Showing its enduring support to energy efficiency, as well as its commitment to the innovators of tomorrow – Total Lubmarine sponsored HydroTech in this year’s HYDROcontest in St Tropez, France.
Launched as the flagship event of the Hydros Foundation – a non-profit organisation that encourages technological advancement in the maritime industry – HYDROcontest is the first international student competition dedicated to naval energy efficiency, between the 4th-10th September.
Whether acting as a catalyst for ideas, or fostering awareness and education, the HYDROcontest gathers tomorrow’s engineers and architects around a common question; how can we carry more, faster, using less energy?
Students are given several months to design and build one or two boats, before piloting against their peers on the race course. Teams compete in two categories: the Mass Transport category, in which each vessel must hold 200 kg of ballast to simulate the displacement of a cargo vessel; and the Private Boats category in which the prototypes, loaded with 20 kg, represent leisure boats.
Made up of students from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure Maritime, the HydroTech team arrived with their two boats, ready to showcase their talent. Over three days, qualifications took place. Despite facing minor problems with their lightweight and heavyweight boats, the team fought on, finishing 6th and 16th respectively – moving them onward in the competition.
After wrestling with a battery fire and technical issues, the team pushed forward; throwing everything into their preparations for the long-distance race on the last day of the competition. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. After the first lap, their variator stopped, bringing their competition to an end.
Despite their abrupt exit from the competition, the HydroTech team showed grit and determination throughout their time at the HYDROcontest. As with any technological advancement, there will always be speedbumps, and that’s why Total Lubmarine is proud to be associated with the fighting spirit and dedication of the HydroTech team.
Total Lubmarine will continue to support public awareness on smarter energy for the industry, whilst promoting innovation to the next generation of nautical professionals.
Building tomorrow’s maritime world.