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The World's First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Has a $644 Million Price Tag

By Nick Mafi

Superyachts seemed to be among the last modes of (luxe) transportation to bend toward the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly engine designs. But if news from last week’s Monaco Yacht Show served as a bellwether, the industry meant to cater to the wealthiest among us made a progressive splash with the unveiling of Aqua, the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht.

Designed by the Dutch firm Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design, Aqua is a nearly 400-foot-long vessel that's run entirely by a renewable energy source. "Water is the eternal fuel of life, the life-sustaining force that makes planet Earth habitable," says Sander Sinot, founder of the firm that bears his name. "Water is soft, yet at the same time it cuts through hard rocks." It was this appreciation of water that helped the firm find balance between the natural world and the technological. The propulsion system is made up of two 28-ton vacuumed tanks that each contain liquified hydrogen which are stored at -423 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with being eco-friendly, hydrogen-based energy means for a quieter experience aboard the ship in comparison to traditional engines. That said, there will be backup diesel generators handy should the captain ever need them.

The infinity pool aboard AQUA. 

There was much confusion on Monday if there was already a buyer who had paid the hefty $644 million price tag. Reports spread throughout the internet that billionaire Bill Gates had purchased the superyacht, rumors that proved to be false. Yet readers couldn't be blamed for believing such reports, as images show Aqua to include its own infinity pool, helipad, spa, and gym—amenities meant to attract billionaires such as Gates.

An aerial view of the superyacht shows how close passengers can get to the water, as well as the cascading design of the infinity pool.

Sinot and his team designed the vessel to safely bring passengers as close to the water as possible. "Water is relaxation; it makes us calmer and more creative," Sinot comments. "We wanted to provide those on board with the closest possible proximity to the water. The aft deck features an innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level."

One of the bedrooms inside of Aqua shows a minimalist aesthetic. 

Aqua can reach speeds of up to 19.5 mph and features enough room for 14 guests and 31 crew members. The firm plans to complete the vessel by 2024.

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Bill gates reportedly orders $644m hydrogen-powered superyacht with gym, helipad, infinity pool.

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Bill Gates reportedly has his eye on the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht — a $644 million, environmentally friendly oasis on the sea with its own infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym.

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder was initially rumored to have already commissioned the 370-foot luxury Aqua yacht in a report Sunday in the UK paper The Telegraph.

However, the Dutch design firm Sinot insisted Monday that Aqua had yet to be sold to Gates, stressing it did not yet have a “business relationship” with the second-richest person in the world.

“We invite any visionary client to show their interest,” insisted the company — clearly aiming at eco-warrior billionaires just like him, with designer Sander Sinot saying the inspiration was “the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner.”

The vessel is powered by two 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with liquid hydrogen — with the only emission being water, according to the report. It will reach a top speed of 17 knots (19.5 mph) and be able to cross the Atlantic, the report says.

While far from the world’s largest yacht, plans show extreme luxury for the 14 guests and 31 crew members who can be accommodated.

It includes its own fully equipped gym, yoga studio, beauty room, massage parlor and a stunning outdoor infinity pool.

Along with luxurious bedrooms, there are numerous outdoor lounges, a giant spiral staircase and an amazing observation room at the front.

Gates’ main motivation in wanting to commission the yacht would be to signal his backing for new, clean technology to cut carbon emissions, the Telegraph said.

He regularly takes superyacht vacations — but usually rents yachts rather than owning his own.

Whoever buys it will not be able to enjoy it for a few more years, however, with the report saying Aqua will not be ready until 2024.

The Gates Foundation and Gates Ventures declined to comment to the Telegraph for its report.

“Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr Gates,” Sinoit insisted.

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Inside AQUA: The 112m hydrogen-powered superyacht concept which emits only water

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By Katia Damborsky   10 February 2020

Computer-generated images give us a look inside the 112m/ 372ft superyacht AQUA , an eco-friendly concept developed by Sinot Yacht Architecture that is powered by liquid hydrogen and emits only water. 

Breaking new ground in form and function, AQUA is a yacht concept that’s at the cutting-edge of what is possible in superyacht design and engineering today. 

The yacht concept was presented at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show by Sinot, the esteemed Dutch design studio. They have collaborated with Lateral Naval Architects for the yacht’s naval architecture. 

AQUA will be powered by liquid hydrogen stored in two on-board tanks at -423F, meaning the yacht’s only emission is water. This innovative technology nods to her namesake.

