The boat is eco-friendly as it comes with gel-fuelled fire bowls which completely eliminates the need for the guests to light up wood or start a fire to stay warm.
Going on a cruise is indeed a one-of-a-kind experience and when you are the second richest man in the world, a simple cruise trip across the ocean just wouldn’t cut it. This is probably the reason why Microsoft founder Bill Gates has bought a £500m ($664 million) hydrogen-powered superyacht.
According to a report in The Guardian, the billionaire has commissioned the Aqua ship – a 112-metre (370ft) luxury vessel completely powered by liquid hydrogen – which was publicised last year at the Monaco yacht show by the Dutch design firm Sinot.
According to the report, the yacht has five decks and space to accommodate 14 guests and 31 crew members. What’s more? The boat is eco-friendly as it comes with gel-fuelled fire bowls which completely eliminates the need for the guests to light up wood or start a fire to stay warm. Innovative, isn’t it?
The Guardian reports that the vessel is unlikely to take to seas until 2024, quoting The Sunday Telegraph, which in turn quotes the Gates Commission.
The Guardian reports that the most cutting-edge feature is tucked away below decks - two 28-tonne vacuum-sealed tanks that are cooled to -423F (-253C) and filled with liquid hydrogen, which powers the ship. The fuel generates power for the two one-megawatt motors and propellers via on-board fuel cells, which combine hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity.
However, we won’t be seeing the one-of-a-kind boat setting sail across the sea anytime soon. The Guardian reports that the vessel is unlikely to take to seas until 2024, quoting The Sunday Telegraph, which in turn quotes the Gates Commission.
In terms of speed and mobility, the yacht is one cutting-edge piece of tech. In fact, The boat has the potential to reach about 20 mph of speed and travel 3,750 miles, which is the same distance from London to New York.
Due to the scarcity of hydrogen-refuelling stations, the yacht will also have a ‘diesel backup’, The Sunday Telegraph reported.
With Gates purchasing the superyacht, it will be interesting to see what’s next on the world’s second richest man’s bucket list.
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