13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Debuts Sustainable Marine Tech

The Yacht Club de Monaco launched the 13th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge on July 9, 2026, at the YCM Marina on Quai Louis II. The event brings together 54 to 56 teams from 21 to 22 countries, featuring over 500 student engineers testing innovations in hydrogen, AI, batteries, and new materials. Competitors are divided into three categories: the Energy Class, the AI Class, and the flagship SeaLab Class.

Notable entries include the University of Twente, which debuted a first-of-its-kind green methanol-electric hydrofoil, and Y-H2O (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd, which presented the Alaqua Y-3. The Alaqua Y-3 is a zero-carbon vessel using a 40kW propulsion system and adaptive hydrofoil controls to reach speeds of 30 knots. Other participants include India's Sea Shakti team, competing for the Prince Albert and Design awards.

The competition follows a Job Forum held on July 7-8 and an official opening ceremony attended by Monaco's Minister of State. Alongside the races, the event features the Advanced Yachting Technology Conference and the 7th Alternative Fuels Conference. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is providing a €25,000 Sustainable Yachting Technology Award. A public village at Port Hercule remains open from Thursday to Saturday to showcase these maritime advancements.