Dutch shipyard Feadship, a renowned manufacturer of custom superyachts, has announced its entry into the hydrogen superyacht market with a fully certified liquid hydrogen fuel-cell yacht.
Jan-Bart Verkuyl, director at Feadship, revealed that the company’s new solution aims to promote more sustainable yachting.
Feadship’s new superyacht will have a cryogenic fuel tank, which will store liquified hydrogen at around -250°C, making it the densest storage method of pure hydrogen. The shipyard reports that the fuel cell bank will be sufficient to sail at speed while powering the hotel load in summer conditions.
Hydrogen propulsion has gained interest among superyacht builders and commercial vessel makers in recent years, as it can be produced efficiently through electrolysis. Feadship’s move into the hydrogen superyacht market reflects the industry’s increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability.
According to Feadship, hydrogen fuel cells are more efficient than traditional diesel generators, producing only water and heat as by-products. Hydrogen can also be generated using renewable energy sources, which enables a fully sustainable system.
Feadship’s move into the hydrogen superyacht market comes at a time when the superyacht industry is facing increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact. Environmental activists have criticised the industry for its excessive fuel consumption and emissions, prompting yacht builders to search for more sustainable options.
However, there are still some challenges to overcome in the use of hydrogen fuel for yachts. The supply chain for liquid hydrogen is currently limited, and the technology to generate and store hydrogen on board yachts is still relatively new. Additionally, the use of liquid hydrogen requires cryogenic storage and handling, which can be expensive and pose safety risks if not handled correctly.
Despite the challenges, Feadship’s entry into the hydrogen superyacht market is a significant step forward for the industry. The move demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and innovation, and sets an example for other yacht builders to follow.
