The first regattas took place in 1862, spurred by Prince Charles III, who envisioned his country as a hub for yachting and technological innovation. In 1888, a group of sailing and rowing enthusiasts established the Société des Régates de Monaco, which, by 1889, began attracting famous international regattas. Prince Albert I inherited a profound passion for the sea, becoming an early pioneer of modern oceanography and a renowned navigator, who inaugurated the Oceanographic Museum in March 1912.
The annual Hydrogen Round Table, now in its 5th edition, addresses hydrogen innovation in the maritime and yachting industry. Organized by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Monaco Energy Transition, and the Yacht Club de Monaco, this event coincides with the Energy Boat Challenge. Key participants included SBM Offshore, highlighting the importance of investing in competition to foster future engineering talent and a safe energy transition. Hydrogen, a pivotal technology, was showcased through a pontoon developed to produce hydrogen for refueling boats and a commercial solution for ammonia sector terminals. Future plans include exploring FPSOs for ammonia production.
During the event, NatPower H announced the completion of the first hydrogen refueling at the port of Fontvieille (Monaco) with the support of Linde Gas. This refueling, part of a nautical event, involved three boats—Madblue P-01, Inocel-Poseidon, and Cambridge University Riviera Racing—now available for hydrogen testing.
A year ago, the project to create the first hydrogen refueling station for the pleasure yachting market began. As hydrogen gains traction, questions arise about whether fuel cells or ICEs will dominate the future. The marine sector faces significant challenges due to the current lack of hydrogen infrastructure. However, emerging technologies, including efficient fuel cells and H2ICE engines, offer promising solutions to accelerate the ecosystem and advance decarbonization efforts.
Tags: Europe, hydrogen innovation, International yachting, Monaco, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Travel, Yacht Club de Monaco, Yachting Technology
