CORRECTION: This article originally published on February 9, 2020, contained false information. It has now been updated and corrected.
It originally claimed based on news reports that the Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had commissioned a superyacht from Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design.
Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design has today, February 10, updated its website with the following statement:
In recent days, various articles have appeared in international media, stating that Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design sold its concept ‘Aqua’ (presented at the Monaco Yacht Show 2019) to Mr. Bill Gates. These articles are factually incorrect.
Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design wants therefore to make the following clear:
*The Hydrogen concept Aqua is not linked to Mr. Gates (or his representatives) in any form or matter
*Sinot has no business relationship with Mr. Gates
*Unfortunately, all ‘information’ in these recent articles is incorrect.Aqua is a concept showed in Monaco meant to build a better future and inspire clients and the industry. We invite any visionary client to show their interest!
Sinot Yacht & Architecture DesignWe’ve all bought some random sh*t on payday, but this is something to really make a mark on the bank balances of the super rich.
A $645 million superyacht that’s powered by liquid hydrogen, is a concept under development by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design presented at the Monaco Yacht Show last year.
The luxury liner, dubbed ‘Aqua’, is 370ft-long and has more features that your average home, never mind a yacht.
Sinot Yacht & Architecture DesignThe Aqua boasts five decks complete with space for 14 guests, 31 crew members, a gym, yoga studio, beauty room, massage parlour and pool on its rear deck.
On the lower level, guests will be able to view the ship’s hydrogen fuel tanks through a glass panel. Each tank weighs 28 tons and is vacuum-sealed and cooled to -423F (-253C) to contain the hydrogen fuel.
Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design
Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design
Sinot Yacht & Architecture DesignTo run the engines and electronics, the liquid hydrogen is pumped through special PEM fuel cells that convert it into electricity. The supply is then moderated using two fuel cells to make sure it stays constant.
The only emission is water, which is then safely pumped into the ocean.
Despite its novel fuel source, the vessel is able to reach 17 knots and travel 3,750 miles before it needs to refuel, enough to cover an Atlantic crossing from New York to Southampton, The Telegraph reports.
Sinot Yacht & Architecture DesignAqua was designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design and Lateral Naval Architects.
Speaking to Forbes, designer Sander Sinot said:
With every project, I challenge my team and myself to surpass ourselves. 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 (376-foot) superyacht with a fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cell system that features groundbreaking in technology, as well as design and aesthetics.
Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design
Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design
Sinot Yacht & Architecture DesignOther eco-friendly features include gel-fuelled fire bowls in the ship’s two entertaining areas, which allow guests to stay warm without having to burn wood or coals.
While the amazing vessel isn’t going to be on the water until 2024, if I had that sort of money, I’d already be planning where I was going to go.
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Niamh Shackleton is a pint sized person and journalist at UNILAD. After studying Multimedia Journalism at the University of Salford, she did a year at Caters News Agency as a features writer in Birmingham before deciding that Manchester is (arguably) one of the best places in the world, and therefore moved back up north. She’s also UNILAD’s unofficial crazy animal lady.