She comes with an incredible selection of amenities, including a waterfall pool and fully-equipped spa.

Speaking about the concept, designer Sander Sinot said: “For the 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-metre superyacht with truly innovative features.

“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."

Alfresco areas

According to Sinot, AQUA has been designed to provide her guests with a constant connection to the ocean.

Renderings show an exterior inspired by the ocean, with sweeping lines and a futuristic profile that looks similar to a spaceship. Large portions of glass and bubble-hood wheelhouse add to the contemporary look.

The yacht’s alfresco areas are centred around the aft decks, which have been designed to provide maximum volume and space. The main deck aft is dominated by a huge pool flanked by steps, with a cascading water feature that offers a show-stopping entrance to anyone stepping on board. 

A variety of seating options are scattered across the deck, before the space merges seamlessly with the yacht’s main salon via sliding, floor-to-ceiling glass doors. This creates a versatile winter garden that allows the deck to be enjoyed by the entire party.

The circular seating area also allows the space to function as a home cinema. 

Open space continues on the upper deck aft, where guests will find more seating arranged around fire pits. Formal dining can be found forward, in an open setting that offers panoramic views over the surroundings. This deck can offer privacy or open entertainment space dependent on the needs of the guests, thanks to Japanese shoji grid screens.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided for a total of 12 guests in seven cabins. 

Occupying the forward area of the upper deck, the vast owner’s deck is a vast, interlinked space divided by finely crafted wooden screens that allow for complete privacy. On the starboard and port sides, floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views and influxes of light.

The ceiling in the owner’s deck varies between 280cm to 380cm, with the tallest point at the central skylight. A wooden structure extends from the skylight, with a raised platform at the base that creates a stage or display area.

The en suite facilities in the owner’s apartment are one of the focal points on board. High gloss black marble floors complement the incredible panoramic views, with a freestanding geometric tub in the centre.

His and hers vanities, basins and crescent-shaped mirrors flank the space. Large walk-in wardrobes and an office area add a level of convenience.

The remaining cabins are similarly styled, with Japanese themes, wide windows and individual en suite bathrooms. Textured silk carpets, wooden furniture and mixed textures on the walls and ceilings contribute to the holistic ambience.

Central Staircase

Situated at AQUA’s core, the spectacular circular staircase winds down from the top deck to the lower deck, floating around a  cylindrical void.

A skylight is located at the top, and an art piece can be found at the base, which mirrors the skylight and reflects an ocean theme. On the lowest level, a panel of glass allows guests to see the two liquified hydrogen tanks which power the yacht. 

The staircase itself features a finely crafted wooden balustrade that seems to defy gravity and catches the light created by the wave structure of the artwork. Backlit glass inserts in the steps accentuate the motif of flowing water, trickling down from the bridge deck.

Spa and Gym Area

Accessed via a circular tunnel, the health and wellness centre boasts an exclusive hydrotherapy suite and a water-level gym. The gym area opens out, giving guests the feeling of working out while being connected to the water. 

There is a yoga space and workout floor, with plenty of the latest exercise equipment to ensure guests can keep up their fitness regimes. 

The Aqua Room

Situated at the very bow of the yacht, the AQUA room adjoins the owner’s apartment and offers an incredible observatory area with some of the best views on board. It can remain the owner’s secret, or be enjoyed by the entire party. 

While underway, guests will love getting comfortable and enjoy the feeling of being totally at one with the ocean thanks to full-height windows that eliminate the borders between the outside and the inside. A stainless steel structural support adds a polished finish to the room. 

The yacht’s interiors are a fine balance of elegance and understated, with an overarching contemporary theme. There is a large main salon with sumptuous sofa seating, a stone-paneled wall and bronze-finished sculptures.

The skylounge is primed for daytime relaxing, with huge expanses of glass and recessed seating.

How does the hydrogen technology work?

The hydrogen is pumped through a special type of fuel cell which converts it into electricity while emitting only water which can be 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.

What’s the price of AQUA?

The yacht is reported to cost around $645 million.

Media reports stated the yacht was being built by Feadship and had been purchased by Bill Gates. These claims have been denied by Sinot. The Dutch designers have said that any links between Aqua and Mr. Gates are "factually incorrect."

To learn about chartering an eco-friendly superyacht, please get in touch with your preferred yacht charter broker . 

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Mystery surrounds $644 million hydrogen-powered superyacht.

