Attendees of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge represent a diverse mix of innovators, enthusiasts, and industry leaders, all converging to shape the future of sustainable boating.
As part of the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, the whole industry is mobilised with leading players from the yachting world involved including the shipyards Sanlorenzo, Oceanco, Ferretti, Lürssen and Monaco Marine.
While the technical inspections continued in the paddocks (open to the public) the 450 competitors kicked-off the 11th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge on the water. Organised by Yacht Club de Monaco supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event saw over 700 students involved, of which 450 are here in the Principality to represent their projects.
Ashore there was no let up on the programme, with the Job Forum highlighting SBM Offshore for the first Industry Pitch, a chance to discuss its first autonomous hydrogen pontoon installed and unveiled in the YCM Marina back in January. Developing networks, sharing knowledge, promoting expertise and recruiting talented young engineers are just some of the opportunities giants in the sector can take advantage of. Meanwhile, students can apply and meet future recruiters at the Job Forum where internships and job offers are posted. Discussions continued all day, a highlight being the daily Tech Talks when each team gets a chance to present their project in open source.
The majority of teams in the Energy and Solar classes had their first sea trials in the YCM Marina. Late afternoon it was the turn of the 15+ units in the Open Sea Class in the 2nd YCM Boat Rally that aims to bring together as many electric boats as possible to demonstrate their potential. Among those in competition was El-ISEO designed by engineers from the Ferretti Group. “We are delighted to be here participating for the second year in a row at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. El-Iseo is a Riva with fully electric propulsion that is opening up a new segment in the yachting sector,” said Enrico Sgarbi, Communications Director for the Ferretti Group. A dozen Vita and Evoy designed boats, including the six which will be at the sailing events for Paris 2024, selected by the Olympic Games’ Organising Committee, were also flying along in Monaco Bay.
Thursday morning, a panel of experts will meet at the Yacht Club de Monaco for the first half-day conference entitled Alternative fuels and cutting-edge technology for yachting. Methanol, ammonia, wind power, nuclear power and Artificial Intelligence are among solutions to be analysed by 30 speakers. On Friday 5th July it’s the turn of the annul Hydrogen Round Table organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Energy Transition Mission and YCM. This 5th edition will tackle the issue of how to raise awareness of the hydrogen technology solutions available in the maritime and pleasure boat industries. The discussions can be attended in-person (registration required) or online and also followed on the event website.
