bill gates 644 million dollar yacht

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Breaking news, bill gates reportedly orders $644m hydrogen-powered superyacht with gym, helipad, infinity pool.

Bill Gates reportedly has his eye on the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht — a $644 million, environmentally friendly oasis on the sea with its own infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym.

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder was initially rumored to have already commissioned the 370-foot luxury Aqua yacht in a report Sunday in the UK paper The Telegraph.

However, the Dutch design firm Sinot insisted Monday that Aqua had yet to be sold to Gates, stressing it did not yet have a “business relationship” with the second-richest person in the world.

“We invite any visionary client to show their interest,” insisted the company — clearly aiming at eco-warrior billionaires just like him, with designer Sander Sinot saying the inspiration was “the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner.”

The vessel is powered by two 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with liquid hydrogen — with the only emission being water, according to the report. It will reach a top speed of 17 knots (19.5 mph) and be able to cross the Atlantic, the report says.

While far from the world’s largest yacht, plans show extreme luxury for the 14 guests and 31 crew members who can be accommodated.

It includes its own fully equipped gym, yoga studio, beauty room, massage parlor and a stunning outdoor infinity pool.

Along with luxurious bedrooms, there are numerous outdoor lounges, a giant spiral staircase and an amazing observation room at the front.

Gates’ main motivation in wanting to commission the yacht would be to signal his backing for new, clean technology to cut carbon emissions, the Telegraph said.

He regularly takes superyacht vacations — but usually rents yachts rather than owning his own.

Whoever buys it will not be able to enjoy it for a few more years, however, with the report saying Aqua will not be ready until 2024.

The Gates Foundation and Gates Ventures declined to comment to the Telegraph for its report.

“Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr Gates,” Sinoit insisted.

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The World's First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Has a $644 Million Price Tag

Superyachts seemed to be among the last modes of (luxe) transportation to bend toward the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly engine designs. But if news from last week’s Monaco Yacht Show served as a bellwether, the industry meant to cater to the wealthiest among us made a progressive splash with the unveiling of Aqua, the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht.

Designed by the Dutch firm Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design, Aqua is a nearly 400-foot-long vessel that's run entirely by a renewable energy source. "Water is the eternal fuel of life, the life-sustaining force that makes planet Earth habitable," says Sander Sinot, founder of the firm that bears his name. "Water is soft, yet at the same time it cuts through hard rocks." It was this appreciation of water that helped the firm find balance between the natural world and the technological. The propulsion system is made up of two 28-ton vacuumed tanks that each contain liquified hydrogen which are stored at -423 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with being eco-friendly, hydrogen-based energy means for a quieter experience aboard the ship in comparison to traditional engines. That said, there will be backup diesel generators handy should the captain ever need them.

The infinity pool aboard AQUA. 

There was much confusion on Monday if there was already a buyer who had paid the hefty $644 million price tag. Reports spread throughout the internet that billionaire Bill Gates had purchased the superyacht, rumors that proved to be false. Yet readers couldn't be blamed for believing such reports, as images show Aqua to include its own infinity pool, helipad, spa, and gym—amenities meant to attract billionaires such as Gates.

An aerial view of the superyacht shows how close passengers can get to the water, as well as the cascading design of the infinity pool.

Sinot and his team designed the vessel to safely bring passengers as close to the water as possible. "Water is relaxation; it makes us calmer and more creative," Sinot comments. "We wanted to provide those on board with the closest possible proximity to the water. The aft deck features an innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level."

One of the bedrooms inside of Aqua shows a minimalist aesthetic. 

Aqua can reach speeds of up to 19.5 mph and features enough room for 14 guests and 31 crew members. The firm plans to complete the vessel by 2024.

In photos: Bill Gates-owned world's first hydrogen megayacht unveiled

Inside world’s first ever $1 billion hydrogen superyacht – and it’s linked to Bill Gates

The world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht has been unveiled in Amsterdam. It has taken Feadship 5 years to deliver Project 821, reportedly commissioned by Bill Gates.

Project 821 features 12 guest staterooms, two staff cabins, accommodation for 44 crew members, a hospital, library, elevator, cinema, pool with a moveable glass bottom, multiple hot tubs, steam room, a gym, separate owners deck with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two offices, and fourteen slide-out balconies.

What makes the Project 821 Feadship superyacht truly exceptional, however, is it is hydrogen-powered.

