University team to compete in Monaco Energy Boat Challenge for first time
A group of engineering students from Heriot-Watt University are ready to put their studies to the ultimate test when they compete against teams from 21 countries at the prestigious Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July – the most advanced university competition on water.
Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Challenge brings together more than 1,000 students, engineers, and industry leaders to showcase the very latest sustainable innovations in maritime technology.
Competing teams must design and build boats powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels. The goal is to push the boundaries of sustainable propulsion and contribute to the maritime sector's transition to a carbon-neutral future.
The Heriot-Watt University Scotland PlusZero team is competing in the Sealab category, with a vessel powered by green hydrogen generated through electrolysis. This innovative approach converts stored energy back into electricity for propulsion, offering a forward-thinking solution for sustainable marine travel. Central to its success is the use of solid-state hydrogen storage and recharging technology, developed through Heriot-Watt's Decarlog project. This advanced system offers higher energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium batteries.
Reflecting on the journey so far, team member Dominic Chapman from the Scottish Borders, who is in his fifth year studying Mechanical and Energy Engineering, highlighted the rigorous, hands-on engineering experience gained at Heriot-Watt, which has been instrumental in preparing for the challenge.
"Our studies have given us extensive practical exposure," he said.
"The combination of coursework, renewable energy studies, and real-world industry collaboration has allowed us to take on this ambitious project with confidence."
The project is backed by a host of key industry partners. Forth Ports, the team's headline sponsor, is providing financial support as well as access to testing facilities at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh along with marine safety and operational expertise and guidance. Meanwhile, PlusZero, a specialist in green hydrogen solutions, has equipped the team with the raceboat as well as technical expertise and cutting-edge metal hydride technology to enhance its performance.
The state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell has been provided by specialists in emission-free technologies, TCP eco (Taylor Construction and Plant), while EPTechnologies have provided the batteries and battery management system, and the Lynch Motor Company has equipped the team with a cutting-edge electric motor and controllers to power and direct the vessel. Helping to fund the project is the Scottish-based cryptocurrency, Scotcoin.
The team has also benefitted from the guidance offered by the national networking organisation, Hydrogen Scotland.
The students have housed their technology within a monohull winged powerboat measuring around four metres in length and capable of carrying two passengers. Named, the Experiment of Leith H2 – in homage to an 18th century five-mast catamaran of the same name – the vessel has a range of 20 nautical miles with zero emissions.
While this marks the first time Heriot-Watt has entered the competition, expectations are high.
"We believe we have a strong chance in the technical presentation category, as our approach to metal hydrides is unique within this competition," said Dominic.
"We are also optimistic about the manoeuvrability race and the Communication Prize, although we are up against some highly experienced teams."
Joining Dominic on the Heriot-Watt team are fellow students Kate Sinclair from Sunderland, Logan Taylor from Fife, Andrei Muntean from Romania, and Emilin Isgin, who has both Turkish and Colombian heritage.
Looking beyond the competition, the team intends to continue refining their design, using the boat for further testing and development in the coming years. The knowledge gained from this experience will not only benefit future university teams but also contribute to the broader conversation on sustainable maritime innovation.
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge represents an exciting opportunity for Heriot-Watt to showcase its engineering talent on an international stage. With a focus on sustainability and technological advancement, the team is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of green energy for marine applications.
The Challenge is the latest initiative showcasing the collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and Forth Ports. In a separate venture, the University also serves as a skills partner in the Forth Green Freeport, where Forth Ports plays a central role as a core partner and key site operator.
Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said, "We are continuously exploring how alternative fuels can drive decarbonisation for our ports business and we are keen to support any technological advances in this area. We were impressed with the commitment and drive of the team who developed this innovative fuel technology to power the vessel and we wish the team every success at the event in the summer."
The Heriot-Watt team will travel to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge to showcase their work between the 2nd and 5th of July at the Yacht Club de Monaco Marina.
Spencer Ashley is Director of Engineering at PlusZero and is looking forward to the Challenge. He said, "PlusZero are excited to enable such a motivated and collaborative team to demonstrate the hydrogen potential of Scotland on the world stage in Monaco alongside the most exciting technology from around the world, Go Team Scotland!"
The Heriot-Watt team is part of the University's Global Research Institute for Net Zero and Beyond (iNetZ+), a global centre of excellence and Institute for research, innovation and teaching in its field. The institute collaborates closely with industrial partners, governments, and local communities to address global sustainability challenges.
Professor Peter Cummings is the academic co-lead of iNetZ+.
He said, "We are very excited to be the internal sponsor of the H2-Watt Club's entry in the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. iNetZ+ is focused on interdisciplinary approaches to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and beyond. H2-Watt is a great opportunity for students to become involved with the goals of iNetZ+, and we are ready to assist them in any aspect of their entry in the Monaco Challenge. We wish them all the very best in their efforts to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a maritime fuel. These students are making Heriot-Watt proud."
For more information on the team's progress and to follow their journey in Monaco, stay tuned to Heriot-Watt's official channels.
More information:
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Provided by Heriot-Watt University