Patrick Dovigi’s 118.8-metre superyacht was originally commissioned by Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates
Sault Ste. Marie’s Patrick Dovigi is reported to have recently spent US$435,000 to fill the fuel tanks of his hydrogen hybrid megayacht Breakthrough.
Dovigi, a former Erie Otter goaltender turned billionaire businessman, bought about 605,000 litres of fuel in Gibraltar before sailing on Breakthrough from Europe to Miami, according to the popular automotive website Supercar Blondie.
Dovigi is chief executive officer of Green For Life Environmental Inc. (GFL).
The 118.8-metre Breakthrough was originally built by Dutch shipyard Feadship for Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates.
But Gates apparently never used the superyacht, which was designed with a sophisticated hydrogen fuel cell system allowing it to use green hydrogen for short voyages.
Dovigi acquired the boat, reported to be worth in excess of $600 million, late last year.
During prolonged sea voyages. Breakthrough must use regular fuel, resulting in Dovigi’s big fuel bill in Gibraltar.
“Breakthrough’s recent journey from Europe to Miami showed how expensive the reality of operating even the most advanced yachts is,” Supercar Blondie reported.
“The crossing demonstrated that hydrogen technology, while groundbreaking, is not yet capable of fully replacing conventional fuel for global travel on long voyages.”
Dovigi is also chair of Green Infrastructure Partners Inc. (GIP), which agreed to buy the Sault’s former General Hospital site one year ago from the city for $1 and other considerations.
Green Infrastructure is paying most of the cost of demolishing the old hospital and and redeveloping the property.