Jamie Edmiston, the CEO of yacht brokerage company Edmiston, represents the owner and is brokering the sale for a reported $1-billion. Edmiston says no expense was spared to build the groundbreaking vessel.

“The brief was to build the greenest and most environmentally advanced yacht ever built, without compromise,” says Edmiston. “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 without doubt the best yacht ever built. I am proud to have been involved since the inception of this idea.”

Neither Edmiston nor Feadship have revealed who commissioned the superyacht. eSysman Superyachts reported in April that it belongs to Bill Gates.

Jan-Bart Verkuyl, the CEO of Feadship Royal Van Lent shipyard, says pushing green superyacht technology as far as it could go was the mandate to develop of the vessel.

 “The aim has been to develop a new, clean technology not just for this project, but for the world,” Verkuyl says. Feadship has pledged to develop ‘net-zero’ yachts by 2030 and has an R&D team researching hydrogen and other fossil-fuel-free alternatives.

“The size of the proposed yacht – 100-metres-plus – made it a good candidate to explore pure green hydrogen as the fuel-cell source,” a Feadship statement reads.

“Even a yacht the size of  Project 821  cannot carry enough liquid hydrogen to power a crossing, but Feadship could impact a yacht’s carbon footprint where it is largest — generating electricity to serve the hotel load,” according to Feadship.

A yacht’s hotel load represents 70-78 per cent of a yacht’s annual total energy and heating and air conditioning make the largest demands, Feadship states. Air conditioning is a significant energy consumer on yachts, according to research from a maritime industry body .

“Supplying that electrical power via non-polluting hydrogen fuel cells has a swift and significant impact,” according to Feadship.

“Although there are hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars, and fuel cells have been used as the primary source of electrical power on human spaceflight for more than six decades, nothing existed in the maritime sector. There were no regulations for hydrogen storage and fuel-cell systems at class, flag-state or even the International Maritime Organisation level,” Feadship states.

Feadship, Edmiston and Lloyd’s Register developed new equipment, protocols and regulations for hydrogen to be used in the maritime industry. Feadship states that hydrogen fuel cells have water as their only exhaust, and are a combustion-free way to generate electricity.

“Project 821 features the most efficient waste heat recovery system yet developed, a system heating everything from the pool, Jacuzzi and steam room to the ambient air temperature and towel bars and floors in the guest bathrooms. Further savings in the hotel load will come from a Smart AC system linking sensors to an energy management system that automatically reduces air conditioning or heating in unoccupied guest spaces,” Feadship states.

When pure hydrogen is not available, electricity is generated by MTU generators combusting a biofuel said to reduce emissions by 90 per cent.

The work that has been done to deliver the no-expense-spared Project 821 superyacht is now being used for other vessels.

“The value of the research as well the development of class and flag safety regulations for an entirely new type of energy generation is an advancement we are proud to have made available to all,” says Verkuyl.

In 2025, two Norwegian ferries will operate using the system developed for Project 821.

Look back on the week that was with hand-picked articles from Australia and around the world.  Sign up to the Forbes Australia newsletter here   or  become a member here.

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Bill Gates' alleged purchase of $644M superyacht put into dry dock

Hydro-powered "aqua" with beauty salon, pool and yoga studio still on market.

An exclusive yacht design company dismissed claims that retired  tech tycoon Bill Gates commissioned a mega vessel based on one of its models.

Over the weekend numerous reports suggested the Microsoft billionaire , whose estimated worth hovers around $112 billion according to estimates by Forbes, shelled out approximately $644 million for an environmentally friendly vessel modeled after its “Aqua” concept that was showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show last year.

BILL GATES TURNS 64: HERE'S HOW THE BILLIONAIRE SPENDS HIS MONEY

However, it’s a claim the company flatly dismisses.

“In recent days, various articles have appeared in international media, stating that Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design sold its concept ‘Aqua’ (presented at the Monaco Yacht Show 2019) to Mr. Bill Gates. These articles are factually incorrect," Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design  wrote on its website and social media accounts.

The model, when finished, will span 112 meters with vast amenities such as a health and  wellness center, beauty salon and VIP cabin. The concept uses a hydrogen-electric system that is "capable of catering for all onboard energy needs," Sinot says.

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Earlier reports stated that Gates commissioned a 370-foot luxury boat featuring its own infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym from the Dutch design firm. The reports also stated the purchase reflected Gates' efforts to cut carbon emission.

However, the company noted the concept is "not linked to Mr. Gates or his representatives in any form or matter."

