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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.

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Inside 112m Hydrogen-Electric Superyacht Concept Aqua

Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design 's 112 metre hydrogen-electric yacht concept Aqua was designed for "a discerning, forward-looking owner".

Extensively developed over a period of five months, Aqua was created in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects , which developed the yacht’s hydrogen technology and naval architecture.

Fusing ground breaking technology with cutting edge design, Aqua features a hydrogen-electric system. The hydrogen propulsion package is based on the use of liquified hydrogen, which is stored at -253C degrees in two 28 ton vacuum isolated tanks.

The hydrogen is converted into electrical energy by proton exchange membrane fuel cells, with the generated energy powering the propulsion, auxiliary systems and hotel services. Water is the only by product of the system, which also sees large batteries buffer the generated electricity. The result is a top speed of 17 knots, cruising speed of 10-12 knots and range of 3750 nautical miles.

Speaking about the concept, designer Sander Sinot said: “For 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 metre 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 groundbreaking in technology, but also in design and aesthetics."

The interior meanwhile has been designed around providing as much privacy and space as possible. Accommodation is for a total of 14 people and 31 crew. The full 15.4 metre beam owner’s “pavilion” occupies the front half of the upper deck.

Key features of the owner's pavilion include an open plan layout divided by wooden screens, floor to ceiling windows on the port and starboard sides, a large central skylight and crafted wooden structure. The apartment also include a large bathroom, dressing room and spa.

Other interior features include the Aqua room, which is located at the bow at the far end of the owner’s pavilion for far reaching ocean views and a “top-of-the-world” feeling.

Aqua also features an indoor health and wellness centre with a hydro massage room, yoga space and workout floor.

A circular staircase sits at the core of the yacht, linking all five decks. Described as “a true spectacle”, the staircase bypasses the two hexagonal liquified hydrogen tanks, which sit behind a screen of strengthened glass.

The exterior meanwhile has been inspired by “ocean swells”, and features a curved top deck, integrated bow observatory, glass band windows and a raised front profile.

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Sinot launches its luxury hydrogen-powered superyacht

The futuristic concept aqua, created by the dutch sinot yacht architecture and design, is a 112 meters long luxury yacht completely hydrogen-powered.

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Greta Aldeghi

A thinker with a questioning mind, hungry for new learning experiences, great art and design lover, hopeful that her job takes her around the world.

Netherlands

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Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design

Dutch company Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design presented its first eco-friendly yacht at Monaco Yacht Show. The concept, called Aqua , is 112 meters long, in addition to being equipped with 5 decks, a yoga studio, a beauty salon, a massage room, and a cascading pool.

In a historical period where environmental issues are on the front page of all the world news, the nautical sector could not avoid playing its part in safeguarding nature: ecology enters the companies of the section as a life philosophy and as a fundamental principle on which to aim for a more responsible and eco-sustainable future.

Aqua is fueled by liquified hydrogen, stored at extremely low temperatures, in vacuum-isolated tanks.

A spiral staircase in the centre of the yacht leads to the bottom deck where the 28-ton tanks set behind strengthened glass, designed to keep the liquid hydrogen stable at -253° C.

Despite being only a concept at the moment, Aqua would be capable of running at 17 knots of speed, with an autonomy of more than 6.000 kilometres. Simply converting liquid hydrogen into electrical energy by proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, water is the only by-product.

The sharp-shaped superyacht would accommodate 14 guests and 31 crew members, offering a high-end indoor health and wellness center featuring a gym, a hydro-massage room and a yoga studio, as well as indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces and a formal dining area.

Entirely designed with a hit of Japanese influence for the interior, Aqua’s exterior look is inspired by ocean swells with a sculpted hull intersected by glass windows. Additionally, Aqua provides an observatory on its bow, accommodating 2 people to enjoy the view of the sea through giant windows, and a helipad. 

Another interesting project about  sustainable  sea travel is the X Shore Eelex 8000 : a 100% electric propulsion boat, launched by the Swedish company X Shore, which appears to be the first floating Tesla.

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AQUA 112m is a Futuristic Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht from Sinot

By Thom Esveld

Published on September 27, 2019

Unveiled at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show, the Aqua 112-meter is a new futuristic looking, hydrogen-powered super yacht, designed by the brilliant team from Sinot Yacht Design & Architecture for forward thinking yacht owners. Aqua’s propulsion system is based on liquid hydrogen and a fuel cell technology power system, making it one of the few vessels today with such a cutting edge technology.

The exterior of this vessel draws inspiration from the ocean, with superb design lines that seem to flow from front to back with amazing smoothness. Aqua’s impressive features count a 360 degree viewing capsule at the stern and an incredible Aqua room at the bow which promises views no one has ever experienced. To say it’s also luxurious wouldn’t be enough.

Forward in the ship, the guest spaces offer amazing features and amenities too. The aft deck comes with a grand staircase and a central waterfall that would leave anyone in awe when noticing it. The high ceilings inside offer a feeling of large open spaces and the full height windows offer unobstructed sea views.

The owners’ private area features a spacious bathroom, dressing room and even a private spa. There’s also a VIP suite flooded by natural light. It’s positioned at the waterline near the stern and boasts a minimalist Japanese decor. Among the numerous amenities of the yacht, there’s also a hydro-massage room, a yoga space and a nice and spacious workout area at the waterline, making for an impressive effect.

The ship’s propulsion system uses electricity obtained from converting liquefied hydrogen. The electricity is also distributed throughout the ship to all the other services. Large batteries store all the electricity, making sure that the vessel has power at all times. The system creates almost no noise and no vibrations, boosting the guests’ comfort on-board, while providing an eco-friendly cruising experience.

When it comes to performance, Sinot’s Aqua 112 can cover around 3,750 nautical miles and hit a top speed of 17 knots.

About Thom Esveld

Thom has over 7 years of experience writing content about subjects such as travel, cars, motorcycles, tech & gadgets, and his newly discovered passion, watches. He’s in love with two wheeled machines and the freedom and the thrills that motorcycle travel provides. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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Bill Gates Commissions Sinot’s Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht ‘AQUA’

*UPDATE FEB 11* Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design have since issued a statement that this information is factually incorrect. First reported by the Sunday Telegraph, the contents of this article were further supported by a number of reputable outlets. Sinot have confirmed that Bill Gates has not purchased nor is linked to AQUA in any form.

Unveiled last year at the Monaco Yacht Show by Dutch designers Sinot, the radical superyacht concept ‘AQUA’ has just been commissioned for construction by none other than Microsoft Co-Founder, Bill Gates.

The order will set back the billionaire an estimated £500 million (AU$967 million).

According to The Guardian , the world’s second-richest man charters superyachts regularly, although ‘AQUA’ would be the first he’s purchased for personal ownership. Most notably, the man has enjoyed the likes of M/Y ‘SERENE’ during his downtime – a 134-metre behemoth – off the coast of Sardinia.

A product of Lateral Naval Architects , the hydrogen propulsion system allows ‘AQUA’ to sail silently and emissions-free across the seas at a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 12, with a maximum range of 3750 nautical miles.

For such a figure, Gates can expect all the trimmings to accompany his new purchase, including an infinity pool that cascades down into a water-covered staircase and a 50-foot VIP suite with a 360-degree observatory built into the ship’s bow.

RELATED:  Sinot Unveils Another Stunning 120 Metre Long Superyacht Concept ‘NATURE’

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