Photo credits: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco.
The 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge concluded this week after four days of competition, collaboration, and technical exchange focused on advancing sustainability in maritime transport. Organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco with the support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW, and SBM Offshore, the event continues to serve as a platform for accelerating the energy transition in the marine sector.
This year’s challenge brought together engineers, students, and industry representatives with a shared goal: to develop and implement cleaner propulsion technologies and systems for the vessels of tomorrow.
A highlight of the event was the awarding of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, a €25,000 prize recognizing exceptional progress in sustainable marine innovation. The 2025 award went to the University of Bologna (Italy) for their project COMPETR, which combines lightweight electric propulsion, counter-rotating propellers, bio-based materials, and sodium battery technology. The system is designed to improve both performance and environmental efficiency in small and medium-sized boats.
“Our goal is to empower the next generation of innovative leaders,” said Raphaël Ghiandai, CFO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. “That is essential for making lasting change — and helping accelerate the transition towards a more regenerative and sustainable blue economy.”
Photo credits: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco.
In addition to on-water competition, the week featured the 6th H2 & Alternative Fuels Conference, co-organized by the Foundation, Yacht Club de Monaco, and the Mission pour la Transition Énergétique. The conference offered a focused look at hydrogen innovation, methanol, and dual-fuel technologies for the future of yachting.
“Let us use this opportunity to ensure innovation leads to implementation, and ambition leads to action,” said Salomé Mormentyn, Polar Initiative Manager at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
As maritime industries face growing pressure to reduce emissions and adopt cleaner fuel solutions, MEBC2025 reaffirmed its role as a key meeting point for sustainable marine technology and youth-led innovation.