The world of luxury yachting has taken a bold leap toward sustainability with the launch of Breakthrough. The stunning 390-foot hydrogen-powered superyacht owned by Bill Gates was spotted being fueled with liquid hydrogen supplied by Air Products. Built by renowned Dutch shipbuilder Feadship at the Royal Van Lent shipyard, Breakthrough represents a historic turning point in marine innovation.
It is powered by a groundbreaking hybrid propulsion system, which includes a 3.2-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell unit, marking the first time this clean propulsion technology has been fully integrated into a vessel of such scale and luxury.
Fueling operations for Breakthrough began on March 2, 2025, with a successful liquid hydrogen bunkering followed by a refueling test on March 22, according to a report by H2 View. These milestones not only demonstrated the feasibility of using liquid hydrogen in large-scale marine applications but also showcased the potential of cryogenic bunkering at commercial ports. The refueling took place at the Port’s North Sea Canal, a strategic location that is positioning itself as a leading multi-fuel port committed to sustainable shipping solutions.
At the heart of Breakthrough’s propulsion system is its dual-mode architecture. The highlight of the system is a hydrogen fuel cell that generates electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water as a byproduct. This reaction powers ABB pod drives, which offer quiet and smooth operation with a target range of 60 nautical miles. Breakthrough otherwise relies on a trio of diesel MTU generators, which can also run on hydrotreated vegetable oil, or HVO, a renewable biofuel. This diesel-electric hybrid setup ensures energy reliability while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
The yacht stores its hydrogen fuel in a specially engineered double-walled cryogenic tank capable of holding four tones of liquid hydrogen. To remain in a liquid state, the hydrogen must be maintained at an astonishing minus 423.4 degrees Fahrenheit. While this capacity is not sufficient for full transoceanic propulsion, it is enough to cover the vessel’s hotel load and enable quiet, emission-free operation in ports and environmentally sensitive marine zones. Feadship estimates that the hydrogen system allows for up to a week of silent anchorage or low-speed cruising without emissions.
Breakthrough is a technological marvel in every sense. In order to house the sixteen fuel-cell energy converters, expansive hydrogen storage tanks, DC grid switchboards, and water vapor exhaust systems, the vessel’s design had to be expanded by thirteen feet. This intricate configuration was developed in collaboration with several leading technology providers, including Man Cryo, and reflects a new level of complexity in naval engineering. Feadship has made it clear that this yacht serves as more than a luxurious vessel. It is a scalable prototype for marine hydrogen technology.
In addition to its propulsion system, Breakthrough features all the hallmarks of modern luxury. It offers two bedrooms, a gym, multiple offices with fireplaces, a library space, and wellness facilities including a Jacuzzi and a steam room. Its interior, designed by British RWD Studio, incorporates natural materials such as marble, eucalyptus, and rattan to create a refined coastal aesthetic.
Air Products’ involvement in fueling the vessel highlights the growing importance of partnerships between traditional energy companies and clean technology pioneers. According to Caroline Stancell, Global Vice President of Hydrogen for Mobility at Air Products, hydrogen will play a critical role in decarbonizing global trade routes and maritime transport.
Believed to be worth $646 million, Breakthrough is not just a superyacht, it is a symbol of what is possible when cutting-edge innovation meets environmental responsibility. As the world looks toward cleaner modes of transportation, this vessel stands as an icon of progress at sea.
