The Grand Pavois La Rochelle is focusing on the theme of « Sustainable Sailing and the Port of the future with EDF”. Initiated in 2019, during the show, this partnershipaims to present the new solutions that will be on the market in the future. As a stakeholder in the energy transition, EDF defends and encourages eco-design and offers companies the chance to adapt their socio-economic model with the addition of new functions and the study of new uses. In the world of water sports, the move to electric is still underexploited despite a major development potential. The advantages of it are clear: less air and water pollution, less noise, vibrations, reduced costs, government subsidies, etc. The electric market in water sports currently represents about 1% of the production of boatyards.

Based on this observation, EDF and Grand Pavois La Rochelle have set up a number of actions at the show:

– A Sustainable Innovations space devoted to companies working on innovative projects for the water sports sector will be available this year.  

Discover: Beyond the Sea, boats towed by kite; ADV Propulse, biometric propulsion that allows the tiller to be removed and speeds three times greater; Genevos – Océan Lab presented by the sailor Phil Sharp, hydrogen fuel battery technology used for electric propulsion; Bird e-Marine etc.

– An electric port of the future with EDF recharging stations will be presented exclusively with a demonstration of electric boats. These include the Passeur de La Rochelle (an electric sea bus managed by the RTCR), the Overboat by Neocean, Armen 500, etc. Visitors will be able to meet the exhibitors and obtain a more accurate idea of the advantages of the new motorisation solutions in terms of noise, smell, and the cost reduction offered by these new technologies.

Remember that, from 1 January 2022, in marinas with a capacity of more than 100 mooring places, at least 1% of the quayside berths must be equipped with electric charging terminals and will be reserved for electric boats (Article L. 1521-4 / Amendment No.CD1086 of 7 May 2019).

– A thematic path at the show called « Sailing and ports of the future » will be proposed promoting exhibitors that offer solutions or innovations in terms of alternative energies. The aim is to raise awareness among new users and leisure sailors with regard to their uses. To find them at the show, specific signposting will be installed in front of the stands to identify them. They will also be listed in the digital version of the official catalogue and on the show’s website.

IMPORTANT – Friday 1 October: Day devoted to Sustainable Sailing and the Port of the Future

This day will be under the patronage of Yves Parlier, sailor and President of Beyond the Sea.

Alain Pochon, President of Grand Pavois La Rochelle and Marin Leÿs, Director of EDF Regional Action for Nouvelle-Aquitaine, invite professionals and the press to a conference (invitation only) on Friday from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at the Maritime Museum on the theme of  « Ports and sailing of the future: the promising wind of decarbonisation ».

Note that, exceptionally, Sophie Panonacle, Member of Parliament for Gironde, will be present, and there will be contributions from Frédéric Moncany from Saint Aignan (Chairman of the French Maritime Cluster), Serge Pallares (Chairman of the French Federation of Marinas), and Thierry Meunier (Head of EDF port and airport activities), etc.

Declaration by Martin Leÿs, Director of EDF Regional Action for Nouvelle-Aquitaine:

« A major player in the energy transition, once again, EDF is joining forces with the Grand Pavois Show in La Rochelle to present the sustainable electricity-based solutions designed to decarbonise the maritime, river and port sector. Electric power supplies for boats at quaysides, intelligent lighting, production of electricity from renewable energies, production and sale of green hydrogen, electric mobility offers, etc. Innovative solutions and services which EDF is implementing to support the energy transition of commercial ports and marinas. These offers help to reduce greenhouse gases and contribute directly to the construction of a CO2 neutral energy future which is one of EDF’s guiding principles. »