Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2023
Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2023 – MEBC 2023 – 10th edition – a great anniversary
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) celebrated its 10th edition early July (5-8 July 2023). It has become a key diary entry for those interested in a sustainable future of yachting. The different activities of this exciting event platform allow to get a glimpse of engineering the future of yachting.
For those not being able to attend the MEBC, there are great opportunities provided by the YCM to review key activities online:
Student Team Challenge in several categories (July 5-8,2023)
The core element of the energy challenge are the different series of student teams competing, each series focusing on a different angle: Solar class, Energy Class, Open Sea Class.
A record 46 (!) international student teams were participating, of which 7 teams used hydrogen. – It was once again very exciting to see their passion as well as comradery. For them, it was key to participate in this event with their boat and less so to win.
MEBC Conference – Sustainability Transition: Challenges, Engagement & Adoption (Thursday, July 6th, 2023)
Topics ranged from the America’s cup and its new requirement for Hydrogen chase boats as catalyst for future development of hydrogen solutions in yachting as well as on how set-up an efficient process from prototyping to mainstream products.
This conference showed that hydrogen solutions in yachting are still at the front of innovation and customers interested in them pure pioneers / innovators.
4th Monaco Hydrogen Working Group Round Table: Technology Insight for the maritime & yachting Industry (Friday, July 7th 2023)
Topics ranged from the status of Hydrogen in the maritime world, overview of solutions, fuel cell technology – market ready and in the pipeline, the future of H2 in yachting as well as the integration of H2 solutions in design.
Key area of application for hydrogen solutions in the maritime world is the industrial sector, thus large ships. There are several projects in development. This linked to the increasing regulation on C02 emissions what is not yet the case in the yachting world. But it was the common belief that this will follow soon. Potential logic of regulators is that the vast majority of C02 is caused by large ships, such as ferries, cruise ships, cargo ships etc.
Due to the need of space for this year’s edition, AQUON did not participate with a booth in an exhibition. But attending the MEBC provided lots of opportunities to meet peers and discuss challenges and topics.
Take aways from my visit of the MEBC are:
- Charlotte Mille as responsible YCM manager and her team once again produced a world class event that certainly those participating students will remember as once in their lifetime
- Young talents want to participate in solutions for a sustainable yachting future; they are not interested in the status quo as they regard it as outdated
- Lack of consistent regulation hinders the application of hydrogen solutions in yachting
- Lack of refueling infrastructure as challenge for hydrogen solution not producing their own hydrogen
- Awareness for the practicability of hydrogen solutions will raise in 2024 with America’s cup chase boats as well as other boats appearing using hydrogen solutions.
- Presentations, discussion confirm AQUON One’s approach: but it is one for the innovator who wants to lead the curve and not to follow. As the concept is ready for production containing all aspects of the impact of hydrogen on yacht design (i. e. ventilation, sensors, piping, vent masts, special tanks and tank connections) seen by experts ready +2025. That take away comes with all challenges of an innovator, but is confirming to have done the right approach.
- There will be an increasing competition for energy available from all forms of mobility as well as stationary energy users; yachting needs to find a justification to get the necessary energy for its fleet.
- Those working on hydrogen are passionate about the opportunities
- The willingness for cooperation is increasing in order to increase the speed of transition towards no negative impact (noise, emissions, waste) is which is key to ensure the public acceptance for yachting.
Overall, it was a clear confirmation that AQUON One is fit for the future. For us, energy independence was core for the design to allow a perfect comfortable cruising experience.
As a recognized at the exhibition of the Energy Boat Challenge 2022 for the best concept with the prize for “Next Generation Yachting”, we are more than delighted to see that we are on the right track. Both, catamarans and hydrogen as new fuel option, are future trends. It just needs a bit more time and the right moment to engage the perfect fit, getting an enthusiastic conscious client on board to become a role model for the new way of modern and silent, luxury yachting.
Imagine, driving slowly and silent with no emission and no need to refill in front of the Yacht Club de Monaco with hull no. 1 of AQUON ONE – the best moment of representing concept recognized at the Energy Boat Challenge to become reality.
Please find here the link to the MEBC 2023 website – it is worth exploring: