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Bill Gates’ latest superyacht, Breakthrough, is more than a billionaire’s playground it is a bold statement in clean-energy innovation at sea. Valued at over $500 million, the 118.8-meter vessel runs on liquid hydrogen stored at –423°F, enabling silent, emission-free cruising while generating enough power to run 30 of the Microsoft co-founder’s 66,000-square-foot mansions simultaneously.
Built by Dutch shipyard Feadship and designed by RWD, Breakthrough is equipped with a 3-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell system, ABB’s advanced Onboard DC Grid platform, and dual 3.2-megawatt Azipod propulsion units. The yacht can operate entirely on hydrogen for up to a week at anchor and cruise at 10 knots without burning a drop of diesel, even in sensitive marine zones.
The scale of its energy capacity is unprecedented in private yachting. ABB estimates the fuel cell produces continuous output sufficient to power around 2,500 average American homes. Unlike diesel, the hydrogen system achieves this with zero greenhouse gas emissions, no exhaust fumes, and minimal noise.
The project required new regulatory frameworks, custom engineering, and close collaboration between Feadship, ABB, and fuel cell specialists, making it one of the most ambitious integrations of hydrogen technology in maritime history. Experts believe Breakthrough will influence future designs for ferries and even commercial shipping.
Gates, a longtime advocate for climate-friendly technologies, is extending his sustainability vision beyond land. His Lake Washington estate, Xanadu 2.0, is known as one of the most advanced smart homes in the world. Now, Breakthrough demonstrates how the same commitment to innovation can set new standards for sustainable luxury at sea.
