Currently, the majority of yachts around the world use either diesel or petrol, which is now becoming unfashionable. The Aqua is a new superyacht concept that uses eco-friendly hydrogen to power itself.
If the Frankfurt Motor Show taught us anything, it is that fuel-powered vehicles are becoming a thing of the past. Electric vehicles are starting to replace fuel-powered ones entirely, with brands like Volkswagen and Porsche having a major electric focus. Turns out, the naval industry is no exception, as a Dutch company has set its sights to working on a new eco-friendly superyacht.
The yacht company Sinot is working on a yacht entirely powered by hydrogen, meaning that its only emission will be water. It is hoped to operate at a top speed of 17 knots, with a range of 3,750 nautical miles.
Created in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects, the yacht will measure 112 metres long and be powered by liquid hydrogen providing electrical energy to the fuel cells. Named Aqua, the yacht is hoped to direct the industry into more eco-friendly practices.
“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 energy converted to the fuel cells will be transferred to the on board switchboards, where it will be distributed throughout the vessel to areas such as the auxiliary systems, entertainment systems, and propulsion systems.
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. Sadly, right now the Aqua is little more than a concept, with no plans to roll out the yacht to enviroment-attuned superich.
