Sailing Towards a Greener Future: The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Returns

The world event is organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), in collaboration with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Presented with the need to address critical environmental and technical concerns, YCM strives to promote an entirely fresh perspective of yachting and creative solutions through this truly distinctive event; the only one of its kind existing presently. The goal of this event is to inspire engineers of the future and professionals to develop clean and alternative energy propulsion technologies to power the maritime industry. Other partners and supporters of the event include Credit Suisse, BMW and SBM Offshore, as well significant yachting industry companies such as the Sanlorenzo, Oceanco, Ferretti and Monaco Marine shipyards.

Sustainability conversations will continue throughout the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, as they do every year. On Thursday, July 6, participants attend a half-day conference titled Challenges, Engagement, and Adoption to assess both the obstacles ahead and the progress achieved. The following day, Friday, July 7th, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Energy Transition Mission, and the YCM host the 4th Hydrogen Round Table.
 
The Hydrogen Round Table brings organisations and those involved in hydrogen initiatives together to examine the potential of hydrogen in the marine industry. Hydrogen has advantages as a maritime fuel because it is a renewable and inexhaustible energy source and it is interesting to note that the number of hydrogen-related prototypes entering this challenge grows year after year, rising from two in 2019 to six in 2021, seven in 2022, and nine this year in 2023. This notion alone demonstrates that the industry's attempts to redefine the relationship between the yachting industry and the environment are coming to fruition and shows that the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is becoming successful in propelling the industry towards greener pastures.

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, overall, is a yearly event that brings together global innovators in the boating industry to showcase their latest energy-efficient designs and technologies. Participants compete in various categories such as solar, hydrogen, and electric propulsion, and the event provides a platform for exchanging ideas and knowledge about sustainable energy solutions. The event aims to promote the use of clean energy in the boating industry and inspire the development of new technologies that can reduce the environmental impact of boating.

To put it succinctly, The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge demonstrates how, in the words of YCM President HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, ‘faced with the climate emergency, it is imperative that living proof of progress replaces the promises’, proving that when it comes to energy solutions, the yachting industry really is making waves.