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The 376-foot concept yacht AQUA will be powered by hydrogen fuel. Current asking price is $644 ... [+] million.

There has been much fanfare in the media these last few days over a report that Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates commissioned a hydrogen-powered $644 million superyacht from Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design – the vessel itself nicknamed “The AQUA. ” According to design specifications released by the manufacturer, the 367-foot vessel would store its liquid hydrogen fuel in twin 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit. The sci-fi concept ship received an enormous amount of hype when it was revealed in May at the latest Monaco Yacht show .

But over the past 48 hours, rumors of the deal have been met with outright denial from the design firm and no comment from Mr. Gates. It’s not clear exactly how this widely reported news broke, but Sinot — who is calling those articles ‘ factually inaccurate ’ — is certainly benefitting from the publicity. Regardless of whether the billionaire actually commissioned the ship, intriguing technical questions remain.

The Hype around Hydrogen

Simply put, hydrogen fuel cell technology works by generating electricity through a chemical reaction. As I’ve written about before , pressurized hydrogen (H 2 ) is the ‘fuel’ in the tank, which then interacts with oxygen (O 2 ) in the air to create electricity through a chemical reaction. Fuel cells are inherently more efficient than combustion engines, which must first convert chemical potential energy into heat, and then mechanical work. Currently most internal combustion engines operate with an efficiency around 25% and power plants achieving about a 35% efficiency; however, a stationary fuel cell, when used in a combined heat and power system, can have an efficiency level of greater than 80%.

Fuel cells systems are more environmentally friendly than internal combustion engines, as the only byproduct is H 2 O (and its clean enough to drink). Hydrogen fuel cells can be thought of as batteries that never run flat as long as the H 2 keeps coming.

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Hydrogen can be transported via pipeline or in super-cooled liquid form by ships much like liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the refueling processes is comparable to conventional cars, planes, and boats, provided you can find a hydrogen gas station. Speaking of LNG, a growing number of marine vessels have made the switch from dirty bunker fuel to cleaner-burning natural gas — and infrastructure development is accelerating .

The idea of using hydrogen energy in large vessels is certainly not new – in fact, liquid hydrogen fuel is what NASA has used to launch rockets into space since the 1970’s (it’s important to distinguish that NASA used H 2 as a propellent like jet fuel, not to produce electricity through a fuel cell). Hydrogen powered vehicles have already hit global markets, albeit with limited success. A lack of infrastructure and high costs mean that the economics still don’t work for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

But the AQUA is not for mass consumption, and that means it can can excel were everyday commuter vehicles have failed.

To power its two 28-ton engines, the AQUA will supposedly employ a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the leading hydrogen fuel cell technology currently employed in many light duty and materials handling vehicles. Together the system will generate up 4 megawatts (MW) of power – or 4 million watts. That’s more than the average onshore wind turbine , which has a capacity of 2.5 – 3 MW.

The Yacht boasts a range of 3,750 nautical miles (6,945 kilometers) and can (theoretically) reach speeds upwards of 17 knots. Pretty fast for a five-deck boat with room for 45.

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) diagram. The PEMFC found in the AQUA is a scaled-up ... [+] model of those found in other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

As the technology progresses, do not be surprised if we start seeing large commercial cruise liners, ferries, and small boats powered by a hybrid architecture of fuel cells and batteries. Like with Tesla and the electric car, the transition to a new and expensive technology like hydrogen may need to start with a luxury brand. Once a critical mass of interest is generated, energy and resources can be applied to reducing technology costs, improving infrastructure, and achieving scale.

Whether or not Bill Gates is behind this new superyacht, the technology that underlines the luxury vessel may one day become one for the masses.

With Assistance from David Pasmanik

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Billionaire Bill Gates buys hydrogen-fuelled superyacht for $500 million

By Rebecca Cope

Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates is currently celebrating the engagement of his daughter, Jennifer, to Egyptian showjumper Nayel Nassar, but he's also got another reason to be happy - a brand new superyacht.

The 112-metre luxury vessel is the world's first hydrogen-powered super yacht, and will feature all the usual billionaire mod-cons, including an infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym. There are five decks, with accommodation for 14 guests and 31 crew members - more than two per person.

By Harriet Johnston

As well as being powered by liquid hydrogen, another eco-feature are the fire pits, which are actually gel-fuelled fire bowls, designed to keep guests warm outdoors without burning wood or coal.

