After talking the talk and impressing the world, it is time for the groundbreaking Feadship vessel Breakthrough to walk the walk. This mammoth hydrogen-powered superyacht, commissioned by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and formerly known as Project 821, was sighted during her sea trials near the town of IJmuiden, Amsterdam. Breakthrough, listed for $645 million, became the world’s first fuel-cell-powered superyacht and personifies the innovative spirit of her commissioning owner. Unfortunately, the centibillionaire backed out of taking delivery of the 390-foot ship, which sails with a zero-diesel approach, powering its hotel load and amenities with emission-free energy from green hydrogen.
It would have been a winning combination to witness the world’s sixth-richest man, known for his innovations, exploring the remote corners of the globe aboard his luxury vessel, which stores liquid hydrogen on board at temperatures below -253°C (-423°F) and uses a fuel cell to generate electricity. Breakthrough also surpasses Mark Zuckerberg’s $300 million Launchpad yacht, becoming the largest motor yacht ever launched in the Netherlands. The five-decker features exterior and interior design by RWD. While the minutest details are unknown, it is said that the ship is packed with the 68-year-old tycoon’s preferences, luxuries, and traits.
There are numerous technological touches; in fact, the vessel is fitted with the most hull openings of any Feadship creation to date. At the touch of a button, one can operate 14 slide-out balconies, five shell doors, and seven opening platforms. The balconies slide out, complete with side railings. When fully deployed, their floors become perfectly level with the interior space. The 7,247 GT superyacht sleeps 30 guests in 15 rooms, but the pièce de résistance is the four-level townhouse-by-the-sea reserved for the owner. The vessel boasts charming touches, including coffee corners and a games area on the bridge deck, along with a cozy private dining room serving gourmet food on the sea terrace.
Other amenities include a massive library, cinema, gym, fireplaces, and more. The ship is powered by triple MTU engines that propel her to a cruising speed of 14 knots and a top speed of 17 knots. Regarding energy storage, the vessel stores only 543 kWh, as her fuel cell technology can provide an entire week’s worth of silent operation at anchor or navigate emission-free at 10 knots. Now we know why Jamie Edmiston, CEO at Edmiston, called the project “the best yacht ever built.”
What Are Sea Trials?
Testing a ship is not as simple as taking a car for a test drive. After constructing multi-million-dollar luxury yachts, it falls upon the shipyard to ensure the vessel performs and meets the corresponding requirements assigned by the owner under the contract. Sea trials are crucial for assessing a vessel’s performance before it is fully commissioned or sold. The vessel’s systems, including the engine, steering, navigation, and other critical components, are tested in a controlled environment. Both manufacturers (in the case of a brand-new model) and brokers (with a ready fleet for sale) can arrange trials. Sea trials can often be witnessed at most boat shows, where opulent offerings are judged in real-world conditions.
