Indian Team Showcases Sustainable Maritime Innovation at Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

Team Sea Sakthi from Kumaraguru College of Technology is set to represent India at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, showcasing an innovative electric catamaran. This event, featuring 54 teams from 21 countries, emphasizes sustainable maritime technology. The catamaran features an indigenous electric propulsion system and advanced design for energy efficiency. The challenge serves as a global platform for young engineers to test their innovations in real-world conditions, supported by industry experts. The event also includes technology conferences and awards for breakthroughs in clean marine mobility, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in the maritime sector.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 5, 2026, 13:34 IST

India's Maritime Technology Takes Center Stage

The capabilities of India in sustainable maritime technology will be prominently featured as Team Sea Sakthi from Kumaraguru College of Technology in Coimbatore gears up for the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. Scheduled from July 8 to 11 in Monaco, this event will see Team Sea Sakthi as the sole representative from India among 54 teams hailing from 21 different countries, competing in one of the leading contests focused on clean marine propulsion.

Innovative Electric Catamaran Unveiled

This year, Team Sea Sakthi is set to present an enhanced electric catamaran, which boasts a fully indigenous electric propulsion system developed by the students themselves. The vessel features a lightweight bio-based fiber structure and an advanced counter-rotating propulsion system equipped with toroidal propellers, designed to enhance energy efficiency, boost performance, and minimize environmental impact.

A Premier Platform for Sustainable Yachting

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco, has become a key global platform where engineering students, researchers, and industry experts collaborate to create sustainable solutions for the maritime industry. This competition merges innovation with practical testing, enabling young engineers to validate their technologies in real-world conditions.

"Under the 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' initiative, this challenge presents a unique opportunity for young engineers to conceive and design innovative solutions, followed by testing them at sea alongside industry professionals. This practical experience serves as an effective laboratory for the energy transition in the yachting sector," stated Bernard d'Alessandri, Director and General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Supporting Indian Innovation

Established in 2022, Team Sea Sakthi aims to enhance India's visibility on international platforms while promoting sustainable technologies. Their participation is backed by SBM Offshore's Corporate Mentoring Programme, which provides technical and logistical support from experts in both Monaco and India to refine their project.

More Than Just a Competition

In addition to the races, the event will feature technology conferences, industry networking opportunities, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, which honors groundbreaking innovations in clean marine mobility.

Since its inception in 2014, the competition has engaged over 6,500 students globally, with numerous concepts advancing to commercial applications and startups.