| The Hague, The Netherlands
Air Products Supplies Liquid Hydrogen for the World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht
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Air Products (NYSE: APD), a global leader in industrial gases and the world’s largest hydrogen supplier, has successfully supplied liquid hydrogen to the world's first hydrogen fuel cell superyacht, "Breakthrough.” This achievement marks a significant step forward in sustainable maritime innovation, proving that hydrogen is ready to play a central role in the future of marine transportation.
Built by renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship, “Breakthrough” is the first vessel of its kind to integrate a 3.2-megawatt (MW) hydrogen fuel cell system, offering a combustion-free method of generating electricity with only water as a byproduct. Air Products, leveraging its decades of expertise in supplying hydrogen to industrial applications, aerospace, heavy duty transport, and maritime, is proud to contribute to this pioneering project and accelerate the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner energy.
“Build number 821 is not only a testament to craftsmanship but also a bold step towards a zero-emission future. Collaborating with Air Products to safely integrate liquid hydrogen into a superyacht ecosystem has been a pioneering journey, and we are proud to lead the way in bringing meaningful change to the maritime world,” said Jan-Bart Verkuyl, CEO of Feadship Royal Van Lent Shipyard.
Leading the Charge in Hydrogen-Powered Marine Solutions
The fueling process for the 118.8-meter “Breakthrough” began with an initial liquid hydrogen bunkering on March 2, followed by successful refueling operations on March 22. These operations demonstrated that liquid hydrogen can be safely and efficiently integrated into marine refueling infrastructure.
“As ports and shipping lines seek sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen will play a crucial role in decarbonizing global trade routes. The successful deployment of “Breakthrough” proves that the transition is already underway,” said Caroline Stancell, Global Vice President of Hydrogen for Mobility at Air Products.
Advancing Hydrogen with Industry Leaders
Air Products is collaborating with leading technology providers such as MAN Cryo to develop and scale marine hydrogen solutions. The yacht's storage solution involves a double-walled cryogenic tank, able to contain 92 cubic meters or four tons of liquid hydrogen.
“It is a significant milestone for this groundbreaking project that the cryogenic tank, designed by MAN Cryo, has been filled with liquid hydrogen for the first time. Thanks to the excellent cooperation between MAN Cryo and Air Products, we have successfully integrated two crucial parts of the hydrogen supply chain, enabling marine vessels to operate on sustainable fuel. This achievement also marks a significant milestone for the marine sector, showcasing that storage of liquid hydrogen below deck for use as ship fuel is now reality,” said Sofia Liedholm, Engineering Manager – Design & Project at MAN Cryo.
The Role of Ports in Hydrogen-Powered Shipping
As global ports prepare for the shift to cleaner fuels, hydrogen infrastructure is becoming one of their areas of focus. The ability to supply liquid hydrogen at scale will be essential for supporting not just luxury yachts but also commercial vessels, ferries, and cargo ships.
Milembe Mateyo, Director CNB and State Port Master North Sea Canal, said "We expect that multiple alternative fuels for shipping will coexist. This requires flexibility and foresight from us and the companies in the port area. We are proud that the first bunkering with liquid hydrogen has now taken place in our port. It shows that hydrogen as a fuel is a feasible solution for emission-free sailing. This is an important step towards more sustainable shipping and our goal to be a Multi-Fuel Port. "
About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years focused on serving energy, environmental, and emerging markets and generating a cleaner future. The Company supplies essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, medical and food. As the leading global supplier of hydrogen, Air Products also develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world's largest clean hydrogen projects, supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy in the industrial and heavy-duty transportation sectors. Through its sale of equipment businesses, the Company also provides turbomachinery, membrane systems and cryogenic containers globally.
Air Products had fiscal 2024 sales of $12.1 billion from operations in approximately 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of over $60 billion. Approximately 23,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products’ higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and reimagine what's possible to address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world. For more information, visit airproducts.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram.
Built by renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship, “Breakthrough” is the first vessel of its kind to integrate a 3.2-megawatt (MW) hydrogen fuel cell system, offering a combustion-free method of generating electricity with only water as a byproduct. Air Products, leveraging its decades of expertise in supplying hydrogen to industrial applications, aerospace, heavy duty transport, and maritime, is proud to contribute to this pioneering project and accelerate the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner energy.
“Build number 821 is not only a testament to craftsmanship but also a bold step towards a zero-emission future. Collaborating with Air Products to safely integrate liquid hydrogen into a superyacht ecosystem has been a pioneering journey, and we are proud to lead the way in bringing meaningful change to the maritime world,” said Jan-Bart Verkuyl, CEO of Feadship Royal Van Lent Shipyard.
Leading the Charge in Hydrogen-Powered Marine Solutions
The fueling process for the 118.8-meter “Breakthrough” began with an initial liquid hydrogen bunkering on March 2, followed by successful refueling operations on March 22. These operations demonstrated that liquid hydrogen can be safely and efficiently integrated into marine refueling infrastructure.
“As ports and shipping lines seek sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen will play a crucial role in decarbonizing global trade routes. The successful deployment of “Breakthrough” proves that the transition is already underway,” said Caroline Stancell, Global Vice President of Hydrogen for Mobility at Air Products.
Advancing Hydrogen with Industry Leaders
Air Products is collaborating with leading technology providers such as MAN Cryo to develop and scale marine hydrogen solutions. The yacht's storage solution involves a double-walled cryogenic tank, able to contain 92 cubic meters or four tons of liquid hydrogen.
“It is a significant milestone for this groundbreaking project that the cryogenic tank, designed by MAN Cryo, has been filled with liquid hydrogen for the first time. Thanks to the excellent cooperation between MAN Cryo and Air Products, we have successfully integrated two crucial parts of the hydrogen supply chain, enabling marine vessels to operate on sustainable fuel. This achievement also marks a significant milestone for the marine sector, showcasing that storage of liquid hydrogen below deck for use as ship fuel is now reality,” said Sofia Liedholm, Engineering Manager – Design & Project at MAN Cryo.
The Role of Ports in Hydrogen-Powered Shipping
As global ports prepare for the shift to cleaner fuels, hydrogen infrastructure is becoming one of their areas of focus. The ability to supply liquid hydrogen at scale will be essential for supporting not just luxury yachts but also commercial vessels, ferries, and cargo ships.
Milembe Mateyo, Director CNB and State Port Master North Sea Canal, said "We expect that multiple alternative fuels for shipping will coexist. This requires flexibility and foresight from us and the companies in the port area. We are proud that the first bunkering with liquid hydrogen has now taken place in our port. It shows that hydrogen as a fuel is a feasible solution for emission-free sailing. This is an important step towards more sustainable shipping and our goal to be a Multi-Fuel Port. "
About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years focused on serving energy, environmental, and emerging markets and generating a cleaner future. The Company supplies essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, medical and food. As the leading global supplier of hydrogen, Air Products also develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world's largest clean hydrogen projects, supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy in the industrial and heavy-duty transportation sectors. Through its sale of equipment businesses, the Company also provides turbomachinery, membrane systems and cryogenic containers globally.
Air Products had fiscal 2024 sales of $12.1 billion from operations in approximately 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of over $60 billion. Approximately 23,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products’ higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and reimagine what's possible to address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world. For more information, visit airproducts.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram.