ExploMar powers XNRG to defend Monaco endurance championship

The 2026 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge concluded on 12 July, with the XNRG 8.3-metre carbon-fibre RIB, powered by the ExploMar WAVE 300 electric outboard system, retaining its Open Sea Xperience 16-nautical-mile endurance title. The boat also finished second in the Speed Record competition.

In the endurance race, XNRG completed the course in 35 minutes and 24 seconds, finishing almost nine minutes ahead of the second-placed Frauscher × Porsche entry despite Force 4 winds and waves between 1 and 2 metres.

The sea state caused pitching and heaving, along with repeated propeller ventilation and re-immersion, leading to load fluctuations, increased wave-making resistance and headwinds, placing additional demands on the propulsion system’s response, mechanical durability and thermal management.

Drawing on data collected during last year’s championship, ExploMar engineers worked with Team XNRG to refine the propulsion system for Force 4 conditions. The updates focused on torque control, thermal management and propeller selection. During the race, the boat maintained an average speed of 27 knots, crossed the finish line with 40 per cent battery capacity remaining and kept battery temperature below 45C.

The team selected a SOLAS 15 × 21 right-hand three-blade propeller after engineering simulations and on-water testing. ExploMar says it was chosen for its ability to recover thrust in ventilated wave conditions while maintaining thrust reserve and cruising speed in rough seas.

The company says the race results add to the operational data available on the performance of electric outboard propulsion systems in offshore conditions beyond controlled testing.

ExploMar displays its electric outboard range

Alongside the endurance event, ExploMar also displayed its electric outboard range at the challenge. In the Speed Record competition, the WAVE 300-powered XNRG reached a top speed of 48 knots with an average speed of 45.33 knots. Twin WAVE 300 systems powered an 11-metre Python RIB to 29.58 knots, while the WAVE 150+ recorded 26.06 knots on a 6.5-metre ZAR RIB. The WAVE 70+ reached a top speed of 20 knots on a 5-metre Gala RIB.

ExploMar also worked with propeller manufacturer SOLAS during the event on propeller matching and system calibration for the different boats.

“Winning this championship for the second consecutive year is both an honour and a responsibility for our entire team,” says Alex Dong, founder and CEO of ExploMar. “Every victory is built upon countless engineering iterations, extensive sea trials and the dedication of our partners.

“Looking ahead, ExploMar will continue pushing the boundaries of electric propulsion performance while accelerating innovation in intelligent vessel control through Smart Captain, integrated energy infrastructure with our 5S Energy Station and a broader electric marine ecosystem to deliver higher-performance, more reliable and smarter electrification solutions for waterways worldwide.”