The world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht made its debut at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show – in the form of a miniature model. And although it wasn’t the biggest, fanciest, and most expensive watercraft at the event, it drew just as much attention for its sustainable features and elegance. The firm responsible for designing it – Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design – named the vessel AQUA.
AQUA is a 376-foot-long concept super-yacht that is to be fuelled only by liquified hydrogen. The hydrogen must be stored at extremely low temperatures (-253° Celsius or -423.4° Fahrenheit) in two 28-ton vacuum isolated tanks. These tanks are visible behind large windows in one of the compartments of the yacht – presented as a piece of art.
The hydrogen goes from these tanks to Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, where it is converted into electrical energy. The sole by-product of this process is water – no carbon emissions, only water! Meanwhile, the power generated is transmitted to AQUA’s switchboards for distribution to provide electricity for auxiliary systems, propulsion, and hotel services.
For backup and to ensure power demands are always met, there are large batteries that buffer the generated electricity. As a bonus, the vessel is very quiet being powered by electric propulsion.
Designer Sander Sinot said:
Imagine AQUA at open sea, moving water with water. At 17 knots with a range of 3,750 nautical miles, AQUA could be solidly at the forefront of its superyacht peers.
Design Features
- The layout is a five-deck configuration.
- It accommodates up to 14 guests and 31 crew members.
- The exterior aesthetic was inspired by the flow of ocean swells – with curved, sculpted lines and glass band windows.
- The lowest outdoor platform is almost at sea level and includes a beach deck pool and lounge.
Credit: Sinot - The core is a grand circular staircase that leads up from the lower deck to the top. This is where the vacuum tanks of hydrogen are on display, visible behind a giant façade of strengthened glass.
- There is an expansive indoor health and wellness center with a fully-equipped gym, yoga studio, and hydro-massage room.
Credit: Sinot - There are four regular staterooms, two VIP staterooms, and one master pavilion.
- It contains a formal dining area with seating for 14 people and entertaining spaces for socializing.
Credit: Sinot - Interior design features are Japanese influenced.
- There is carrying space for two 32-foot tenders and three Jet Skis.
- There is the option of including a helipad for a hydrogen-powered eVTOL.
Credit: Sinot
Sinot said in a statement before a detailed model of Aqua was revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show:
For the development of AQUA we took inspiration from the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner, the fluid versatility of water and cutting-edge technology, to combine this in a 112-meter superyacht with truly innovative features. Our challenge was to implement fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cells in a true superyacht that is not only ground-breaking in technology, but also in design and aesthetics.
There is no news yet on when AQUA will be available for purchase or how much it will cost.