"Sinot has no business relationship with Mr. Gates," the company's statement read. "Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr. Gates. Unfortunately, all 'information' in these recent articles is incorrect.”

Although the company denied the claims, the Microsoft founder has a history of fighting for climate change .

At the United Nations’ Climate Action Summit in Septemeber, Gates announced that his foundation was working with the World Bank and some European governments to provide $790 million to help millions of the world’s small farmers adapt to climate change. The Gates foundation pledged $310 million of that.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Did Bill Gates Buy a $644 Million Sustainable Superyacht?

People everywhere are fascinated by the lifestyles of the rich and famous, but it’s often difficult to decipher fact from fiction when it comes to reports regarding how they spend their wealth. A prime example is the recent slew of news outlets reporting a $644 million yacht purchase by billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates — followed almost immediately by reports disputing the same claim.

The flurry of print and online fodder came almost immediately after the story was leaked. Although it’s unclear who was the first to put it out, UK paper The Telegraph was early to announce that Gates had made a deal to purchase the yacht from Dutch company Sinot . Soon after that, every worthy (and questionably worthy) news source around did their part to get the story trending within hours.

The following day, however, the real story started surfacing, with Sinot adamantly denying any relationship with Gates or deal to sell him their “Aqua” superyacht. “Aqua” isn’t actually even a yacht yet, but rather an impressive design concept the company released at the most recent Monaco Yacht Show .

It’s not surprising nobody thought to question whether or not Gates actually commissioned the futuristic ride, considering his well-known (and arguably obscene) amount of wealth. Plus, Gates is also outspoken about his environmental passions, so a vessel like the Aqua would be a perfect fit for him. That’s because even though Aqua features all the luxury anyone could hope for, it’s true ‘coolness’ factor comes from the hydrogen fuel cell technology that powers it. Widely considered the greenest fuel option around, the superyacht would be powered for up to 3,750 nautical miles by liquid nitrogen stored in two tanks at -423 degrees Fahrenheit. The only by-product of the process is water, which can go directly back into the ocean without polluting it. And while the yacht could easily travel across the Atlantic, longer trips would require a back-up diesel engine to complete the route (mostly because there aren’t many dockside hydrogen refill stations just hanging around).

The design concept for Aqua is noteworthy for the hydrogen fuel alone, but considering the opulent touches, anyone who coughs up the estimated $644 million to own it likely wouldn’t even care what powered it.

The 370-foot Aqua really does look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Sinot explains that its exterior inspired by ocean swells , the movement of the tides, and weather out on the open seas. Its five decks are equipped to comfortably accommodate 14 guests and 31 crew members, though they also feature a gym, yoga studio, beauty room, massage parlor, and cascading infinity pool on the rear deck. Best of all, passengers can enjoy the ocean air on cool nights while keeping warm next to eco-friendly gel-fuelled fire bowls.

The goal, according to Sinot, is for the Aqua to show the potential for the future of the superyacht industry. So while the company continues to deny any contract with Bill Gates, they are encouraging other, similarly wealthy individuals to invest in the idea. Regardless of who ends up writing the check, the earliest estimated sail date wouldn’t be until sometime in 2024.

All images courtesy of Sinot.

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Bill gates just bought himself a $644 million super yacht.

Source -  Bill Gates has ordered the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht — a $644 million environmentally friendly oasis on the sea with its own infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym, according to reports.

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder — the second-richest person in the world — commissioned the 370-foot luxury “Aqua” yacht by pioneering Dutch design firm Sinot, The Telegraph reported.

How do you flex on the world's richest man? By buying a nearly three-quarters of a billion dollar hydrogen-powered super yacht right in his face, of course. Because make no mistake about it, that's what this is all about. Old Billy boy bought this for one reason and one reason only- to remind the world that while Bezos may currently be all the rage, he's the OG billionaire. He's been a member of the ten figure club since before Amazon was a glint in Bezos' eye. The year was 1987 and he was 31 years old. In other words, he's had plenty of time to practice spending his money and that's exactly what he's doing. His most notable purchase was his 66,0000 square foot house, but this yacht eclipses that. 

Here are the details. They read more like the command center for an evil empire than they do a luxury yacht, but I'm sure it'll be great regardless. How could it not be for $644 MILLION?

