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04/05/2023
Cruising | Sustainability
Searching for the boat propulsion of the future
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge will take place this July for the tenth time, and Pantaenius is delighted to support WannSea in its participation. The project, lead by students at the Technical University of Berlin, is developing an efficient, sustainable boat propulsion system.
50 students from different courses of study at the Technical University (TU) Berlin are currently still tinkering with an efficient sustainable boat propulsion system. From 3-8 July, they will then start with their project, called WannSea, at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (MEBC).
This is the tenth edition of the MEBC. Students and professionals from all over the world compete in three different classes at this international event taking place in the Principality of Monaco on the Mediterranean Sea: Solar, Open Sea and Energy.
Boat propulsion with endurance
WannSea, the team from TU Berlin, is taking part in the Energy competition. The aim is to develop the most efficient sustainable boat propulsion for an existing hull. All teams in the competition use the same platform - a five-metre catamaran.
The competition itself consists of three parts: a top speed test, a slalom course ¬ to prove manoeuvrability - and an endurance race, where the aim is to cover the greatest possible distance with a limited amount of energy.
Building a bridge between engineers and market leaders
WannSea's boat drive combines novel battery technology with an improved series electric motor and a specially developed propeller, with Solar cells providing the electricity. Other teams are experimenting with other methods and new types of fuel cells, for example.
The MEBC is organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, for which Team Malizia with Boris Herrmann is also competing. The aim of the MEBC is "creating a bridge between the engineers of tomorrow and the industry leaders of today."
Pantaenius supports a sustainable approach
In addition to the prizes in the various classes, there is also a prize to be won for the most sustainable concept. Here lies a special feature of WannSea: The team does not only focus on sustainability when it comes to the boat's propulsion, but in all areas involved.
The superstructure is made of bamboo, wood and flax fibre laminate, among other materials. The finished superstructure will be transported to Monaco by hydrogen truck. Pantaenius is very happy to support WannSea's sustainable approach and wishes them every success with the MEBC.