When Dutch shipbuilder Feadship launched the revolutionary vessel Breakthrough (also known as Project 821) – the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht – they needed a tender vessel that could match its eco-conscious ethos. Enter the Z11, an advanced electric tender from Seattle-based Zin Boats that’s pushing the boundaries of sustainable marine technology.
The $646 million mothership, long rumored to be commissioned by Bill Gates, represents a watershed moment in green yachting. The 390-foot vessel runs entirely on “green” hydrogen, producing only electricity and water as byproducts. With its ability to operate silently at anchor for a week or cruise emission-free at 10 knots, Project 821 demanded a tender that could maintain this zero-emission philosophy.
The Z11 rises to this challenge through sophisticated electric propulsion that Zin Boats claims can deliver impressive performance – speeds over 50 knots with a range exceeding 100 nautical miles under normal conditions. This makes it perfectly suited for ferrying passengers between the mothership and shore while maintaining the environmental benefits of Breakthrough’s hydrogen system.
The integration between tender and mothership is seamless, thanks to Raymarine’s custom navigation and vessel automation system. The Z11 features dual Axiom displays – a 19-inch Axiom 2 XL and 9-inch Axiom+ – working in concert with YachtSense digital switching for comprehensive vessel monitoring. This matches the sophisticated technical requirements of a superyacht that needs specialized equipment just to store its hydrogen fuel at -423.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
“We have been heads down working on the world’s most advanced electric tender and electric propulsion technology,” explains David Donovick, President & COO of Zin Boats. The company’s focus on innovation mirrors Project 821’s groundbreaking approach – the superyacht required 16 fuel-cell energy converters and extensive engineering to accommodate hydrogen storage tanks that demand 8-10 times more space than traditional diesel systems.
The Z11 serves as more than just a shuttle – it’s an extension of Project 821’s luxurious amenities. While the mothership features five decks, 14 balconies, multiple offices with fireplaces, and interior design by British RWD Studio using premium materials like marble and limed oak, the tender maintains this high-end approach through its own sophisticated systems and finishes.
For navigation and safety, the Z11 incorporates a Ray90 modular VHF radio system and CP100 CHIRP DownVision sonar. These features ensure the tender can operate safely around the sophisticated systems of a superyacht that represents the cutting edge of marine engineering.
Jamie Dery, Vice President of Raymarine Americas, emphasizes how the Z11 project pushed boundaries: “This collaboration exemplifies Raymarine’s unique ability to work hand-in-hand with visionary builders, delivering tailored solutions that set the standard in marine-electronics innovation.”
As the yachting industry grapples with environmental concerns, the pairing of Project 821 and the Z11 demonstrates how luxury and sustainability can coexist at the highest levels. While Feadship maintains strict confidentiality about Project 821’s ownership, the collaboration between these innovative vessels points to a future where even superyacht tenders can contribute to cleaner seas.
The Z11 proves that support vessels no longer need to be the environmental weak link in a superyacht’s operations. As Project 821 charts a course toward zero-emission luxury cruising, its electric tender ensures that every aspect of the yachting experience can align with this sustainable vision.
