Air Products Supplies Liquid Hydrogen for the World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht
The Hague, The Netherlands, 20 May 2025 – 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.
Jan-Bart Verkuyl, CEO of Feadship Royal Van Lent Shipyard, said:
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,”
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.
Caroline Stancell, Global Vice President of Hydrogen for Mobility at Air Products, said:
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,”
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.
Sofia Liedholm, Engineering Manager – Design & Project at MAN Cryo, said:
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,”
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. “
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Air Products Supplies Liquid Hydrogen for the World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht
