The world’s second richest man, Bill Gates, has reportedly purchased the most coveted super yacht that is completely powered by liquid hydrogen. The Daily Mail reported that the hydrogen powered superyacht had been commissioned by the world’s best known billionaire.
Gates regularly shares his wealth supporting environment friendly initiative as well as with organisations working to better world health.
However the rumours that the billionaire was now investing heavily in a completely green superyacht in the hopes that many other magnates follow his lead proved to be false.
Sinot put out a statement on their website saying that “Aqua had not been sold”.
The new yacht was launched at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019 and is being built by Dutch company Sinot.
Sinot is working on a yacht entirely powered by hydrogen, meaning that its only emission will be water. It is siming to operate at a top speed of 17 knots, with a range of 3,750 nautical miles.
“For development of Aqua we took inspiration from the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner, the fluid versatility of water and cutting-edge technology, to combine this in a 112-meter superyacht with truly innovative features,” designer Sander Sinot said.
“Our challenge was to implement fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cells in a true superyacht that is not only groundbreaking in technology but also in design and aesthetics,” the lead designer, Sander Sinot, said in a press release.
DESIGN
The massive superyacht has five decks and can cater to 14 guests and 31 crew members. The design has been inspired by the ocean and Aqua’s curvaceous exterior lines flow from the stern across a 360-degree viewing capsule.
Aqua has four guest staterooms, two VIP staterooms and one owner pavilion. To accomodate the 31 crew members the yacht also has 14 double crew cabins, two officer cabins and one captain’s cabin.
However, a circular staircase is one of the yacht’s defining features, winding down from the top deck to the lower deck. The main architechtural draw of the staircase is at its lowest level where two massive liquified hydrogen tanks can be seen in their hexagonal textured surface.
It also has an indoor health and wellness center featuring a gym, a hydro-massage room, and a yoga studio.
Apart from being cutting-edge, the vessel is also uncompromisingly luxurious, with an infinity pool, helipad, spa, and indoor pool. The interior and exterior of the boat took over five months to conceptualise and show a space-age style design. However, despite the rumours of a Gates investment, the Aqua is still just a concept.
*This aricle was updated to reflect Sinot’s statement.
