HydroContest by ENSM – Event Program
HydroContest by ENSM 2026 unfolded over three themed days combining vision, career discovery and maritime innovation.
An invitation to dive into the challenges of maritime transport and its ongoing transition.
Photographs and video recordings were taken during the event for communication purposes.
By attending HydroContest by ENSM, visitors acknowledge having been informed and authorize the use of these images on the event’s communication materials.
Daily Programme
Explore the detailed programme of HydroContest by ENSM, held from April 28 to 30, 2026 at the Stade nautique Florence Arthaud in Marseille.
Each day offers a complementary approach combining strategic vision, career discovery and innovations driving the maritime energy transition.
April 28, 2026 – Full Speed Ahead for the Strategic Fleet!
Merchant Navy and French Navy: a naval review highlighting the French fleet in action through institutional and strategic operations.
This opening day of HydroContest by ENSM 2026 brought together students, industry leaders, institutional representatives and maritime professionals to discuss the major challenges of sovereignty, strategic fleets and the energy transition.
Marked by high-level panel discussions, the day explored the capabilities of the French strategic fleet, shipbuilding challenges, geopolitical risks and the future evolution of the maritime sector.
The discussions featured several renowned figures and experts from the maritime and institutional worlds, including Christophe Madrolle, Regional Councillor for the Région Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Yannick Chenevard, Member of Parliament for Var and author of the report on the strategic fleet, Nathalie Mercier-Perrin, President of the French Maritime Cluster, as well as numerous representatives from shipping companies, maritime institutions, ports and industrial stakeholders.
Through conferences, professional meetings and on-water demonstrations, the day highlighted the strategic challenges facing maritime transport and the solutions being developed to support its transformation.
The day concluded with a cocktail reception at the Florence Arthaud Nautical Stadium, providing an ideal setting for exchanges between partners, professionals and international teams.
April 29, 2026 – Setting Course for Maritime Careers!
An immersive day dedicated to exploring maritime careers and educational pathways.
Dedicated to discovering careers and educational pathways in the maritime sector, this second day of HydroContest by ENSM 2026 welcomed several hundred middle school pupils, high school students, university students and teachers eager to explore the many opportunities offered by the maritime economy.
Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to meet industry professionals, interact with international student teams and take part in a wide range of workshops, demonstrations and immersive experiences focused on maritime careers, innovation and marine technologies.
Organized in partnership with the Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications d’Excellence Économie de la Mer – PACA, the Académie d’Aix-Marseille, the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis and the Cité des Métiers, the day also highlighted educational pathways, energy transition challenges and the future prospects of the maritime sector.
A key moment of this exceptional day dedicated to promoting maritime careers was the visit of Benoît Delaunay, Rector of the Académie d’Aix-Marseille and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Academic Region, whose presence underscored the importance of raising awareness among younger generations about the challenges and opportunities within the maritime sector.
Through simulators, technical demonstrations, educational encounters and on-water activities, the day offered young participants a hands-on immersion into the professions, innovations and expertise shaping the future of maritime industries.
Downloadable Educational Resources
Educational resources designed to help students and teachers prepare for their visit and continue exploring the topics covered during the event back in the classroom.
April 30, 2026 – HydroContest Tech Days
Innovation, decarbonization, discussions and connections at the heart of tomorrow’s maritime world!
A true highlight of the closing phase of HydroContest by ENSM 2026, this third day brought together students, industry leaders, start-ups and maritime professionals around the challenges of innovation, energy performance and the decarbonization of maritime transport.
Throughout the day, the HydroContest Tech Days provided a unique space for exchanges between students and maritime stakeholders through exhibition stands, demonstrations and professional networking opportunities focused on careers, technologies and the future of the maritime sector.
Three major panel discussions dedicated to the decarbonization of maritime transport also shaped the day, bringing together experts, industry leaders and institutional stakeholders to address the major energy and environmental challenges currently facing the sector.
Visitors were also able to attend the Retrofit Challenge pitches, during which student teams presented their solutions for improving the energy performance of existing vessels before a jury of maritime professionals and experts.
On the water, the final nautical challenges provided one last major technical and sporting highlight for the international teams competing in the event, before the awards ceremony celebrated several months of hard work, innovation and student commitment.
The day concluded with an evening celebration honoring the dedication, creativity and team spirit of all participants, in a convivial atmosphere bringing together students, partners and maritime professionals.
