Rumour has it, the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht was commissioned by none other than Microsoft founder Bill Gates. If the rumours are true, then I must say, Mr Gates has some refined taste.
It was rumoured that Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates commissioned a hydrogen-powered $644 million superyacht from Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design – the vessel itself nicknamed the AQUA.
The AQUA may not be the largest yacht at 367-feet long. However, it is slated to be the only hydrogen-powered yacht globally. It is set to be complete in 2024.
According to design specifications released by the manufacturer two years back, “the yacht would store its liquid hydrogen fuel in twin 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks,” claims Forbes.
This is then placed into vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit – which is colder than the surface of planet pluto. Ouch!
Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, the creative minds behind the vessel, unveiled the project in May at the latest Monaco Yacht show.
Since then, the sci-fi concept ship has received enormous hype due to its fueling technology. Sure, hydrogen power sounds cool, like some superhero or villain would use to get around, but it is known for having significant advantages when it comes to going green.
According to Forbes, “fuel cell systems are more environmentally friendly than internal combustion engines, as the only byproduct is H2O.”
Hydrogen fuel cells can be considered batteries that never run flat as long as the H2 keeps coming. Simply put, hydrogen fuel cell technology works by generating electricity through a chemical reaction.
“The idea of using hydrogen energy in large vessels is certainly not new – in fact, liquid hydrogen fuel is what NASA has used to launch rockets into space. Even vehicles are on the rise,” says Forbes.
But enough of that, I’m sure we all are dying to know what’s inside this giant beauty.
I mean, have you ever seen a ship that looks like this? In Star Wars, maybe, but not cruising around fancy ports.
When we look at the exterior of the masterpiece, we can easily see the sleek feel of calming ocean waves with their clean curved lines and free-flowing form.
There is even a glass facing sitting area on the front of the bow, which takes up the top floor of the AQUA. All the open planned rooms are divided by wooden screens to allow the soft diffused light to trickle in as you dine to a fiery sunset.
Interior designs feature Japanese minimalism, which gives a sort of aesthetic of Japan’s traditional Zen Buddhism. It focuses on the bare essentials – heaped with luxuries, of course.
Floor to ceiling windows create an endless openness, and each lounge has a large circular area to relax in. The pool on the main deck looks more like an art installation with its fountain-like aspects, reaching a glass overflow making it seem like you are swimming in the sea.
It doesn’t end there.
There is even an entire spa, gym and beauty salon on board with glass views of the essential hydrogen tanks. It has tenders, helicopter pads and even a mini-wave pool at the bottom.
This video will give you more of an idea:
But, who is the owner of this gigantic sorus? Well, even though Bill Gates was rumoured to have it under his belt, the design team have claimed it is not the case.
It is still up for grabs. According to their website, “they simply used that concept to attract clients to sell hopefully.”
I mean, I would love to put my name down on the list, but my busy schedule just wouldn’t allow it…yeah, I know, in my dreams!
Superyachts seem to be among the last modes of (luxe) transportation to bend toward the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly engine designs.