As the buzz of the Monaco E-Prix fades, attention is shifting from land to sea, where the 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is poised to make waves in maritime sustainability and innovation this July.
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, scheduled to begin in just two months, will once again transform the Principality into a hub for next-generation yachting. Hosted by the Yacht Club de Monaco and supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event is gaining recognition as a leading platform for maritime innovation. This year, over 30 teams from 18 countries are already confirmed, with that number expected to grow to more than 40 by the 15th May registration deadline.
Bridging academia and industry, the Challenge is a testing ground for engineering students and yachting professionals who share a common vision: revolutionising the future of clean, energy-efficient marine mobility. Major shipbuilders like Monaco Marine, Oceanco, the Ferretti Group, Azimut | Benetti Group, Sanlorenzo and Lürssen are lending support and expertise to teams navigating this fast-evolving field.
In a bold step forward, the 2025 edition will debut the AI Class, a new race category for autonomous vessels guided by artificial intelligence. “This is a revolution on par with past breakthroughs,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, Director and Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco. “It is urgent that we rethink our relationship with the sea and act collectively to preserve this vital space.”
On land, the event will feature a series of expert-led conferences designed to mobilise collaborative thinking around advanced marine technologies. The Advanced Yachting Technology Conference on 3rd July will cover cutting-edge topics such as carbon capture on board, maritime noise pollution, and the integration of space tech and AI into decarbonisation strategies. The following day, the 6th Hydrogen & Alternative Fuels Conference will delve into sustainable solutions like hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, solid and liquid storage systems, and methanol-powered superyachts.
Beyond innovation, the event focuses on mentorship and career opportunities. The Corporate Mentoring Programme pairs industry leaders with emerging talents, including teams from the University of Bologna and Università di Genova. Companies like SBM Offshore and Sanlorenzo provide technical support and access to hydrogen research and inspection technology. The Job Forum, another cornerstone of the event, facilitates connections between students and yachting firms, resulting in over 90 interviews during the 2024 edition alone.
Four competitive categories will headline the event: the new AI Class, the Energy Class with its custom energy integration challenge, SeaLab Class for prototypes up to 12 metres, and the Open Sea Class for CE-certified zero-emission vessels up to 25 metres. The prestigious €25,000 Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award will once again honour the most impactful project in emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
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Photo source: MEBC