Costing in the region of $500 million, the Aqua ship was first publicised at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019 by Dutch design firm Sinot. Speaking then, the company's eponymous designer said, 'For the 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 superyacht with truly innovative features.'

He went on to explain how the hydrogen fuel works, saying: 'AQUA is fuelled by hydrogen, a unique concept which represents a significant progression towards achieving a new balance between nature and technology. The system is based on the use of liquified hydrogen, stored at -253°C in two 28-ton vacuum isolated tanks. The liquified hydrogen is converted into electrical energy by proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, with water being the only by-product.'

The Daily Telegraph reports that the ship will be in service from 2024, and will reach speeds of 17 knots. It will be able to travel for 3,750 miles before refuelling but will also have a diesel back-up due to the lack of hydrogen refuelling stations available.

This will be the world's second richest man's first yacht. He has previously rented them for holidays, most recently including the $330m yacht Serene, which he borrowed from Stolichnaya vodka magnate, Yuri Scheffler, to sail around the coast of Sardinia.

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Bill Gates is reportedly the first to buy a hydrogen-powered 'superyacht' (updated)

The aqua offers luxury sea travel without the usual environmental guilt..

Bill Gates' investments in eco-friendly tech might include one of the more conspicuous symbols of his wealth. The Telegraph claims former Microsoft chief has tasked Feadship with building a vessel inspired by Sinot's Aqua, the world's first hydrogen fuel cell -based "superyacht." The roughly $644 million, 370-foot boat would have all the trappings of wealth, including five decks, space for 14 guests and 31 crew members and even a gym, but it would run on two 1MW motors fuelled by supercooled hydrogen tanks.

Sinot would even use gel-based fire bowls to keep passengers warm outside instead of burning coal or wood. It wouldn't be a fast mover with a 17-knot top speed (19.6MPH), but its 3,750-mile range should be enough for cross-ocean travel.

The vessel wouldn't be completely eco-friendly, though. As dockside hydrogen filling stations are more than a little rare, the Aqua would have a diesel engine backup to help it reach port.

The Gates Foundation and Gates Ventures both declined to comment to The Telegraph .

Aqua isn't expected to reach the sea until 2024, according to the report. It's easy to bring up criticism of the claimed purchase. Couldn't the money for this yacht go toward funding electric and hydrogen vehicle projects that could have more of an impact than one boat meant for pleasure cruises? Like Gates' investment in the sunlight electricity startup Heliogen, though, this could be as much about symbolic support for zero-emissions technology as anything else -- in this case, proof that powered boats don't have to make a huge dent in the environment.

Update 2/10 8:22AM ET: Sinot has updated its home page to say that reports of selling Aqua to Gates are "incorrect," and that there are no business links between the company and Gates. We've updated our piece accordingly to treat this as rumor rather than fact, and apologize for the mischaracterization.

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Superyacht designer says Bill Gates isn't buying its hydrogen-powered vessel

The environmentally friendly vessel would be a world-first, the Sunday Telegraph reported. However, the boat's designer denies any links to Gates.

Bill Gates on dry land

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is hoping to hit the seas in the the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht, according to the Sunday Telegraph , and it'll set him back around $645 million. He's reportedly commissioned a 370-foot Aqua luxury ship designed by Dutch marine architects Sinot.

However, Sinot denied in an email to CNET that it had sold the Aqua concept to Gates. The designer "has no business relationship" with the billionaire, it said, adding that reports about the vessel are "incorrect."

The Aqua designs include a pair of 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks to store liquid hydrogen at minus 420 Fahrenheit. The vessels' fuel cells will combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, and water will be the only byproduct of the process. If Gates gets one, it will apparently have a diesel backup since there aren't many hydrogen refueling stations around at the moment.

The ship is scheduled to go to sea in 2024, Telegraph noted. Even though the superyacht will be environmentally friendly, it also sounds pretty luxurious -- it includes an infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym, according to the Guardian .

Gates Ventures, Bill Gates' investment firm, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

First published at 3:10 a.m. PT. Updated at 4 p.m. PT: Adds Sinot's denial and more detail.

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Bill Gates buys $500m hydrogen-powered yacht, or does he?

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Although the founder of Microsoft is one of the richest people in the world, Bill Gates has never owned a yacht. This is reported to change soon, as the 64-year-old is now apparently investing in a mega-yacht. It is to be the first yacht to be powered by hydrogen.

