Bill Gates' $645M Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Sets New Standard for Eco-Friendly Luxury
August 17, 2025
Set to be showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show, Breakthrough represents a significant achievement in sustainable luxury maritime engineering.
Developing this multi-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell involved new regulatory standards and collaboration among Feadship, ABB, and fuel cell experts, influencing future maritime applications like ferries and commercial ships.
Bill Gates' superyacht, named Breakthrough, is a 118.8-meter vessel equipped with a groundbreaking 3-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell system, marking a milestone in marine clean energy technology.
Built over five years by Dutch shipyard Feadship, the yacht features innovative ecological technology and ultra-luxury amenities designed by RWD.
The yacht uses advanced systems such as ABB’s Onboard DC Grid, dual 3.2-megawatt Azipod propulsion units, and sophisticated power management to operate silently and emission-free, with the ability to run on hydrogen for up to a week when anchored.
The sale of Breakthrough could inspire future yacht designs by encouraging the adoption of sustainable propulsion systems, signaling a shift toward environmentally conscious luxury travel.
The yacht also features a bio-fuel backup engine, offering extended range with 90% lower emissions than traditional engines, setting new environmental standards in luxury yachting.
Breakthrough can accommodate up to 30 guests in 15 cabins, with a crew of 43, and includes amenities such as a private hospital, libraries, a cinema, infinity pool, spa, basketball court, and helipad.
As the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht, it stores liquid hydrogen at -423°F to operate fuel cells, with excess heat repurposed for onboard heating and pool warming.
The yacht’s fuel cell output of around 3,000 kilowatts could power approximately sixty-eight Xanadu homes or about 2,500 average American homes simultaneously, demonstrating its immense energy capacity with zero emissions when using hydrogen.
Gates’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond his yacht to his homes, illustrating that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist through advanced technology.
Priced at $645 million, Breakthrough epitomizes the fusion of high-end luxury with cutting-edge green technology, making it a symbol of exclusivity for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Summary based on 2 sources
Get a daily email with more Tech stories
Sources

The Meade County Messenger • Aug 17, 2025
Bill Gates’ Superyacht Is Up For Sale: What It Hides On Board Is Simply Mind-Blowing