A hydrogen-powered superyacht? It's called Aqua and will have a range of 3,750 nautical miles

The first hydrogen-powered superyacht is called Aqua and will measure 112 metres in length and have a range of 3,750 nautical miles.

Hydrogen fuel cells are beginning to become popular, and although there are already some cars such as the Hyundai Nexo that run on it, until now we had not seen any vessels. The moment has arrived!

It is called Aqua and has become the first hydrogen-powered superyacht in the world. Furthermore, it could reach the water in the not-too-distant future. It has been designed by Sinot, a Dutch yacht design company, and has just unveiled this cutting-edge concept which aims to “propel the superyacht industry in a greener direction”.

Aqua, the first hydrogen superyacht, has been created in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects and measures 112 metres in length. It runs entirely on liquid hydrogen and fuel cell technology, which according to its makers “means that essentially water will be its only emission”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCoU617GJG8

Aqua, this is the first hydrogen-powered superyacht

The hydrogen Aqua will cross the seas at a maximum speed of 17 knots, or in other words, 31 kilometres per hour. This speed will give it a range of 3,750 nautical miles, 6,945 kilometres.

Sander Sinot, designer, has issued a statement in which it can be read that “for the development of Aqua we were inspired by the lifestyle of a demanding and progressive owner, the fluid versatility of water and cutting-edge technology. To combine all this in a superyacht of 112 metres in length we have had to resort to truly innovative features”.

“Our challenge has been to implement fully operational fuel cells and liquid hydrogen on a true superyacht that is innovative not only in technology, but also in design and aesthetics”. It is important to highlight that the technology system of the world’s first hydrogen yacht is based on two vacuum-insulated tanks of 28 tonnes. The hydrogen will be stored there at temperatures of -253º.

For its part, the liquefied hydrogen is converted into electrical energy by proton exchange membrane fuel cells. This energy will be sent to the vessel’s switchboards and distributed to provide power for auxiliary systems, start-up and hotel services.

How is Aqua designed?

As for the design of Aqua, it is worth noting that according to its creators, just five months were needed to conceptualise it. The concept renderings reveal an infinity pool on board, a helipad, a spa and another pool. It will also feature five decks, a jacuzzi room, a yoga room, a bathing platform and a beach platform.