As  The Guardian  reported this weekend, Microsoft founder Bill Gates is said to have bought the first luxury yacht with hydrogen propulsion. The 112-meter yacht has five decks with a wellness and fitness area, a beauty salon and a helicopter landing pad. The luxury equipment of the yacht called "Aqua" is nothing unusual, however.

What is special, however, is the propulsion. The yacht of the manufacturer "Sinot" is supposed to be the first of its kind with hydrogen propulsion. The fuel is to be stored in two tanks and generates electricity in combination with fuel cells. The luxury yacht, which will probably not be completed before 2024, can reach about 17 knots, i.e. equivalent to about 30 km/h.

On the manufacturer's page , there are numerous glossy photos of the yacht, which is said to cost $500 million. A total of 31 crew members and 14 passengers therefore have space on the hydrogen steamer. Bill Gates makes no secret of his love for luxury yachts, but has never owned one.

However, since the 64-year-old is publicly committed to climate protection, this is not surprising. Hydrogen offers a potentially CO2-neutral mobility, which Gates is now willing to pay for in the form of its own yacht. Gates' assets are estimated at $120 billion. This makes him currently the second richest person in the world behind Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The BBC reports the story is fake news

Less than 24-hours after the original story was doing the rounds, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has now published a report that Bill Gates is actually not buying our hydrogen yacht. According to the public broadcaster, Sinot said it had "no business relationship" with Bill Gates. "Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr. Gates," a spokeswoman told the BBC.

We'll have to wait and see if Bill makes a comment on the story himself to know for sure if this is going to happen or not. Ether way, we can still enjoy those beautiful concept images.

What do you think of hydrogen-powered vehicles (and superyachts!)? Share your thoughts below the line.

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A monster toy for rich show offs. Bill Gates is too intelligent to buy something like this and besides he is already showing that money can be better spent on social projects

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Bill Gates Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

In 2020 the yachting world was abuzz with news that Bill Gates had bought as stunning and advanced yacht known as Project Aqua. The massive, 370-foot concept yacht was revealed in 2019 at the Monaco Yacht Show and news soon followed that billionaire Bill Gates, once the richest man in the world and the founder of Microsoft, had commissioned the construction of his own hydrogen-powered Aqua. But that never actually happened and, in fact, as near as anyone can tell for real, Bill Gates doesn’t own a yacht at all. 

So where did the story come from? What’s the deal with the Aqua? And hasn’t Bill Gates been pictured on a yacht before? Let’s get some answers.

How Much Did the Aqua Yacht Cost at the Monaco Yacht Show?

According to the stories online, Bill Gates paid $600 million for the hydrogen powered yacht. But that’s not true at all. According to the yacht makers, the Dutch company Sinot, the price tag is $645 million but no one bought it after it was revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show, and that includes Bill Gates. It’s expensive but definitely not the most expensive in the world.

How Fast is the Aqua Yacht?

Aqua is a unique yacht in the yachting world which is why it garnered so much attention in the first place. It’s the first mega yacht that runs on a fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cell system that features two hydrogen engines that can produce 1,341 horsepower. The top speed is 17 knots and  the Aqua has a cruising speed of 12 knots. The total range is 3,750 nautical miles. The liquid hydrogen is stored in two 28-ton vacuum sealed tanks where it can be held at -253 degrees C. The only exhaust is water.

What Does the Interior of  the Aqua Yacht Look Like?

The Aqua has 7 suites meant to house up to 14 guests at any given time. Two of those suites are larger VIP cabins. The ceilings throughout are 9 feet and stretch as high as 12.5 feet elsewhere thanks to the luxury Sinot yacht architecture. The vessel has room for a crew of 31 as well. The beach deck lounge aboard the boat alone looks like a luxury hotel space.

The Aqua features a bow observation room which is surrounded by windows to give a panoramic view of the ocean which has been described as the “ultimate superyacht owners lounge.” In addition, there’s a movie theater on the upper deck. It also includes a wellness center with a hydro massage room. You can also do some yoga in a workout space. There’s a fully equipped gym, a beauty salon, and even a hairdresser.

Up on the main deck there’s a luxury swimming pool that even includes a waterfall. One of the yacht’s defining features is the spiral staircase that covers all five decks and is covered by a skylight. On the way up it also offers a view of the interior of the hydrogen fuel tanks so you can see just what 56 tons of ultra cold liquid hydrogen looks like as you move between decks. 

The tender garage has an array of toys such as jet skis while the main deck features a beach club with a dining area designed for all 14 guests and a lounge that converts into the cinema space.

