Nice Boating Tomorrow: panorama of boats and innovations on display

The Nice Boating Tomorrow show brings together a wide variety of boats and technical solutions. Electric, hybrid, solar-powered or hydrogen-powered, alternative engines dominate. The event gives a concrete insight into the directions taken by boatyards and equipment manufacturers.

In Nice, the Nice Boating Tomorrow show brings together a range of new motorizations and emerging nautical applications, with units presented both afloat and ashore.

A fleet largely focused on electric and solar power

The boats on display reflect a clear shift towards electric propulsion. Several shipyards are presenting boats designed from the outset for these energies.

This is the case for Fountaine Pajot, Bali and Leopard Catamarans catamarans, featuring hybrid electric systems. On the monohull side, Dufour is exhibiting a 48-footer equipped with a hybrid engine, a positioning not yet widespread in this segment.

The range is rounded out by 100% electric boats, including Naviwatt, Lasai and Pioner. In more compact formats, E-Sole Boat and Elvene offer solar-powered boats for coastal or river use.

The passenger ship segment is also represented by Day One Catamaran, which develops platforms adapted to maritime transport, integrating operating and energy efficiency constraints.

Foils, hydrogen and new hull architectures

Some of the boats presented explore more specific architectures. Hydrofoil boats, such as those developed by Ocean Owl or Moby Fly, aim to reduce drag and improve energy efficiency.

Hydrogen is also making an appearance with Dhammablue, which is working on propulsion solutions adapted to this energy carrier, which is still in the structuring phase in the marine sector.

Other projects take a hybrid or modular approach. Xtramarine proposes a reconfigurable catamaran, while Pinball Boat develops hybrid platforms.

These technical choices reflect a phase of active experimentation, in which several avenues are being explored in parallel.

Powertrains and energy systems at the heart of development

In addition to boats, a major part of the offer concerns propulsion and energy management systems.

There are many electric motor manufacturers, including BlueNav, Mercury Marine and its Avator range, and Marine Sustainable Engines. More compact solutions are appearing, such as the 1300-watt electric outboard developed by Boatee.

Hybrid systems are supported by integrators such as Joool and Transfluid, who work on the combined management of on-board energy sources.

Energy production and storage remain a central issue. Players such as Bluetti and Integrel Solutions offer on-board systems designed to secure on-board autonomy and power distribution.

Port infrastructures are following suit, with charging solutions like those offered by SUV Marine Pedestal.

Materials and refits, an industry in transformation

The show also highlights developments in materials and the renovation of existing units.

Several companies are working on bio-sourced materials, such as Bercella, Flexiteck and Wolz Nautic for deck coverings. Cork, proposed by Amorim, is part of this approach to reducing the environmental footprint.

Sail manufacturing is also evolving, with All Purpose developing solutions using bio-sourced materials.

Refit is another major focus. Players such as Ozo Energies, Yuniboat and 3D Refit are involved in converting boats to electric motors or modernizing their fittings.

Uses, services and environmental management

The offer presented goes beyond the boat alone. A number of solutions concern uses and impact management.

Shared navigation platforms such as VogAvecMoi or Captain Fisher reflect the evolution of sailing practices. On the environmental front, Iadys and Marservis offer waste and oil collection systems.

Port management is also evolving, with digital tools and transition solutions provided by Atout Ports and the CCI Côte d'Azur.

Finally, structures such as Naval Transition and E-NAV Systems provide support for naval architecture and energy engineering projects.