MODX70 set sail towards the Missions Méditerranée bringing a wave of innovation.

The Sovereign Prince's commitment to foster knowledge, sustainable management and ocean conservation also takes form through Société des Explorations de Monaco - The Explorations of Monaco, an innovative platform conceived in 2017 by the will of the Prince's Government to join forces among the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Oceanographic Institute - Albert 1er Foundation - the Monaco Scientific Centre and the Monaco Yacht Club. In the footsteps of Prince Albert the 1st passion for scientific research, a set of relevant maritme missions are planned every year.

The Missions Méditerranée 2025-2030 was officially unveiled on the 25th September 2025 in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco through the launch of MODX 70, a cutting edge 21-meter fully electric catamaran euipped with an advanced laboratory able to encourage scientific knowledge while acting for diplomatic and educational purposes around the Mediterranean Basin.

This vessel really makes a difference. MODX 70 is a zero-emission yachting which combines an eco-friendly design with out-of-the-ordinary technology: an Aeroforce wind propulsion system joined with electric propulsion and hydrogeneration empowered by solar energy through a set of 70m2 photovoltaic panels. Its energy efficiency is out of the question since it allows a constant sustainable navigation.

Photo >> The Departure of the Missions Méditerranée 2025-2030 in the presence of the Sovereign Prince and Robert Calcagno, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Les Explorations de Monaco, on board the MODX 70 catamaran (Fontvieille harbour, 25th September 2025) © Frédéric Nebinger _ Palais Princier

This catamaran was conceived to reduce the impact of scientific missions, as outlined by Robert Calcagno, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Les Explorations de Monaco: "This boat is not like the others. It responds to current challenges: how to explore, cooperate, and raise awareness by reducing our carbon footprint as much as possible? The MODX 70 shows that other other shipping routes are possible in the Mediterranean Sea".

The Mare Nostrum plays a pivotal role in preserving marine biodiversity made of a relevant number of endemic species (17,000 marine species, 19% of which are endemic), various habitats and ecological niches. Its monitoring is therefore essential to its survival.

Unlike other marine spaces and the Polar regions, the Mediterranean is not sufficiently covered, considering that its deterioration evolves rapidly, due to pollution, overexploitation, and overtourism.

Photo >> The departure of Missions Méditerranée 2025-2030 on board the MODX 70 catamaran (Fontvieille harbour, 25th September 2025) © Jean-Marie Hosatte

The new Mediterranean Missions on board the MODX 70 aims at going beyond scientific research, promoting next generation engagement and the discovery of new territories.

The high-tech vessel will host educational workshops, school visits, meetings with local communities and temporary exhibitions. Thus, this multidiscipinary approach is addressed to convey the audience science-based messages to raise ocean literacy awareness. Xavier Prache, Monaco’s Director of Explorations and Head of Mission, highlighted: "Each stopover of the MODX 70 will be a space for dialogue and transmission of knowledge. We want young people, decision-makers and coastal inhabitants to become actors within a Sustainable Mediterranean".

This unique multifonctional sailing, under the aegis of Monaco, will last for five years, starting from Greece to the rest of the Mediterranean Basin. The core mission aims also contributing to the international 30x30 target – protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030 – by putting science at the service of regional action and cooperation. ★★★

✒️ Maurice Abbati

• Strategic Communication Specialist, Editor in Chief, Journalist, Executive.

• Lecturer and Author in English in the field of Environmental Communication to foster Circular and Blue Economy.