A Milestone Moment in Superyacht Design: Feadship Launches 118.80m Project 821

Project 821 is designed by RWD, offering a zero-diesel approach to yachting with power sourced from green hydrogen. She is designed to cruise between harbours or anchorages, showcasing the pinnacle of modern technological advancements, marking the fuel-cell era of superyachts. 

The R&D team at Feadship has been researching an array of fossil-free fuel options as part of the shipyard’s commitment to developing net zero yachts by 2030. Hydrogen fuel cells have pure water as their only exhaust, providing a combustion-free way to generate electricity. 

Prior to Project 821, hydrogen had not been used within the maritime sector, meaning that there were no existing regulations for storage and fuel-cell systems at class, flag-state or IMO level. Feadship, along with Edmiston and Lloyd’s Register, sought expert partners from allied industries to develop scaled equipment, protocols and safety regulations.

‘The value of the research as well as the development of class and flag safety regulations for an entirely new type of energy generation is an advancement we are proud to have made available to all,’ commented Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Director and CEO of Royal Van Lent Shipyard. ‘Next year, for example, two long-route Norwegian passenger and car ferries will enter into service utilising the system pioneered with PowerCell Group for Project 821.’

The biggest hurdle within the development of the hydrogen fuel cell was developing a way to store the gas in a liquid state below deck at -253 degrees. The solution was a double-walled cryogenic storage tank that holds 92 square metres worth of hydrogen, the sixteen compact fuel cells, their switchboard connection to the DC electrical grid and the vent stacks. Notably, these fuel cells can also use methanol, which is easier to store than hydrogen. 

Despite her LOA of 118.80m, even Project 821 is unable to carry enough liquid hydrogen to power a crossing. However, with hydrogen fuel cells supplying the power for the yacht’s hotel load, heating and air conditioning, total emissions are reduced significantly. MTU generators combusting HVO power Project 821 for longer travels, reducing harmful emissions by 90 percent. 

Unlike other hybrid superyachts, Project 821’s fuel technology provides an entire week’s worth of silent operation at anchor or navigating emission free at 10 knots, so she doesn’t need to store a significant amount of energy onboard. 

She features the most efficient water recovery system to date: a system that heats everything from the pool and jacuzzi to the floors in guest bathrooms. The Smart AC system will provide further savings in the hotel load by linking sensors to an energy management system that reduces air conditioning or heating in guest spaces which aren’t occupied. 

Project 821 boasts five decks above the waterline and two below, offering unparalleled volumes onboard. With fourteen balconies and seven large opening platforms, the connection to the sea is one of the standout elements of her design. 

She has been designed for family use, with a dedicated Owner’s deck and inviting private lifestyle destinations found at each deck level, creating a private yet well-connected atmosphere onboard, catering to every individual’s needs. She can accommodate up to 30 guests across 12 staterooms, alongside 44 crew members. 

Her design is characterised by a light and neutral colour palette, with a luxe-coastal vibe achieved through varying textures and fabrics. Whilst the materials change throughout the yacht, Project 821’s design is cohesive through repetition of shapes in details such as door trim features. 

Jamie Edmiston, Chief Executive at Edmiston commented: ‘The brief was to build the greenest and most environmentally advanced yacht ever built, without compromise. It was a huge challenge, but one that the team has embraced and delivered on. The yacht we see today, designed by RWD and built by Feadship is without doubt the best yacht ever built. I am proud to have been involved since the inception of this idea.’

Edmiston is overseeing the sale of Project 821.