Project 821: The World's First Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Superyacht
It’s larger than Mark Zuckerberg's new yacht but can cruise between harbors and run the yacht's hotel load with emission-free power from green hydrogen.
Feadship's Amsterdam shipyard Project 821, the world's first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht, has been launched as part of the company's quest to develop "net zero" yachts by 2030. The revolutionary yacht is designed by RWD along with the owners' representation by Edmiston.
Above: Feadship's largest yacht in the shipyard. Image via Feadship.
Standing at 390-foot, the vessel is the largest of Feadship's superyachts and the largest motor yacht ever launched in The Netherlands. It just exceeds the size of Mark Zuckerberg's newest purchase, the 387-foot LAUNCHPAD, also built by Feadship. Despite the fact that the two yachts have similar LOAs, Project 821 boasts 30 percent more volume space with five decks above the waterline and two below.
Above: Project 821, the paragon of superyacht green technology. Image via Feadship.
"The aim has been to develop a new, clean technology not just for this project, but for the world," said Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship Director and CEO of the Royal Van Lent Shipyard.
Feadship's aim is to reduce the yacht's carbon footprint, which is the largest, by generating electricity via non-polluting hydrogen fuel cells to serve the hotel load. According to the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI), 70-78 percent of the total energy used per year is for heating and air conditioning, which make for the greatest demands. Green hydrogen is the fuel-cell source and is a clean energy source that emits water vapor into the air, leaving no residue in the air. Unlike fossil fuels, it is one of the most efficient and cleanest options. The development of Project 821 has established new regulations for hydrogen storage and fuel-cell systems at class, flag-state, or even IMO (International Maritime Organization) levels did not exist. However, through the support of expert partners from allied industries, Feadship, Edmiston, and Lloyd's Register developed scaled equipment, protocols, and safety regulations simultaneously. Norwegian passenger and car ferries will also utilize the system pioneered by PowerCell Group for Project 821.
Meanwhile, hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars and fuel cells have been used as the primary source of electrical power for human spaceflight for over half a century.
Above: Project 821: The world's first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht.
Space and Storage Challenges
Even a yacht the size of Project 821 cannot carry enough liquid hydrogen to power a crossing. Storing hydrogen on a vessel requires a double-walled cryogenic storage tank in a dedicated room. Green hydrogen was utilized to add four meters to the yacht's original specification length.
Energy Backup Resources
For longer journeys, the electricity powering the 3,200 kW ABB pod drives comes from MTU generators combusting HVO, a second-generation biofuel that reduces harmful emissions by 90 percent, the same energy source used on the 2023 Feadship yacht, Obsidian.
An efficient heat recovery system powers the pool, jacuzzi, steam room, air temperature, towel bars, and floors. A smart AC system connecting sensors to an energy management system that automatically reduces air conditioning or heating in unoccupied guest spaces will further reduce the hotel load.
Layout and Design
There are more hull openings than any Feadship to date, providing more connection points to the water. Also, there are fourteen slide-in, slide-out balconies that, when fully deployed, rise to become perfectly level with the interior room and seven large sea-view platforms.
A family-oriented yacht, the owners' deck towers 37 meters above water over the bridge and extends onto a lower deck with a private lift and staircase. It is a private apartment with two bedrooms, twin bathrooms and dressing rooms, a gym, a pantry, two offices, each with a fireplace, and a living room. A full walkaround deck forward and aft, feature shaded areas, al fresco dining areas and a jacuzzi.
The 19-meter beam allows generous corridors inside and side decks outside where guests can walk side-by-side, creating a sense of space. Social areas are scattered throughout the yacht, including coffee corners, a games nook, and a library on the main deck. Situated on the main deck is a private dining room with a sea terrace and an adjacent stateroom with an ensuite on the lower deck, an intimate four-level penthouse-by-the sea.
Timeless Beach Luxe Interiors
British design studio RWD created Project 821's exterior and interior décor in a neutral beach luxe style, featuring shell doors with pared-back light neutral colors in textured fabrics such as leather, marble, rattan, fumed and taupe eucalyptus, and limed oak.
Jamie Edmiston (Chief Executive) also shares his experience with this project. "The brief was to build the greenest and most environmentally advanced yacht ever built, without compromise. It was a huge challenge, but one that the team has embraced and delivered on. The yacht we see today, designed by RWD and built by Feadship, is undoubtedly the best yacht ever built. I am proud to have been involved since the inception of this idea.”
Charlie Baker (Director) adds, “RWD isis immensely proud to have been involved in such a forward-thinking project as a collaboration alongside Feadship and Edmiston. We hope it inspires other projects to think differently in the future.”
Project 821 is being offered for sale by Edmiston.
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Interested in knowing more? Read Feadship Announces Hydrogen Powered Superyacht.
