13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
Organized by Yacht Club de Monaco from July 8 to 11, the Challenge will gather competitors and industry leaders to test and compare technologies ranging from electric and hydrogen propulsion to methanol-powered and foiling solutions.
MONACO, June 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monaco is set to become a global laboratory for the future of sustainable maritime mobility once again. The 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is fast approaching and will bring together students, researchers, engineers, shipyards and technology companies from around the world next month to showcase the latest advances in clean propulsion systems. With 52 teams from 21 nationalities, representing 33 competing universities, while 14 additional universities will attend as observers, the event has become one of the leading international platforms for innovation in the maritime sector.
Organized by Yacht Club de Monaco from July 8 to 11, the Challenge will gather competitors and industry leaders to test and compare technologies ranging from electric and hydrogen propulsion to methanol-powered and foiling solutions. The event aims to accelerate the decarbonization of maritime transport while fostering collaboration between academia, startups and established industry players.
Held under the “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative and supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Monaco City Council, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event also brings together leading companies from the maritime industry, including Safe Harbor, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut | Benetti Group, Lürssen, ESA NanoTech and NatPower H, the latter serving as the event’s official hydrogen supplier.
“This year, we are welcoming back regular attendee teams, as well as new ones, and for the first time universities coming to observe and prepare to enter the competition in the future. This is undoubtedly the best indicator of the momentum driving the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. It has become a place where ideas circulate, experiences are shared and the next generation of engineers works alongside industry professionals to progress sustainable maritime technologies,” says Yacht Club de Monaco Director and General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.
One of the notable developments this year is the growing interest from universities worldwide. A delegation from four American institutions – Columbia University, George Washington University, Howard University and Florida International University – will attend to explore participation opportunities for the 2027 edition. Beyond the on-water competitions, the event will feature conferences, technology demonstrations and public activities. Visitors will have free access to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Village, where they can meet teams, discover emerging technologies and follow the competitions live.