What Yacht Has Bill Gates Actually Been On?

Bill Gates does seem to like yachts, just not enough to spend his money owning one, and that’s fair. Yachts cost millions to maintain every year. No one got rich spending millions to maintain a boat.

That said, Bill Gates has not only vacationed on yachts – he spent his 66th birthday on one – he also got married on a yacht.

In 2021, Gates made the news when he celebrated his 66th on board a luxury yacht called the Lana alongside Jeff Bezos. He spent $2 million to charter the yacht for a week and flew 50 guests out to celebrate with him. 

The Lana is a 351 foot yacht with room for 12 guests and a cruising speed of 12 knots with a max speed of 18 knots. The master suite is 1,184 square feet. The room features his and hers walk-in dressing rooms and a private terrace.

Elsewhere on board you’ll find a piano in the lounge area as well as a full gym for working out. There’s both a sauna and a well-appointed spa as well. On deck you can head to the beach club or take a dip in the pool. 

There are three tenders in the garage alongside a bunch of toys including various jetskis, a seabob, wakeboards, WindSurfers, fishing equipment, scuba diving equipment and more. 

Back in 2014, Gates rented an even more expensive yacht, the $5 million per week Serene, to go on a vacation with his family. The Serene, once owned by  Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shelfer before being purchased by the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, clocked in at a massive 450 feet making it one of the world’s biggest and even had its own on board submarine

The Serene features 7 decks, a saltwater pool, a climbing wall, a surprisingly large library, health spa, outdoor cinema and a nightclub. This is all spread across 48,000 square feet.

It’s also been confirmed that Gates met his wife Melinda on a yacht owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, all the way back in 1994. 

Why Do People Think Bill Gates Owns the Aqua?

It’s easy to see why people may have thought Gates owned the Aqua when you consider a handful of factors. First, as mentioned, we have lots of evidence that Bill Gates really does enjoy luxury yachts. The extremely high price tag was something that only a few people in the world are going to be able to afford and Gates, who doesn’t own a yacht, seems like a likely candidate for those reasons. 

In addition, Gates has spent several years now as a climate activist and has supported a number of green technologies. A yacht that runs on hydrogen seems like something he would support as well. So, with no real evidence, the circumstantial evidence was enough to easily convince people. Once it’s presented as fact on the internet, and it was in many articles and videos, few people had reason to question it. 

The Bottom Line

The mega yacht known as the Aqua has a price tag of $645 million and it runs on clan burning hydrogen fuel. The only byproduct of its operation is water, making it a very environmentally friendly yacht. It made waves, so to speak, when it debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019. Rumors soon began to spread that billionaire and known climate activist Bill Gates had ordered one for $600 million. However, despite many videos and articles that refer to him as the owner, the truth is no one bought the Aqua at the yacht show and, as of 2023, Bill Gates does not own a yacht at all. He is know to charter extremely luxurious yachts for vacations and parties, such as the Lana and the Serene, but he does not own any just now.

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Bill gates buys $645m hydrogen-powered superyacht (photos) .

Bill Gates has commissioned a $645 million, 370-foot eco-friendly luxury “Aqua” superyacht that is powered by liquid hydrogen.

The world’s second richest man Bill Gates has acquired a futuristic superyacht that’s powered entirely by liquid hydrogen. Using a liquid hydrogen as fuel means the only emission from the yacht, named Aqua, is water.

This is the first time 64 year old Gates will be buying a superyacht. Gates, known to regularly take vacations onboard superyachts, usually rent yacht during summer trips to the Mediterranean.

The American business magnate, software developer, investor, and philanthropist is currently worth US$108.8 billion, according to Forbes.

He his believed to have paid $645 million ( or approximately ₦234 billion) in order to purchase Aqua. The plans of this yacht were unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show last year.

The 370 ft-long luxury liner features five decks complete with space for 14 guests, 31 crew members and a gym. Also available are beauty room, massage parlor, yoga studio and cascading pool on its rear deck.

But the most impressive feature is its power plant that has two 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks. The tanks are cooled to -423F (-253C) and filled with liquid hydrogen to power the eco-friendly Megayacht .

Related Post : Africa’s Richest Man Aliko Dangote Hosts Anthony Joshua On His ₦15.5 Billion Superyacht

The hydrogen fuel is pumped through fuel cell that converts it into electricity, while emitting only water which can be safety pumped into the ocean.

