The 11th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (1-6 July 2024), organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco, marked a significant milestone in alternative propulsion for yachting. Amidst the excitement of speed records and intense competition, the Greeks from Oceanos – NTUA emerged as the undisputed champions, winning the Championship Race, the endurance race, the qualifying laps and the slalom.
This event, a hub for innovation and zero-emission mobility, saw participation from 40 universities, 700 students, 25 nations, and over 50 boats, reinforcing its status as the epicenter of sustainable yachting. Oceanos – NTUA clinched the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Champion 2024 title, a prestigious award recognizing the team that excels both in technical discussions during Tech Talks and in on-water challenges. Konstantina Delioglu, the team manager, expressed their joy: “Today is very special because we won a prize we’ve been striving for many years to achieve.” Emilios Monos from the team added, “Despite early challenges, we secured first place in all competitions, thanks to perfect weather, team communication, and a great overall experience.”
About Oceanos – NTUA and NTUA’s Legacy
The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), one of Greece’s most prestigious engineering institutions, was established in 1837. It was the exclusive institution granting engineering degrees in Greece until the 1950s, when polytechnic institutes began emerging outside Athens. NTUA comprises nine academic schools, eight dedicated to various engineering disciplines, including Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and one focused on applied sciences. The undergraduate programs span five years.
Oceanos – NTUA team, established in 2016, consists of 70 undergraduate students from various institutions. Based at the NTUA campus and organized into five sub-teams, they have actively participated in the HydroContest (2017-18) and the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge since then. Their biggest achievement before this year was securing second place overall in 2023, including three first-place finishes. Beyond competition, the team focuses on the broader impact of green energy, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Innovation and Excellence in Marine Engineering
The Oceanos – NTUA team is dedicated to enhancing boat efficiency. The Design & Structural team is developing a new stand for the propulsion system to control pitch movement and adjust trim for race needs. To boost powertrain reliability, they are implementing a 12V battery connected to the Battery Management System. Additionally, the Hydrodynamics & Propulsion team plans to introduce a new steering wheel, optimizing maneuverability within weight limitations using wire rope. These innovations reflect their commitment to advancing marine engineering technology and achieving competitive excellence.
A Prestigious Event
The event, supported by Prince Albert II of Monaco and major industry players like UBS, BMW, and SBM Offshore, showcased ground-breaking technologies. Renowned yachting brands, including Monaco Marine, Oceanco, and Ferretti Group, were present, highlighting the event’s significance. Onshore and offshore activities emphasized collaboration, with 90 job interviews between young engineers and professionals and daily open-source Tech Talks.
The Corporate Mentoring Program provided year-round support from industry professionals. Participants tested new technologies in various sea challenges, from endurance and slalom to the YCM E-Boat Rally. The competition also saw a new speed record set by Evoy’s Goldfish x9, reaching 56 knots, a significant leap from last year’s 34.71 knots. The event began with the YCM E-Boat Rally, featuring around 15 boats moored at the E-Dock. Notably, Vita and Evoy announced a collaboration, positioning them as leaders in high-output electric marine engines in Europe.
Hydrogen: A Promising Propulsion
The hydrogen challenge attracted ten teams and took center stage at the 5th Hydrogen Round Table. Discussions highlighted the challenges in green hydrogen production and refueling infrastructure, emphasizing its potential for retrofitting existing units with hydrogen combustion engines.
Looking Ahead
The 11th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge not only celebrated Oceanos’s victory but also advanced the conversation on sustainable maritime technologies, setting a high standard for future competitions. The next edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is scheduled for July 2-5, 2025, promising another exciting chapter in the pursuit of sustainable innovation in yachting.
