The world of luxury yachting has just taken a revolutionary leap toward sustainability with the debut of Breakthrough — a 119-meter superyacht owned by Bill Gates, and the first of its kind to be powered by liquid hydrogen.
Built by the esteemed Dutch shipyard Feadship (Royal Van Lent Shipyard), Breakthrough has officially become the world’s first luxury yacht equipped with a propulsion system fueled by cryogenically cooled liquid hydrogen, stored at a bone-chilling –253°C.
In March 2025, a specialized tanker from Air Products delivered the liquefied hydrogen to a Dutch North Sea port, marking a pioneering moment in cryogenic bunkering for commercial harbors. This event not only made headlines in maritime circles but also reinforced the Netherlands' position as a hub for green marine logistics.
At the heart of Breakthrough lies a hybrid propulsion system combining three MTU diesel generators (which can run on HVO — a sustainable biofuel) with a 3.2-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell powering ABB electric motors. The result? A silent, highly efficient system capable of cruising up to 60 nautical miles with zero emissions. For transoceanic voyages, the yacht switches to its diesel-electric configuration, ensuring operational flexibility without sacrificing environmental goals.
Hydrogen is stored in a double-insulated cryogenic tank with a capacity of four tons — enough for several days of emission-free anchorage or protected coastal cruising. Though insufficient for long-distance journeys, this clean mode allows the yacht to glide quietly and responsibly through eco-sensitive zones and busy harbors.
To house this cutting-edge tech, Breakthrough was extended by over 4 meters to integrate fuel cell converters, DC distribution systems, and specialized water vapor exhausts. Partners like MAN Cryo played a vital role in this engineering feat, setting a new benchmark in advanced yacht construction.
And while it’s a sustainability marvel, Breakthrough makes no compromises on luxury. The interior, designed by British firm RWD, blends marble, eucalyptus, and rattan in a sophisticated coastal aesthetic. It features two master suites, a gym, library, offices with fireplaces, and a wellness area complete with jacuzzi and steam bath — all powered by clean energy.
Gates’ collaboration with Air Products highlights the importance of partnerships between clean tech pioneers and energy giants. As Caroline Stensel, global VP for hydrogen mobility at Air Products, emphasizes: “Hydrogen will be key to decarbonizing global maritime transport.”
With an estimated value of $646 million, Breakthrough is far more than a status symbol. It’s a technological manifesto, a floating blueprint for a cleaner tomorrow, and living proof that luxury and environmental responsibility can — and must — coexist. In an era demanding cleaner transport solutions, Breakthrough is not just a yacht — it’s a vision of the world to come.
