A record edition for the AFBE Technical Day 2025
On 6 November 2025, the French Association for Electric Boats (AFBE) gathered over 70 professionals in Paris for its annual Technical Day. A record participation that reflects the growing interest of the maritime and inland waterway sector in decarbonised propulsion.
An unprecedented mobilisation of the sector
This 2025 edition, organised at the Paris Yacht Marina, brought together shipowners, builders, equipment manufacturers, and institutional representatives around the concrete challenges of the nautical energy transition. The strong turnout demonstrates that electric and hybrid propulsion is no longer a prospective topic, but an operational reality that requires in-depth technical exchanges.
Life cycle analysis: data to inform choices
The highlight of the morning was the presentation of the results of the comparative Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) between the 100% electric and hybrid solutions. This study, led by the AFBE, assesses the overall environmental impact of each technology, from the production of components to their end of life. This scientific data provides professionals with a solid basis to guide their investments towards the most relevant solutions according to their uses.
Figures that speak
Relative contributions of systems to climate change
Relative contributions of systems to fossil resource depletion in MJ
Relative contributions of systems to the depletion of mineral and metallic resources in kg Sbeq
Relative contributions of the systems to the emission of fine particles in disease inc
Feedback: the floor to shipowners
Several operators have shared their concrete experience of the electric and hybrid navigation. These testimonies have highlighted the actual performances observed on the water, the technical challenges encountered, and the solutions provided. From river transport to port service boats, the diversity of use cases presented has allowed for the identification of best practices and points of vigilance to successfully achieve the transition.
Batteries and propulsion: focus on innovations
The session dedicated to storage and propulsion technologies attracted particular attention. Experts detailed the developments in battery performance, safety standards, recyclability issues, and the integration of electrical systems on board. These technical presentations opened concrete perspectives for the industrialisation of these solutions in professional boating.
Weenav: a player in connected and sustainable navigation
In the context of energy transition, Weenav establishes itself as a key player in the navigation of tomorrow. Specialising in electric propulsion and smart navigation, the company designs connected solutions aimed at supporting professionals in river and maritime sectors towards more sustainable practices.
Weenav develops and integrates 100% electric high-performance motors, silent and emission-free, suitable for both leisure boating and professional transport.
This comprehensive approach, combining technology, energy performance, and connectivity, not only allows for maximise autonomy of electric vessels, but also to reduce their environmental impact. With Weenav, navigation becomes smoother, more economical and decidedly more environmentally friendly.
Regulatory framework: where are we now?
Representatives from the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) as well as the General Directorate of Infrastructure, Transport and Mobility (DGITM) presented an update on the evolution of the regulatory framework.
They explained how current rules and procedures are evolving, particularly regarding:
- Equipment certification, that is to say the steps and criteria to ensure that the equipment used meets current standards.
- Safety requirements, which define the conditions to be met to ensure the safe use of technologies and equipment.
- Public aid schemes, which financially support conversion or new construction projects and facilitate their implementation.
The aim of this briefing was to provide a clearer vision to all project holders and to enable them to better understand the rules governing their processes.
La Perle Noire: demonstration in real conditions
The afternoon continued with a navigation on the Seine aboard La Perle Noire, a new 100% electric boat. This outing allowed participants to directly observe the level of technological maturity achieved by the sector : operational silence, absence of vibrations, navigation comfort and operational performance.
A collective dynamic for the future
This Technical Day confirms that the electric and hybrid nautical sector now has a structured ecosystem, capable of sharing knowledge and feedback. The AFBE has already announced a forthcoming event dedicated to batteries and propulsion, a sign that technical subjects continue to evolve rapidly.
Published on : 13/11/2025
Editor : Sophie Castelain