Feadship Yacht Project 821 Tests Her Forward-Thinking Propulsion: Sunday Superyacht Video

Measuring nearly 390 feet (119 meters), the yacht Project 821 from Feadship has been conducting sea trials in recent weeks. Although she’s the biggest motoryacht ever launched in The Netherlands, that isn’t what has captured the most attention. Her forward-thinking propulsion system is making people look a little deeper at her details.

How come, you ask? This is the Feadship project introducing hydrogen fuel cells to yachting. Specifically, her power supply comes from 2/900-kW MTU gensets, 3/2,500-kW MTU gensets, and 16/185-kW PowerCell hydrogen generators (fuel cells). Because compressed liquid hydrogen is the type of hydrogen these systems use, a significant amount is needed for ocean crossings. The yacht Project 821 actually would need to be much longer to handle that capacity. Therefore, the MTU gensets running the ABB azimuthing pods in her propulsion system burn HVO. HVO emits 90 percent fewer emissions compared to fossil fuels. Additionally, the fuel cells can employ methanol instead of hydrogen, which is easier to store. Methanol remains a liquid in ambient conditions. Regardless, Feadship says Project 821 can enjoy a full week of either silence at anchor or emission-free cruising at 10 knots with the fuel cells.

Décor-wise, the yacht Project 821 has a coastal vibe. RWD and the owner selected leather, rattan, limed oak, fumed and taupe eucalyptus, marble, and textured fabrics. All of these create a neutral, light backdrop to daily life onboard. Some of the other design highlights are similar door trims and hallway railings throughout the decks. Only the materials comprising them are different.

Some more facts about the arrangement are public, too. For instance, 13 staterooms are aboard, accommodating 32 guests and the owners altogether. There’s further quite a good crew-to-guest ratio, since 44 crewmembers have cabins. So, too, do two staff members (personal assistants, for example, or perhaps a pilot if the yacht Project 821 cruises in an area where a harbor pilot is required to bring her in and out of the port.) Further noteworthy, 14 balconies are aboard—all essentially invisible when they aren’t deployed. They slide out from between the deck levels, which could very well be a first in yachting. Safety rails or walls deploy with them. Yet another seven platforms open, as do five massive shell doors. Feadship says this is the most amount of hull openings aboard one of its projects.

Feadship feadship.nl

RWD rwd.co.uk