The research and development of safety regulations for a new type of energy generation is a significant advancement that we are proud to share,” said Verkuyl. He noted that next year, two Norwegian ferries will commence service using systems pioneered by Project 821 in collaboration with PowerCell Group.
A primary challenge was storing compressed liquid hydrogen at -253°C below deck on a luxury yacht. However, the investment in this technology is vital for transitioning away from fossil fuels, as hydrogen is one of the cleanest and most efficient options. Processed in a fuel cell, hydrogen produces only electricity and water vapor. Its lightness, at 70kg per cubic meter compared to 800kg per cubic meter of non-fossil diesel equivalent fuel, necessitates a double-walled cryogenic storage tank, which, despite being highly insulated, takes up significantly more space than diesel fuel.
Project 821’s cryogenic fuel tank holds 92 cubic meters (about 4 tonnes) of hydrogen, along with sixteen compact fuel cells, a switchboard connection to the DC electrical grid, and vent stacks for water vapor, adding four meters to the yacht’s original length. These fuel cells can also run on methanol, which is easier to store. Methanol is reformed into hydrogen before the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell.
Although Project 821 cannot carry enough liquid hydrogen for a transoceanic journey, Feadship aims to reduce a yacht’s carbon footprint where it matters most—generating electricity for the hotel load. According to the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI), 70-78% of a yacht’s yearly energy use supplies its hotel load, with heating and air conditioning being the largest consumers. Supplying this power via hydrogen fuel cells drastically reduces emissions. For longer trips or when hydrogen isn’t available, the yacht’s 3,200 kW ABB pod drives are powered by MTU generators running on HVO, a biofuel that cuts harmful emissions by 90%, a capability tested on the 2023 Feadship, Obsidian.
Large battery banks are increasingly used for silent nights at anchor or cruising in no-discharge zones. However, Project 821 stores only 543 kW hours of energy compared to the 83.50-meter Savannah, Feadship’s first diesel-electric hybrid launched in 2015, which stored a megawatt. Project 821’s fuel cell technology allows for a week’s worth of silent operation or emission-free navigation at 10 knots.
Additionally, Project 821 boasts the most efficient waste heat recovery system yet, heating everything from the pool and Jacuzzi to guest bathroom floors. Further energy savings come from a Smart AC system that adjusts heating and cooling based on occupancy.
The yacht, now the largest motor yacht launched in The Netherlands, surpasses the 118-meter LAUNCHPAD in volume despite similar lengths. With five decks above the waterline and two below, Project 821’s height is impressive—37 meters above water at the owners’ deck. The design by RWD includes numerous hull openings, such as fourteen balconies, five shell doors, and seven large platforms, enhancing the connection to the sea. These features are discreet when closed but extend at the push of a button, leveling perfectly with the interior rooms.
Designed for family use, the owners’ deck above the bridge resembles an apartment, complete with bedrooms, bathrooms, a gym, offices, and a living room. A walkaround deck offers shaded dining and relaxation areas. Additionally, a unique private vertical corridor connects multiple decks, featuring a staircase with bookshelves and an elevator, with private lifestyle spaces like a coffee corner, games niche, library, and dining room.
British RWD Studio designed the yacht’s exterior, general arrangement, and interior décor, using light neutral colors, textured fabrics, marble, rattan, and eucalyptus for a luxe coastal vibe. Consistent design details, such as door trims and railings, vary in material but repeat shapes from deck to deck.
Verkuyl emphasizes that fuel cells are crucial for the future of yachts due to their efficiency, low emissions, and minimal noise. He affirms that storing liquified hydrogen in a superyacht is now viable, with future innovations focusing on fuel cells and methanol-to-hydrogen reforming. For Feadship, decarbonizing the upstream process, such as using environmentally sensitive aluminum and producing net-zero carbon fuels, remains a priority.
Jamie Edmiston, Chief Executive, praised the project’s success in building the greenest and most advanced yacht without compromise, while RWD’s Charlie Baker expressed pride in participating in such a forward-thinking project, hoping to inspire future innovations.
Project 821 is currently available for purchase through Edmiston.
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SOURCE: World’s first hydrogen-powered £515million superyacht to hit the waves… but there is one drawback