This allows the vessel to reach 17 knots and travel 3,750 miles before it needs to refuel. A full tank is enough to cover an Atlantic crossing from New York to Southampton.

Commenting on the eco-friendly ship, which was only a concept before being commission by Gates, Designer Sander Sinot said he hopes it will pave the way towards a more ecological future for the superyacht industry.

“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 superyacht with truly innovative features.”

Bill Gates is set to join the league of billionaire owners of superyacht, including his friend, Aliko Dangote , as well as Jeff Bezos and Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich .

Gates his expected to take delivery of his superyacht by 2024.

In addition to buying this luxury yacht, Gates’ foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , is pledging up to $100 million to help fight the CoronaVirus outbreak.

Related Post : Inside ₦145b Flying Fox Superyacht, With Helipads, Pool, Cinema And Sauna, Rumored To Be Owned By World’s Richest Man

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February 10, 2020 at 19:58

Bill Gates is NOT “set to join” list of Superyatch owners. Bill Gates already owns more than 2 superyatches.

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• Superyachts

This is the Sinot Aqua, a $645 million yacht powered by hydrogen

Published on Oct 16, 2022 at 2:00PM (UTC+4)

• by Alessandro Renesis

Last updated on Oct 14, 2022 at 3:42PM (UTC+4)

This is the Sinot Aqua, a massive 368-foot super yacht that’s powered by hydrogen.

The price tag is equally massive, coming in at $645 million.

READ MORE: This $10m yacht has three hulls and can travel half way around the globe on a single tank

Designed by Sinot Yacht in the Netherlands, the ‘Aqua’ was unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show and engineered to become the world’s first hydrogen-powered mega-yacht.

It is powered by two hydrogen engines, delivering a grand total of 1,341 hp.

CHECK THIS OUT!

The top speed is 17 knots and, more to the point, the Aqua can cruise at 12 knots for 3,750 nautical miles.

In other words, it can sail from Miami, Florida to the port of Southampton in England on a tank.

Inside, you’ll find cabins and spaces that redefine the meaning of the world ‘luxury’.

The Sinot Aqua can accommodate up to 14 guests in 7 massive suites, including two VIP cabins that are bigger than most rooms in a 5-star hotel.

There’s also enough space for 31 crew.

Among other things, you’ll also find a spa, sauna, beauty salon, hairdresser, nd a fully-equipped gym.

And of course there’s inevitable garage space for tenders, jet skis and sea doos.

When the Aqua was first unveiled a couple of years ago, the rumor mill started spinning, suggesting Bill Gates had purchased the ship .

This rumor has since been debunked but it says a lot about the kind of customer the superyacht was built for.

After all, only billionaires can afford a yacht with a price tag that’s dangerously close to 10 figures.

Is Elon Musk looking to buy a yacht by any chance?

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International Edition

Bill Gates-founded energy company set to construct $3 billion nuclear power plant in Wyoming that could be operational by 2030

• The company plans to start building in June, with or without necessary permits 
• Liquid sodium cooling make the reactor cheaper than the usual water cooling
• Gates co-founded the company to privately develop 'advanced nuclear energy'
• READ MORE: Holy grail of nuclear fusion is one step closer as reactor turned on

A power company co-founded by Microsoft 's Bill Gates has announced plans to begin building a new type of nuclear power plant in the US this summer.

TerraPower revealed it plans to apply for the necessary permits this month to start construction on a next-generation nuclear reactor at the start of June in Kemmerer, Wyoming .

The Washington-based firm has received an estimated $1 billion in funding from private investors, which will be combined with a promised $2 billion from the US government.  

The reactor is unique in the world of nuclear power, as it is cooled with liquid sodium rather than water - an efficient strategy, but one that has proven dangerous in some cases because of sodium's explosive reaction if it touches water.

TerraPower's announcement puts it in a nuclear energy race against Russia and China . 

READ MORE: A look inside the Fukushima reactor, 13 years later

Eerie drone footage reveals first ever look at melted nuclear reactor with 880 tonnes of radioactive fuel still inside.

The two superpowers are working to develop and export cheaper reactors, and the Natrium one represents TerraPower's attempt to enter that market, the  Financial Times reported.

In December, the company inked an agreement with Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation.

That deal will see TerraPower exploring the use of its Natrium reactors to not only generate electricity in the United Arab Emirates, but also produce hydrogen - a notoriously energy-hungry process.

