Air Products supplies liquid hydrogen to superyacht

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 MW hydrogen fuel cell system, offering a combustion-free method of generating electricity with only water as a byproduct. Air Products, leveraging its expertise in supplying hydrogen to industrial applications, aerospace, heavy duty transport, and maritime, is proud to contribute to this 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 bringing change to the maritime world,” said Jan-Bart Verkuyl, CEO of Feadship Royal Van Lent Shipyard.

The fuelling process for the 118.8 m Breakthrough began with an initial liquid hydrogen bunkering on 2 March 2025, followed by refuelling operations on 22 March. These operations demonstrated that liquid hydrogen can be safely and efficiently integrated into marine refuelling infrastructure.

“As ports and shipping lines seek sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen will play a crucial role in decarbonising global trade routes. The deployment of Breakthrough proves that the transition is already underway,” commented Caroline Stancell, Global Vice President of Hydrogen for Mobility at Air Products.

Air Products is collaborating with 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 m³ or 4 t of liquid hydrogen.

“It is a significant milestone for this project that the cryogenic tank, designed by MAN Cryo, has been filled with liquid hydrogen for the first time. Due to the cooperation between MAN Cryo and Air Products, we have 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,” stated Sofia Liedholm, Engineering Manager, Design and Project at MAN Cryo.

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, added: “We expect that multiple alternative fuels for shipping will coexist. This requires flexibility and foresight from us and the companies in the port area. The first bunkering with liquid hydrogen has now taken place in our port and this 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.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/21052025/air-products-supplies-liquid-hydrogen-to-superyacht/