Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Makes History with Inaugural AI Class Winner

The University of Antwerp's Solar Boat Team claimed victory in the inaugural AI Class at the 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (July 1-5), while UniBoAT–University of Bologna was crowned overall champion, winning the Energy Class for the fourth consecutive time. The historic event featured 42 teams from 20 nations with over 1,000 students showcasing cutting-edge maritime technologies. Technical breakthrough: The winning AI Class vessel featured an AI navigation system that analyzes visual data from onboard cameras, enabling real-time object recognition and autonomous steering logic. Competing teams deployed advanced algorithms with LiDAR, 3D cameras, and Jetson Orion computers for autonomous navigation. Industry milestones: Three major trends emerged—AI's growing role in energy management, hydrogen technology maturity, and toroidal propeller development for noise reduction. The speed record was shattered with Frauscher Boats reaching 49.84 knots, while Bologna's team won the €25,000 Prince Albert II Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award for measurable environmental impact.
[Yahoo Finance]

This story is part of the Maritime AI Digest of 9 July 2025.