Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
a 12th edition focused on innovations
Applications have been officially confirmed in the Energy, AI and SeaLab classes for the 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. Organised by Yacht Club de Monaco with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, since its launch in 2014 the meeting has demonstrated the efficiency of innovations in terms of propulsion and hull design. Monaco Marine, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut | Benetti Group, Sanlorenzo and Lürssen are among big names in the industry joining forces for this event that has become a reference in the sustainable mobility field. After a record edition in 2024, it continues to reinvent itself with 2025 offering new opportunities for talented young people, professionals and marine technology enthusiasts. Some 40 teams representing 20 nationalities are already signed up.
SBM Offshore ramps up its commitment for 2025
As well as the sea trials, the event promotes exchanges between academia and industry. In 2025, SMB Offshore is ramping up its involvement by joining the Corporate Mentoring Programme. The Monaco-based company is supporting the University of Cambridge and Université Technique de Nantes, newcomers to the event, facilitating access to equipment for these young engineers. They are also supporting them in fields of expertise, like hydrogen, and during technical inspections.
Another flagship initiative is the Job Forum. It reflects YCM’s vision to foster networking between professionals and entrants. The goal is to help students take their first steps in the workplace via internships or first jobs. In 2024, 90 interviews took place during the week.
Conferences dedicated to a sustainable future for yachting
The event has also established itself as a communication and innovations hub with two themed conferences.
Thursday 3 July: Advanced Yachting Technology Conference, an overview of current sustainable maritime and yachting innovations.
Friday 4 July: 6th Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels Conference, organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Energy Transition Mission and YCM, that focuses on alternative energy solutions and progress on hydrogen.
40+ teams set to take up the Challenge
The 2025 edition showcases four categories:
An exciting new addition for 2025 is the AI Class paving the way for autonomous boats integrating artificial intelligence into navigation and energy management. With nine teams already registered, it looks promising in its bid to explore maritime applications of AI. Many are participants from the historic Solar Class.
Since its 2018 launch, the flagship Energy Class has been stimulating teams’ ingenuity by requiring them to integrate innovative solutions into a standard hull supplied by YCM. Hydrogen, batteries, wind turbines, kinetic energy storage, etc. the approaches are diverse and ambitious. This year, 21 teams from 14 countries will be competing for the title. They include regulars like the Italians in Elettra UniGe from the Università di Genova who will be out in force with six teams. Note also the attendance of five new teams such as the one from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, the Sambuk Racing team from Qatar University and DTU Float Forward from Danmarks Tekniske Universitet.
The SeaLab Class gathers prototypes up to 12 metres integrating alternative energy solutions like green methanol. This year, among the eight teams is one from event newcomer, South Korea.
Open to industry, the Open Sea Class unveils CE certificated zero-emission prototypes. With a length up to 25m they can only compete for the speed record and always attract a lot of attention.
Again this year, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation will reward the most innovative project with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award worth €25,000. Launched 2024, the prize rewards the most advanced solutions in terms of energy efficiency and/or reduction of carbon emissions.
A major event driving the future for yachting
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2025 has already confirmed its status as an international showcase for sustainable maritime technologies. With applications from all over the world and its focus on collaboration, the event is shaping yachting’s future to be cleaner, more efficient and having less impact on the environment.
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