The vessel is powered by two 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to -423 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with liquid hydrogen — with the only emission being water, according to the report. It will reach a top speed of 17 knots and be able to cross the Atlantic, the report says. While far from the world’s largest yacht, plans show extreme luxury for the 14 guests and 31 crew members that can be accommodated. It includes its own fully equipped gym, yoga studio, beauty room, massage parlor and a stunning outdoor infinity pool. Along with luxurious bedrooms, there are numerous outdoor lounges, a giant spiral staircase and an amazing observation room at the front. Gates’ main motivation in commissioning the yacht, however, is to signal his backing for new, clean technology to cut carbon emissions, The Telegraph said. He will not be able to enjoy it for a few more years, however, with the report saying “Aqua” will not be ready until 2024.

Keep in mind, that $644 million is his disposable  income .  That's his walk around money. He probably already forgot he spent it. My favorite part of this whole thing is that he's trying to make it about carbon emissions. LOL. Because nothing says 'save the environment' like four years of heavy construction on a ship the size of a football field

If you haven't seen his Netflix special yet, Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates , I highly recommend checking it out. It's a fascinating look into what makes him tick. Anyway, enjoy the new boat, Bill. Looks pretty sweet. 

5 years in the making, eco-warrior Bill Gates’ hydrogen fuel-cell-powered megayacht is finally ready. A first of its kind in the world, the 373 feet long vessel has stealth balconies that pop out with the press of a button, multiple libraries, fireplaces, a private elevator, and a hospital

Bill Gates’ megayacht is equal parts clean and smart –

The stunning five-decker is a win-win vessel for an eco-conscious billionaire . From being innately clean, it even flaunts an efficient waste heat recovery system. It heats everything from the pool, Jacuzzi, and steam room to the ambient air temperature and towel bars and floors in the guest bathrooms. A Smart AC system includes sensors that automatically reduce air conditioning or heating in unoccupied guest spaces. Talk about a smart superyacht, and it could have only come from the genius of a tech tycoon! Back in 2020, rumor mills went abuzz with reports that Bill Gates pledged well over $600 million to build a 376-foot-long, hydrogen-powered superyacht concept. Guess there is no smoke without fire, and the result is now out of dry dock for all to see.

[All images of the Feadship Project 821 provided by Feadship]

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Bill Gates 'not buying our hydrogen yacht'

Billionaire Bill Gates has not commissioned a hydrogen-powered superyacht from designer Sinot, the firm has told the BBC.

It has been widely reported that Mr Gates ordered a £500m ($644m) luxury vessel, based on the concept which was displayed in Monaco in 2019.

Sinot said it had "no business relationship" with Bill Gates.

It added that that the concept yacht, called Aqua, was "not linked" to either him or any of his representatives.

"Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr Gates," a spokeswoman said.

She added that it was shown "in Monaco [and] meant to build a better future, and inspire clients and the industry."

Bill Gates has been contacted by the BBC for comment.

The finished concept vessel would be 112 metres long, according to publicity material released by Sinot - although only a two-metre model has been built so far.

It would be capable of a top speed of 17 knots, and have a range of 3,750 nautical miles (6,945 kilometres).

It would also be powered by hydrogen fuel - a relatively green alternative, compared with those that produce greenhouse gases.

That Story About Bill Gates Buying a $644 Million Yacht Is Fake

"unfortunately, all 'information' in these recent articles is incorrect.", big spender.

If anyone could afford to buy a $644 million yacht, it's Bill Gates. In fact, with a net worth of $108.8 billion , he could afford to buy hundreds.

Contrary to the many , many reports that circulated on the internet over the past few days, Gates is not actually planning to be the first owner of Aqua , a hydrogen-powered yacht concept Dutch yacht-design company Sinot presented at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show.

But there is a chance he's considering a similar ultra-green luxury vessel.

On Monday, Sinot replaced its website's landing page with a message emphatically denying any connection to Gates.

"The Hydrogen concept Aqua is not linked to Mr. Gates (or his representatives) in any form or matter," the message reads. "Sinot has no business relationship with Mr. Gates. Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr. Gates. Unfortunately, all 'information' in these recent articles is incorrect."

Crossed Wires

The reports that Gates is buying Sinot's Aqua appear to stem from a story published in The Telegraph  on Saturday.

"The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that [Bill Gates] is behind the construction of a cutting-edge vessel by the Dutch superyacht specialist Feadship," the newspaper wrote. "The custom build is based on blueprints for the 112-metre design Aqua publicized last year at the Monaco Yacht Show by the Dutch marine architects Sinot to draw environmentally sensitive billionaires."