TerraPower CEO Chris Levesque told FT that they plan to apply this month for the necessary permits to begin construction in June, but whether or not the company has received approval yet, they will begin building then.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in charge of approving construction of new nuclear powerplants. 

The next-generation reactor, called 'Natrium,' can be built for half the cost of water-cooled ones, the standard nuclear power technology for decades, Levesque said. 

Because of the design of the Natrium reactor, most of the initial phase of construction will not involve any reactor parts per se, but will rather focus on support structures.

According to the company's website: 'TerraPower was founded by Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries that decided the private sector needed to take action in developing advanced nuclear energy to meet growing electricity needs, mitigate climate change and lift billions out of poverty.'

Nuclear power does not have the same issues with carbon emissions that other powerplants do, especially coal.

But it does present new problems, as spent nuclear waste is dangerously radioactive for thousands of years. 

There has not been a sodium-cooled reactor in the US since several experimental reactors were attempted in the 1960s and 1970s. 

After several failures, including a partial meltdown of the Fermi 1 in Michigan in 1966, all of these reactors were decommissioned, and most were replaced with conventional boiling water reactors.

In 1995 the Monju Nuclear Powerplant in Japan suffered a fire as a result of a sodium leak in its cooling system.

The ensuing coverup, involving falsified reports and edited video footage of the accident, was so disgraceful that government investigator Shigeo Nishimura took his own life after uncovering it.

'When you use liquid sodium as a coolant instead of water it's a game-changer,' Levesque told FT, noting that since it boils at almost 900C it can be operated much more cheaply than water-cooled reactors.

'Natrium plants will cost half of what light water reactor plants cost . . . and we are moving our project along pretty aggressively,' he said. 

The reactor in Wyoming will be a demonstration project, but upon completion it will become a commercial power provider, TerraPower claimed.

The plant is scheduled to be operational by 2030. 

"We’re just going to keep doing what we we're doing to work with the county and to work with everyone to make it  the best project possible."

When construction will start is uncertain, but Savion has said it could begin in 2025.

Vote in project's favor is 'spitting in the face of Madison County voters'

Madison County officials opposed the project as have officials from the three townships where the project will be built.

The board voted 7-2 to approve the project. The two opposing votes were cast by a Madison County commissioner and a township trustee who served on the board for this project.

Commissioner Chris Wallace said the commissioners have received phone calls, text messages, emails and letters opposing the project.

“I just want to state clearly on the record, that if this board is to approve this project, they would be doing so in the face of strong local opposition, I think spitting in the face of Madison County voters," he said.

Somerford Township Trustee Jim Moran said Madison County already has done its part when it comes to alternative energy sources for the state.

Existing projects under development in the county already have taken 6,000 acres of farmland, he said. Oak Run doubles that.

"If every county in this state of Ohio would contribute that kind of acreage to this kind of energy production, the prime farmland taken out of production would be astronomical," he said.

No other members of the siting board spoke at the meeting.

Oak Run to deploy nation's largest agrivoltaic program

Savion has promised to turn Oak Run into the largest agrivoltaic program in the country in which the company will plant crops and graze livestock in the rows of the solar panels and the perimeter of the project.

In the first year of operation, Oak Run must graze at least 1,000 sheep and grow crops on 2,000 acres. Within eight years of operation, at least 70% of the farmable project area, or at least 4,000 acres, must include agrivoltaics.

Agrivoltaics addresses a big complaint the solar farm take big chunks of prime farmland out of production. Also, this project will include contracts with local farmers and businesses.

The project also will generate $8.2 million a year in revenue for local governments and schools.

Other conditions of the project include perimeter fencing, setbacks of 150 feet to roadways and non-participating property boundaries, and 300 feet to non-participating homes.

Union officials also celebrated the vote, saying the project will create 1,500 construction jobs.

“We are diversifying our grid and powering our communities. Solar energy is proving to be a tremendous shot in the arm for many rural Ohio communities, and it’s exciting to be a part of this progress," said Aaron Brown, renewable energy and government affairs representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 4th District.

What is Gates' involvement?

Gates' farm,  Midwest Farms LLC  of Monterey, Louisiana, and other property owners have agreed to provide land for the project, according to Savion.

Property documents don't directly link ownership of the farm to Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and the sixth person in the world with a net worth of $104 billion, according to Forbes.

Other documents and media reports do make that connection, and it's common knowledge among Madison Couty residents.

[email protected]

@BizMarkWilliams

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio solar farm on land partially owned by Bill Gates wins approval