- Four categories as a testing ground for innovations
- Hydrogen as a solution at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
- Energy Observer as a role model
- Commitment of the yacht industry
- Bridge to the professional world
- Conferences for a look into the future
- Innovative projects on the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
- Award for sustainable innovations
- Facts and figures about the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
The 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge confirms its role as a trailblazer for sustainable boating. From 27 June to 4 July 2025, the Principality of Monaco will be transformed into a testing ground for pioneering maritime mobility technologies. 42 teams from 20 nations, including 29 universities with over 1,000 students, will put their innovations to the test in four categories under real-life conditions. "This collaboration is essential for the transition to more responsible yachting. We are pleased to see the growing commitment of major shipyards. This is very encouraging," explains Bernard d'Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco. The competition, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco with the support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, builds a bridge between academic research and the boating industry.
Four categories as a testing ground for innovations
The participating teams are researching technologies for the future of yachting in four categories:
- AI Class: The focus here is on autonomous boats that are controlled by artificial intelligence.
- Energy Class: In this category, various technologies are tested on standardised hulls.
- SeaLab Class: These floating test laboratories are focussing on pioneering hydrogen technologies this year.
- Open Sea Class: CE-certified emission-free prototypes up to 25 metres that can carry at least three people are presented here.
Of all the participating projects, 30 boats are electrically powered, twelve use hydrogen as an energy source and twelve prototypes are equipped with foils. This variety of propulsion concepts emphasises the broad spectrum of innovations that are being tested at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.
Hydrogen as a solution at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
A decisive step towards emission-free yachting is the increased use of hydrogen. NatPower H, technical partner of the event since 2024, is now the official hydrogen supplier and provides the entire refuelling infrastructure. "This is a strategic alliance based on a shared vision for more innovative and environmentally friendly yachting," emphasises Andrea Minerdo, CEO of NatPower H. "By facilitating access to hydrogen-powered solutions, we are demonstrating that the transition to zero-emission yachting is not only possible, but already underway." In the Energy Class, participants will receive hydrogen stored in type 4 cylinders from Composite Technical Systems (CTS). This co-operation enables the teams to experiment with hydrogen technologies under real conditions and demonstrate their potential for maritime applications.
Energy Observer as a role model
A special guest at the event is the Energy Observer catamaran, which will be moored in the marina of the Yacht Club de Monaco. As the first energy self-sufficient vessel powered by a combination of solar, wind, hydroelectric power and hydrogen produced on board, it epitomises the tangible link between research and the energy transition. Since 2017, this floating laboratory has travelled over 68,000 nautical miles, visited more than 50 countries and proven the reliability of zero-emission technologies in a wide range of conditions.
Commitment of the yacht industry
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is characterised by a strong network of committed industry players. Through the Corporate Mentoring Programme, many companies in the yachting industry support the participating teams and share their expertise with the next generation of engineers. SBM Offshore, for example, supports the teams from Cambridge University Riviera Racing and Polytech Nantes. The Sanlorenzo shipyard is collaborating with two teams: Uniboat from the University of Bologna and Elettra UniGe from the University of Genoa. "It is essential that we empower future generations through education and encourage them to think outside the box in order to find innovative solutions for leisure boats that reduce our impact on the environment," emphasises Massimo Perotti, Chairman and CEO of Sanlorenzo.
Bridge to the professional world
As a natural extension of these collaborations, the Job Forum serves as a bridge to the world of work. In 2024, around 90 interviews were conducted for internships or first jobs. This initiative emphasises the practical relevance of the event for the career development of young engineers in the field of sustainable maritime technologies.
Conferences for a look into the future
Two conferences will provide a platform for exchange on the future of the industry: 1. the Advanced Yachting Technology Conference on 3 July will cover topics such as onboard CO2 capture, noise reduction in the marine environment, financing innovation and decarbonisation, cost reduction and emissions reduction through technology, cybersecurity and the use of artificial intelligence and space technologies to support decarbonisation. 2 The 6th H2 and Alternative Fuels Conference on 4 July, organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Mission for Energy Transition and the YCM, will focus on hydrogen refuelling, storage technologies, the potential of methanol for superyachts and the role of dual-fuel engines in the energy transition.
Innovative projects on the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge presents an impressive range of innovative projects: In the Energy Class, Sambuk Racing from Qatar University is using a solid-state lithium-ion battery for the first time. Néréides-UTT uses a composite structure made of natural fibres and optimises endurance by combining a hydrogen fuel cell and four lithium-ion batteries. In the SeaLab Class, the Dutch at TU Delft have developed a foiling boat that is compatible with liquid hydrogen. The team from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland is integrating a solid-state hydrogen storage system that is safer and more compact. Plus Zero is testing a hydrogen combustion engine for the first time in the Challenge. In the AI Class, the Polish team AGH Solar Boat combines LiDAR and 3D cameras with advanced AI algorithms running on a Jetson Orion computer. The Hungarian team BME Solar Boat presents a lightweight solar-powered racing boat optimised for autonomous navigation and equipped with advanced electric propulsion systems and AI-controlled on-board electronics.
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Award for sustainable innovations
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, endowed with 25,000 euros, recognises the most effective advances in energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. In 2024, the Italian team Physis Synergy (Politecnico di Milano) won the award for their progress in developing a new fuel cell design approach to improve overall efficiency. The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge acts as a unique testing ground for the ecological transformation of the yachting industry. It not only tracks progress, but actively accelerates it. With its combination of technological innovation, academic research and industrial application, the event sets new standards for sustainable yachting and paves the way for a greener future on the world's oceans.
Facts and figures about the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
- Date: 27 June to 4 July 2025
- Location: Monaco
- Organiser: Yacht Club de Monaco
- Teams: 42
- Nationalities: 20
- Universities: 29
- Participating students: Over 1,000
- AI Class: Autonomous boats with AI control
- Energy Class: Test of various technologies on standard hulls
- SeaLab Class: Floating test laboratories, focus on hydrogen technologies
- Open Sea Class: CE-certified emission-free prototypes up to 25 metres
- Electrically powered boats: 30
- Hydrogen-powered boats: 12
- Prototypes with foils: 12