Gates has yet to respond to Futurism's request for comment, so right now, it seems there is a chance he's buying a hydrogen-powered superyacht — just not from Sinot.

READ MORE: Bill Gates 'not buying our hydrogen yacht' [ BBC ]

More on hydrogen power: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Flying Car Has a Range of 400 Miles

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Bill Gates Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

In 2020 the yachting world was abuzz with news that Bill Gates had bought as stunning and advanced yacht known as Project Aqua. The massive, 370-foot concept yacht was revealed in 2019 at the Monaco Yacht Show and news soon followed that billionaire Bill Gates, once the richest man in the world and the founder of Microsoft, had commissioned the construction of his own hydrogen-powered Aqua. But that never actually happened and, in fact, as near as anyone can tell for real, Bill Gates doesn’t own a yacht at all. 

So where did the story come from? What’s the deal with the Aqua? And hasn’t Bill Gates been pictured on a yacht before? Let’s get some answers.

How Much Did the Aqua Yacht Cost at the Monaco Yacht Show?

According to the stories online, Bill Gates paid $600 million for the hydrogen powered yacht. But that’s not true at all. According to the yacht makers, the Dutch company Sinot, the price tag is $645 million but no one bought it after it was revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show, and that includes Bill Gates. It’s expensive but definitely not the most expensive in the world.

How Fast is the Aqua Yacht?

Aqua is a unique yacht in the yachting world which is why it garnered so much attention in the first place. It’s the first mega yacht that runs on a fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cell system that features two hydrogen engines that can produce 1,341 horsepower. The top speed is 17 knots and  the Aqua has a cruising speed of 12 knots. The total range is 3,750 nautical miles. The liquid hydrogen is stored in two 28-ton vacuum sealed tanks where it can be held at -253 degrees C. The only exhaust is water.

What Does the Interior of  the Aqua Yacht Look Like?

The Aqua has 7 suites meant to house up to 14 guests at any given time. Two of those suites are larger VIP cabins. The ceilings throughout are 9 feet and stretch as high as 12.5 feet elsewhere thanks to the luxury Sinot yacht architecture. The vessel has room for a crew of 31 as well. The beach deck lounge aboard the boat alone looks like a luxury hotel space.

The Aqua features a bow observation room which is surrounded by windows to give a panoramic view of the ocean which has been described as the “ultimate superyacht owners lounge.” In addition, there’s a movie theater on the upper deck. It also includes a wellness center with a hydro massage room. You can also do some yoga in a workout space. There’s a fully equipped gym, a beauty salon, and even a hairdresser.

Up on the main deck there’s a luxury swimming pool that even includes a waterfall. One of the yacht’s defining features is the spiral staircase that covers all five decks and is covered by a skylight. On the way up it also offers a view of the interior of the hydrogen fuel tanks so you can see just what 56 tons of ultra cold liquid hydrogen looks like as you move between decks. 

The tender garage has an array of toys such as jet skis while the main deck features a beach club with a dining area designed for all 14 guests and a lounge that converts into the cinema space.

What Yacht Has Bill Gates Actually Been On?

Bill Gates does seem to like yachts, just not enough to spend his money owning one, and that’s fair. Yachts cost millions to maintain every year. No one got rich spending millions to maintain a boat.

That said, Bill Gates has not only vacationed on yachts – he spent his 66th birthday on one – he also got married on a yacht.

In 2021, Gates made the news when he celebrated his 66th on board a luxury yacht called the Lana alongside Jeff Bezos. He spent $2 million to charter the yacht for a week and flew 50 guests out to celebrate with him. 

The Lana is a 351 foot yacht with room for 12 guests and a cruising speed of 12 knots with a max speed of 18 knots. The master suite is 1,184 square feet. The room features his and hers walk-in dressing rooms and a private terrace.

Elsewhere on board you’ll find a piano in the lounge area as well as a full gym for working out. There’s both a sauna and a well-appointed spa as well. On deck you can head to the beach club or take a dip in the pool. 

There are three tenders in the garage alongside a bunch of toys including various jetskis, a seabob, wakeboards, WindSurfers, fishing equipment, scuba diving equipment and more. 

Back in 2014, Gates rented an even more expensive yacht, the $5 million per week Serene, to go on a vacation with his family. The Serene, once owned by  Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shelfer before being purchased by the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, clocked in at a massive 450 feet making it one of the world’s biggest and even had its own on board submarine

The Serene features 7 decks, a saltwater pool, a climbing wall, a surprisingly large library, health spa, outdoor cinema and a nightclub. This is all spread across 48,000 square feet.

