Port Vauban recently welcomed Bill Gates’ hydrogen-powered superyacht to Antibes, marking a notable event for the renowned yachting destination. The 118-metre vessel, Breakthrough, was refuelled with liquid hydrogen — an exceptionally rare sight, even in Antibes.
Built by Dutch shipyard Feadship, the Breakthrough is estimated to have cost the Microsoft founder over $600 million. To facilitate refuelling, a tailor-made solution had to be implemented. This technical achievement was made possible thanks to close cooperation between the port teams, the Port Authority, the City of Antibes Juan-les-Pins, the Antibes fire and emergency services (SDIS 06), international hydrogen specialists, and the yacht’s crew.
The refuelling was carried out via a specialised truck transporting liquid hydrogen, and the operation was completed in just a few hours.
“Providing this service enhances the appeal of Port Vauban and strengthens our image as a port at the forefront of innovation,” said Jean-Pierre Savarino, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and of Vauban 21.
To catch a glimpse of this extraordinary vessel, here is a video.
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