An Eco-navigation & Sustainable Innovations area with EDF at the heart of Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2025

Right at the entrance to the show, visitors will discover a space dedicated to eco-navigation and sustainable innovations, in partnership with EDF. This hub will bring together around forty companies and start-ups, both on land and afloat, including some twenty boats available for sea trials.

Discover over 6 days:
Electric or hybrid-powered boats, sailboats featuring a Michelin inflatable wing (with Michel Desjoyeaux in attendance), port charging stations, electric propulsion systems, eco-friendly antifoulings, boat refurbishment shipyards, thermal-to-electric conversions, yacht dismantling solutions, committed associations… A wealth of concrete innovations for more sustainable boating.

5th “Sustainable Maritime” round table – Friday 26 September, 10:15 AM to 1:00 PM

Organised by EDF in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and sponsored by Roland Jourdain (We Explore), this 5th edition will focus on the theme “Bio-sourced materials and electric propulsion” with two round-table discussions (by registration only):

• “The potential of bio-sourced materials,” featuring We Explore, Kaïros, Yacht Concept, Neo Sailing Technology, SoBoo Bamboo 6.50 and architect Gildas Plessis.
• “Electric propulsion: a credible alternative for maritime and inland navigation,” with Fountaine-Pajot, VNF, La Rochelle Commercial Port, CRAIN, Vedettes de Paris, Blue Nav, Weenav and AFBE.

A film will also be screened showcasing the progress of the giant kite developed by Beyond The Sea (Yves Parlier).

Start-ups in the spotlight: “Sustainable Innovations with EDF”

Launched in 2019, the partnership between EDF and Grand Pavois La Rochelle highlights forward-thinking solutions for the boating sector. A dedicated space within the area will showcase start-ups driving the maritime energy transition.

Among them:

• Beyond the Sea: Kite sails for vessels (Yves Parlier in attendance)
• Econautik: Fast and simple conversion of thermal marine engines or gensets to hydrogen
• Sail on Bamboo: Construction and presentation of a 6.50m sailboat made from over 75% bamboo, a sustainable and eco-friendly material
• Weenav: Custom thermal-to-electric/hybrid boat conversions
• AFBE – French Association for Electric Boats

6th Nautical Innovation Awards – Thursday 25 September

Organised by Groupe Sud-Ouest, Atlantic Cluster and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, these awards will reward innovative nautical projects involving products, services or concepts. Winning solutions must either reduce carbon footprint, improve performance, comfort or safety, or promote accessibility to boating.

After Charline Picon in 2024, the 6th edition will be sponsored by Antoine Albeau.

Applications open until 7 September.

Morte information here.