It’s also been confirmed that Gates met his wife Melinda on a yacht owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, all the way back in 1994. 

Why Do People Think Bill Gates Owns the Aqua?

It’s easy to see why people may have thought Gates owned the Aqua when you consider a handful of factors. First, as mentioned, we have lots of evidence that Bill Gates really does enjoy luxury yachts. The extremely high price tag was something that only a few people in the world are going to be able to afford and Gates, who doesn’t own a yacht, seems like a likely candidate for those reasons. 

In addition, Gates has spent several years now as a climate activist and has supported a number of green technologies. A yacht that runs on hydrogen seems like something he would support as well. So, with no real evidence, the circumstantial evidence was enough to easily convince people. Once it’s presented as fact on the internet, and it was in many articles and videos, few people had reason to question it. 

The Bottom Line

The mega yacht known as the Aqua has a price tag of $645 million and it runs on clan burning hydrogen fuel. The only byproduct of its operation is water, making it a very environmentally friendly yacht. It made waves, so to speak, when it debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019. Rumors soon began to spread that billionaire and known climate activist Bill Gates had ordered one for $600 million. However, despite many videos and articles that refer to him as the owner, the truth is no one bought the Aqua at the yacht show and, as of 2023, Bill Gates does not own a yacht at all. He is know to charter extremely luxurious yachts for vacations and parties, such as the Lana and the Serene, but he does not own any just now.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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Bill Gates Bought A Multimillion-Dollar, Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht?

by Marine Diesel Specialists | Feb 28, 2020 | Blog | 0 comments

Over the past week, the media has been in a frenzy investigating whether the Microsoft billionaire, Bill Gates, bought a multimillion-dollar, hydrogen-powered superyacht. Nicknamed “The Aqua,” the vessel was designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design [1] and costs a grand total of $644 million.

The 367-foot vessel is powered by liquid hydrogen fuel and features 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit. The hydrogen-fueled yacht was officially unveiled last May at the Monaco Yacht Show. Last week, rumors quickly circulated about whether Gates purchased the vessel from the manufacturer. Sinot quickly put the rumors to rest, stating that the articles are “factually inaccurate.” It doesn’t matter if the Microsoft tycoon ordered the superyacht or not, a hydrogen-powered yacht would pique anyone’s interest.

Hydrogen Hype

So, how exactly does the yacht run on hydrogen fuel? To put it simply, hydrogen fuel cell technology involves the generation of electricity by a chemical reaction. The pressurized hydrogen (H 2 ), which acts as the fuel, mixes with oxygen (O 2 ) in the air to generate the electricity that powers the yacht. This chemical reaction makes the fuel cells work more efficiently as opposed to combustion engines, which convert chemical energy into heat to perform the mechanical work. However, newer internal combustion engines, such as caterpillar engines , have an estimated 25% efficiency. The fuel cell system is environmentally friendly as it only requires H 2 O and can maintain its power as long as there’s always H 2.

Hydrogen can be shipped through a pipeline or in a super-cooled liquid form, similar to liquefied natural gas (LNG). If you manage to find a hydrogen gas station, refueling the superyacht is very much like refueling cars, planes, and other boats. The 28-ton tanks are powered by proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), which is the leading hydrogen fuel technology powering a number of light-duty and materials operating vehicles.

Believe it or not, the idea behind hydrogen energy is not a 21 st -century innovation. Liquid hydrogen fuel was first used by NASA since the 1970s to launch rockets into outer space. However, the hydrogen was always used as a propellant, not fuel cell technology.

How marine vessels evolve over time is ever-changing and it’s important as a yacht owner to keep up with the latest industry developments. To learn more about hydrogen-fueled yachts or to purchase our MTU engines , contact our team of mechanics at Marine Diesel in Fort Lauderdale at 954-467-9010 today.

[1] Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design – Aqua

Our Marine Diesel Specialists offer a variety of products and services to provide marine diesel solutions in Fort Lauderdale and Punta Gorda. Our authorized MAN Engine dealers can offer expert maintenance, repair, and survey services, as well as complete engine, transmission, and generator overhauls. If you are seeking top-quality marine diesel solutions, products, or services, don’t wait to contact our Marine Diesel Specialists and Gulf Coast Diesel Service.

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