Over 40 teams from around the world are set to compete in the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge at the Yacht Club de Monaco this summer, an event that will showcase marine sector innovations in AI, alternative fuels and zero-emission propulsion.
The 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is set to take place in July 2025, with applications now confirmed in the Energy, AI and SeaLab classes. Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event will shine a spotlight on an array of advances in sustainable maritime technology.
More than 40 teams from 20 countries have already registered for the event, and major industry players such as Monaco Marine, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut Benetti Group, Sanlorenzo and Lürssen are among the companies involved.
Industry and innovation
Beyond the competition, the event seeks to facilitate collaboration between industry and academia. In 2025, SBM Offshore is increasing its involvement by joining the Corporate Mentoring Programme, supporting first-time participants from the University of Cambridge and the Université Technique de Nantes. The Monaco-based company is providing access to equipment and expertise in fields such as hydrogen technology, assisting students through technical inspections and development phases.
Another key initiative is the Job Forum, which connects students with potential employers. In 2024, 90 interviews were conducted as part of the event, offering students exciting opportunities for internships and entry-level positions in the maritime industry.
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has also established itself as a platform for discussions on the future of sustainable yachting. The 2025 edition will feature two key conferences, starting with the Advanced Yachting Technology Conference on 3rd July, which will present an overview of innovations in sustainable maritime technology.
The following day, the sixth Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels Conference, organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Energy Transition Mission and the Yacht Club de Monaco, will examine progress in alternative energy solutions, with a focus on hydrogen.
Advancing clean maritime technology
The competition itself will feature four categories, with the newly introduced AI Class being a notable addition in 2025. This category will explore the application of artificial intelligence in navigation and energy management, with nine teams already confirmed, many of whom have transitioned from the long-running Solar Class.
The Energy Class, which was introduced in 2018, will continue to challenge teams to integrate new propulsion technologies into a standard hull. This year, 21 teams from 14 countries will compete, including returning participants such as Elettra UniGe from the Università di Genova, as well as newcomers such as the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, the Sambuk Racing team from Qatar University and DTU Float Forward from Denmark.
The SeaLab Class will bring together prototype vessels up to 12 metres in length that incorporate alternative energy sources such as green methanol, with one of the eight participating teams representing South Korea, a first-time entrant in the competition. The Open Sea Class, which is open to industry professionals, will present CE-certified zero-emission prototypes of up to 25 metres, with a focus on speed trials rather than endurance-based competition.
Finally, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation will once again present the Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, which offers a €25,000 prize for the most innovative project in terms of energy efficiency or carbon reduction.
Read related:
YCM inaugurates green hydrogen pontoon, plunging further into sustainable yachting
Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo source: Yacht Club de Monaco