REVIEW OF THE SEMINAR “FULL SAIL AHEAD FOR THE DECARBONIZATION OF MARITIME TRANSPORT”
On May 12, 2025, in Marseille, aboard the zero-emission, noise-free ambassador ship MODX 70, the Race For Water Foundation brought together local maritime transport experts around a common goal: accelerating the decarbonization of maritime transport through an ocean-friendly sailing method, wind-powered transport.
PRESENTATION OF THE RACE FOR WATER FOUNDATION AND ITS SCIENTIFIC MISSION
| A FOUNDATION DEDICATED TO THE OCEAN
Christophe Madrolle opened the seminar with a welcome address, highlighting the strong commitment of the Sud Region to maritime transition through its Climate Plan and its support for sustainable innovations, such as those showcased today aboard the MODX 70. This seminar reflects the Region’s determination to act collectively with all local stakeholders to make the Mediterranean a hub for concrete solutions in the decarbonization of maritime transport.
The seminar continued with a talk by Marco Simeoni, founder of the Race For Water Foundation, who reflected on the history and evolution of this pioneering organization in ocean conservation. Founded in 2010, the foundation quickly established itself as a key player in raising awareness about the protection of marine environments. Through global expeditions, Race For Water follows a clear and committed program: Learn. Share. Act.
Today, Race For Water continues its commitment through new scientific missions, such as the Posidonia mission, focused on protecting this essential Mediterranean marine plant vital for carbon storage and marine biodiversity.
ON BOARD A NEW AMBASSADOR VESSEL
| THE MODX 70, A ZERO EMISSION, NOISE-FREE CATAMARAN.
Franck David, Executive Director of Ocean Development, introduced the MODX 70, an innovative catamaran designed to sail silently and without pollution. Equipped with automated inflatable wings, solar panels, a hydrogen generation system, and 100% electric propulsion, this vessel represents the future of clean maritime transport. Its intelligent piloting optimizes energy management to provide autonomous, decarbonized navigation without relying on fossil fuels.
A ROUNDTABLE WITH LOCAL MARITIME TRANSPORT EXPERTS
| THE SPEAKERS
The morning continued with a roundtable dedicated to the decarbonization of maritime transport, featuring 4 Marseille-based experts in the sector :
- Colomban Monnier, President of the ENSM Foundation, highlighted the key advantages of wind-powered transport as an alternative to traditional maritime shipping.
- Djamina Houdet Caseneuve, co-founder of the HISSEO cooperative, presented their concrete project for sail-powered transport in the Mediterranean : a 45-meter cargo sailboat using wind as its main propulsion system, achieving a 90% reduction in carbon emissions.
- Nicolas Imbert, Executive Director of GREENCROSS, discussed communication standards and emphasized the need to give charterers the option to choose decarbonized vessels for shipping their goods.
- Jean Guyon, Executive Director of AEROFORCE, explained the operation of the MODX 70’s inflatable wings: inspired by aeronautics, they are retractable, automated, energy-efficient, and capable of generating electricity from the wind, representing an innovative solution for fully decarbonized maritime transport.
You can find the report right here.
