Join us from April 28 to 30, 2026
Florence Arthaud Nautical Stadium – 6 Promenade Georges Pompidou, Marseille (ZIPCODE 13008)
HYDROCONTEST RETROFIT CHALLENGE
Transforming what exists to shape the future!
Created by the HydroContest by ENSM team, the RETROFIT CHALLENGE takes on one of today’s most urgent maritime questions: how to decarbonize existing ships?
As new eco-efficient vessels are being developed, thousands of ships still sail with outdated engines and aging designs. Instead of replacing them, why not repair, adapt, and modernize smarter?
Through a real-world case study, the RETROFIT CHALLENGE invites students to imagine concrete, innovative, and sustainable solutions to transform an existing vessel — an engineering challenge at the very heart of maritime transition.
What kind of ships for a sustainable maritime transport aligned with climate goals?
HYDROCONTEST RETROFIT CHALLENGE is an international competition that gives students the opportunity to work together within this new paradigm.
It offers a unique chance to imagine and implement solutions that rise to the challenges of the energy transition.
Olivier DANIEL
FON Lecturer – Initiator of the HYDROCONTEST RETROFIT CHALLENGE project for HydroContest by ENSM.
Schedule & Key Dates
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Study topic announcement:
The organizing team will unveil the challenge once registration is complete, starting in September 2025. -
Design and development phase:
Teams will analyze the case and propose innovative solutions, submitting a detailed digital project by February 2, 2026. -
A pre-selection of the top 30 projects will then be evaluated by the jury.
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Final pitch:
The 10 finalist teams will present their projects to a panel of maritime professionals. -
Awards:
The top 3 teams will receive prizes.
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From September 2025: Delivery of the data package to the registered teams for the competition.
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March 2, 2026: Deadline for submitting project files to the following address: hydrocontest@supmaritime.fr
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March 6, 2026: Deadline for revising project files for teams whose submissions are not compliant.
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March 9 – March 30, 2026: Evaluation and pre-ranking of project files by the jury.
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March 30 – April 3, 2026: Jury deliberation and announcement of the teams invited to the second phase (the top 10 teams).
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April 30, 2026: Pitch presentations (online or in person) by the 10 finalist teams before the jury.
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April 30, 2026: Award ceremony.
PARTNER COMPANY
D’HYDROCONTEST RETROFIT CHALLENGE
The CMA CGM Group, a global player in maritime transport and logistics, is partnering with the HYDROCONTEST RETROFIT CHALLENGE 2026 by providing a concrete case drawn from its operational challenges. The objective: to develop solutions to improve the energy performance of an existing vessel from the Group. A challenge that is demanding, relevant, and firmly rooted in the realities of the maritime sector’s energy transition.
By engaging alongside HydroContest by ENSM, CMA CGM helps bridge the maritime industry with engineers in training. This collaboration gives participants the opportunity to work on a real-world issue, confront practical constraints, and develop solutions that can be applied in a professional context.
Decarbonization underpins all of CMA CGM’s activities. Committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050, the Group has made pioneering investments in biofuels, in the development of innovative technologies such as wind-assisted propulsion, and in supporting the French maritime industry.
This partnership illustrates the shared commitment of the CMA CGM Group and ENSM to a more sustainable maritime industry, built on the transmission of knowledge, the recognition of emerging skills, and openness to experimentation. It also reflects CMA CGM’s determination to play a leading role in transforming the sector, alongside higher education institutions.
This collaboration marks a key milestone in the creation of this new HydroContest by ENSM component, focused on excellence in innovation.
HYDROCONTEST DESIGN
Bien plus qu’une compétition, c’est un point de départ !
Pourquoi participer ?
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Pour travailler sur une problématique actuelle de l’industrie
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Pour mettre en œuvre des compétences techniques, environnementales et économiques
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Pour vivre une expérience collaborative et professionnalisante
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Pour exposer ses idées devant des acteurs clés du maritime durable
Comment s’inscrire ?
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Former une équipe étudiante (au moins 3 membres)
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Être inscrit en formation initiale dans un établissement d’enseignement supérieur
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Accepter la charte d’éco-conception et relever le défi proposé
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L’inscription est gratuite
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Une fois votre inscription validée, vous recevrez le règlement complet du concours
📩 une question :
HYDROCONTEST RETROFIT CHALLENGE
📢 Registrations are now closed. Thank you to all the teams and educational institutions for their commitment !
More than a competition — it’s where it all begins!
Why take part?
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Address a real-world challenge from today’s maritime industry
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Put your technical, environmental, and economic skills into action
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Live a collaborative and hands-on professional experience
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Showcase your ideas to leading figures in sustainable maritime innovation
How to register?
The event is open to students enrolled in a higher education program for the 2025–2026 academic year. Participants, whether applying individually or in teams, may represent their university or an officially recognized student association — under the guidance of an academic advisor.
📩 any questions :
HYDROCONTEST RETROFIT CHALLENGE 2026 - Documents
Registration file
HC RETROFIT CHALLENGE - Competition rules
