TLDR: The 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, held from July 1-5, 2025, concluded as a pivotal event for sustainable maritime innovation. The challenge highlighted significant advancements in artificial intelligence for autonomous navigation and energy optimization, alongside the re-emergence of noise-reducing toroidal propellers. Italian teams, notably UniBoAT – University of Bologna Argonauts Team, achieved remarkable success, setting new speed records and reinforcing Monaco’s position as a global hub for clean yachting technologies.
The 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW, and SBM Offshore, wrapped up on July 5, 2025, solidifying its reputation as a premier global laboratory for sustainable and clean propulsion technologies in the nautical sector. The event brought together 42 teams from 20 countries, involving over 1,000 students and numerous industry partners, all focused on accelerating the energy transition in boating.
This year’s challenge underscored three major technological revolutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage, demonstrating its critical role in optimizing battery management systems to maximize performance and energy autonomy at sea. AI systems were showcased for their ability to manage energy in real-time, improving both efficiency and range. A significant new addition was the introduction of the AI Class for autonomous boats, inspired by drone technology. These vessels showcased their capability to maneuver, dock, and perform complex missions entirely autonomously, utilizing advanced sensors and AI to perceive their environment and make decisions without human intervention. This innovation aims to advance the entire sector by facilitating the adoption of these cutting-edge technologies.
Another prominent innovation was the return to prominence of toroidal propellers. These advanced propellers are capable of significantly reducing underwater noise pollution by 50 to 80%, addressing a crucial environmental concern for marine ecosystems. Approximately 50% of the participating teams incorporated toroidal propellers into their designs, highlighting their growing importance in sustainable marine design.
Hydrogen technologies also made substantial strides, with notable advancements in liquid and solid-state storage solutions. A prototype featuring a revolutionary hydrogen-powered combustion engine was presented, paving the way for retrofitting existing yachts to reduce CO2 emissions and limit nitrogen oxides. The SeaLab Class, acting as floating laboratories, specifically focused on pioneering hydrogen technologies, including a marine demonstrator with an INOCEL hydrogen fuel cell system offering zero direct emissions and performance comparable to thermal equivalents.
Italian teams demonstrated exceptional prowess throughout the challenge. The UniBoAT – University of Bologna Argonauts Team, in particular, achieved remarkable success, winning the Energy Class for the fourth consecutive time and securing additional awards for innovation and design. The team set a new speed record in their category, reaching an impressive 26.63 knots, significantly surpassing the previous year’s record of 20.79 knots.
The event also featured two international conferences dedicated to advanced nautical technologies and alternative fuels, emphasizing the critical need for cooperation and infrastructure development to accelerate the ecological transition in boating. Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco, noted the increasing maturity of the projects, stating, “There’s a feeling that the projects are of a maturity that we’ve not seen before. Schools, universities and the industry are really committed. It’s an excellent sign for the sector and future of young people embarking on these career paths.” Francesco Prazzo, Managing Director of SBM Offshore Monaco, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, “It’s about believing in young people’s boldness and talent to invent the yachting of tomorrow.”
Industry commitment was further exemplified by the Corporate Mentoring Programme, with companies like Monaco Marine supporting teams such as Hydrogadz-Capgemini, and SBM Offshore backing several international projects. Peter Lürssen, CEO of the Lürssen shipyard, highlighted the industry’s responsibility, stating, “As a shipyard we have a duty to lead the way. Our commitment to promote renewable energy solutions and to protect the environment aligns perfectly with the objectives of this innovative event.”
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Beyond performance, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, valued at 25,000 euros, was presented to the most promising innovation. The public also had the opportunity to visit the Energy Observer, moored in the YCM Marina, which has covered 68,000 nautical miles, showcasing the viability of zero-emission technologies. Through this 12th edition, Monaco has further cemented its role as a leading innovation hub in the nautical sector, actively promoting practical transitions toward cleaner and more sustainable maritime solutions.
