Bill Gates’ Breakthrough: The $645 Million Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht He Never Used

Luxe magazine Switzerland
Jul 30
4 min read

Bill Gates’ Breakthrough: The $645 Million Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht He Never Used

Bill Gates’ ultra-luxury yacht, known as Breakthrough (formerly Project 821), is officially listed for sale at $645 million. Built by the Dutch shipyard Feadship, this 390‑foot vessel is the world’s first true hydrogen-fuel‑cell superyacht. Remarkably, Gates has never set foot aboard, and the yacht is set to debut at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025.

Project Origins: A Five-Year Build of Innovation

Conceived approximately five years ago, Breakthrough was developed in response to an ambitious brief: to create the greenest and most technologically advanced yacht ever built. The project codenamed Project 821 involved Feadship, naval architecture by De Voogt, and design by RWD.

Launched publicly on 4 May 2024, the vessel was delivered in May 2025.
With a length of 118.8 m (390 ft), beam of 19 m, and gross tonnage of 7,247 GT, Breakthrough sets new scale standards for Feadship.

Green Tech at Scale: Hydrogen, Methanol & Bio‑fuel Hybrid Systems

Breakthrough is the world’s first hydrogen-fuel-cell superyacht, engineered to operate emission‑free along coastal routes and at anchor. Its green credentials are underpinned by:

A 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cell system, powered by liquid green hydrogen stored at –253 °C in cryogenic tanks designed by MAN Cryo, containing about 92 m³ (~4 tonnes) of fuel.
When hydrogen isn’t available, the yacht can switch to methanol‑fed fuel cells or bio‑fuel capable hybrid diesel-electric generators, reducing emissions by up to 90%.

The yacht also integrates advanced waste heat recovery systems that redirect energy to heat the infinity pool, steam room, towel bars, and bathroom floors.

Interior & Luxury Features: Comfort Meets Innovation

Breakthrough isn’t just about sustainability it boasts a level of grandeur and comfort on par with the world’s finest estates:

Seven passenger decks, with owner accommodation spanning four private levels, including two bedrooms, twin bathrooms, two offices with fireplaces, a gym, pantry, and living area  .
Amenities include a basketball court, cinema, hospital suite, multiple hot tubs, a library, and a movable glass‑bottom infinity pool.
Architectural innovations: 14 retractable balconies and seven unfolding sea‑level platforms the most openings ever installed on a Feadship build.

Designed to feel like a “townhouse-by-the-sea”, the yacht’s central spiral staircase wraps around an elevator, lending a residential vibe to the maritime scale.

Ownership & Sale: A Secretive Transaction

Despite widespread speculation, Bill Gates has never publicly confirmed ownership, and he never boarded the yacht.

Some outlets previously claimed a sale to Canadian billionaire Patrick Dovigi, CEO of Green For Life Environmental, valued between $650 and $675 million.
However, SuperYachtFan and others now report that the sale did not materialise, and Gates is still listed as the owner. The current listing price is estimated at around $675 million, though some platforms quote $645 million.

Monaco Yacht Show 2025: A Landmark Appearance

Breakthrough is scheduled to make its debut as the largest yacht on display at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025. The vessel’s appearance is expected to generate significant media and buyer interest.

Edmiston, the yacht brokerage handling the listing, has described it as “the one that will change it all”, emphasizing their commitment to building without compromise combining luxury with ecological innovation .

Why This Yacht Matters: Sustainability Meets Ultra‑Luxury

1. Pioneering hydrogen fuel-cell technology

As the first superyacht to run primarily on pure hydrogen fuel cells, Breakthrough pushes marine innovation. This yacht required the creation of new maritime safety standards, working with Lloyd’s Register and port authorities for the first bunkering operation in the Port of Amsterdam, in June 2025.

This technological leap paves the way for broader fuel-cell adoption in larger vessels, including future ferries and commercial ships.

2. Aligning personal climate vision with design

The vessel reflects Gates’ public mission advocating for clean-energy solutions in his book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster and philanthropic efforts in green initiatives. The yacht serves as a bold statement from the ultra-wealthy about leading environmental responsibility through innovation.

3. Redefining luxury for an era of sustainability

By blending architectural elegance with cutting-edge engineering, Breakthrough challenges the notion that ultra-luxury must come at an environmental cost. Features like retractable balconies, prefab townhouse layout, and high-tech energy efficiency converge in a vessel that is both indulgent and conscientious.

Specs at a Glance

Feature: Specification

Length: 118.8 m (390 ft)

Gross tonnage: 7,247 GT

Builder / Designer: Feadship (Naval: De Voogt; Design: RWD)

Launch / Delivery: 4 May 2024 / May 2025

Propulsion: Hydrogen fuel-cell + methanol / bio-fuel hybrid

Hydrogen Tank Capacity: ~92 m³ (circa 4 tonnes) at 253 °C

Range / Speed: ~6,500 nmi / max ~17 knots

Accommodation: Up to 30 guests, 43 44 crew

Interior Highlights: Tennis court, hospital, cinema, gym, pool, library

Conclusion

Breakthrough marks a historic intersection of ultra-luxury and environmental innovation. Even if Gates never used this vessel, its impact is already palpable: