Project 821: The Future of Luxury at Sea
On May 4, 2024, Dutch shipbuilders Feadship, made waves in the maritime world by launching Project 821, a mega yacht powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Yep, you heard that right! And guess who commissioned it? None other than Bill Gates himself.
This bad boy, measuring a whopping 390 feet, is the first of its kind to run on green hydrogen, all part of Feadship’s plan to go net zero by 2030. Although it can’t cross oceans solely on hydrogen, it can cruise smoothly and quietly at 10 knots and run all its hotel functions for a week at anchor without any emissions.
Developing this tech-filled beauty took five years, but it’s not just about being green. It’s also a floating palace, with luxurious features like multiple pools, a private cinema, and even a semi-submerged lounge for underwater views. Plus, it can accommodate up to 30 guests and 44 crew members, and it comes with a fleet of fancy tenders and toys.
And what about the price tag? Well, it’s rumored to be around $600 million, making it one of the most expensive yachts ever. But hey, when you’re Bill Gates, why not splurge on a hydrogen-powered floating mansion, right?