. It’s all systems go in Monaco bay and the YCM Marina following the official opening of the 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. Organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, with support from the Prince Albert II Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, this major event invites yachting professionals, researchers and young engineers to imagine and test under real-life conditions new propulsion solutions. For YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri this 12th edition is another significant milestone. “There’s a feeling that the projects are of a maturity that we’ve not seen before. Schools, universities and the industry are really committed. It’s an excellent sign for the sector and future of young people embarking on these career paths,” he says.
For three days, a packed programme is unfolding at sea and ashore, including an E-Boat Rallye, speed record attempts, endurance, slalom and manoeuvrability tests, specific challenges for autonomous boats in the AI Class, and daily Tech Talks in open source. It is not just about performance, but a chance to assess the technical viability of prototypes in real-life conditions at sea. While the focus is on the new generation of engineers, the event also mobilises established players in the sector. For Peter Lürssen, CEO of the Lürssen shipyard, this collective dynamic is essential. “As a shipyard we have a duty to lead the way. Our commitment to promote renewable energy solutions and to protect the environment aligns perfectly with the objectives of this innovative event organised by Yacht Club de Monaco,” he says.
Among the 42 teams from 20 countries, some are pushing technology to its limits, particularly in the Energy Class where three major trends have emerged this year.
The other three classes in the Challenge are:
The industry is supporting these talented young people through the Corporate Mentoring Programme. For Tanguy Ducros, CCO of Monaco Marine, their involvement is self-evident: “The Ocean is our shared responsibility. Protecting it means promoting responsible practices and inspiring collective change for a better future,” he says. This year Monaco Marine is again supporting Hydrogadz–Capgemini Monaco Marine (Arts et Métiers), providing them with expertise and technical resources as follows:
* Guidance on organisational, project management and technical aspects;
Francesco Prazzo, General Manager SBM Offshore Monaco, also emphasizes the event’s collective human aspect: “As a long-standing partner of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge it is much more than a commitment. It means believing in the bold ideas and talent of young people to invent the yachting of tomorrow and together build a strong Blue Economy to serve and preserve the oceans”. A commitment reflected again this year in the support its given to several teams in the competition, including the British from Cambridge University Riviera Racing, the French from Polytech Nantes and the Indians from Team Sea Sakthi.
Meanwhile, the Job Forum puts companies into direct contact with young engineers. The energy transition depends on companies and will only happen if they have the talent and skills of young people to drive it in the future.
Energy Observer opens its doors
Moored in the YCM Marina, the catamaran Energy Observer welcomes participants and YCM members to visit the boat, and the public, Friday 4 July from 9.00am to 12 noon (subject to availability). The first self-sufficient vessel powered by a mix of solar, wind, hydro and hydrogen produced on board, since 2017 this floating laboratory has covered 68,000 nautical miles, visited 50 countries and proved the reliability of zero-emission technologies in a variety of conditions.
This morning’s Advanced Yachting Technology Conference gathered industry and yachting players and researchers to take stock of tangible solutions for decarbonization and the technological transition. Underwater noise, clean propulsion AI, carbon capture, cybersecurity and energy efficiency are just some of the levers activated by the sector. All agreed on the need for a collective approach to accelerate adoption of these innovations. All the discussions are available on replay (https://energyboatchallenge.com/webtv-mebc/).
Tomorrow, Friday 4 July discussions will focus on the 6th Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels Conference, organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Energy Transition Mission and YCM. The programme includes hydrogen refuelling, storage technologies (liquid and solid state hydrogen), methanol’s potential for superyachts and the role of dual fuel engines in the energy transition: https://energyboatchallenge.com/webtv-mebc/
Again this year, a major prize will reward tangible progress in energy efficiency and reducing emissions. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, worth €25,000, will be awarded to the team whose solutions stand out for their quantifiable impact. Last year it went to Physis Synergy (Politecnico di Milano). They developed a pod (electric propulsion system) that addresses the challenges of all recreational boats from small 5m rigid inflatable boats to 30-40-50m catamarans.
This week Monaco is once again positioning the country as a testing ground for maritime innovation, a unique opportunity to see in action the emergence of concrete proven solutions for a cleaner future for yachting.
