Mercury Marine, the global leader in marine propulsion technologies, and BlueNav, the French specialist in hybrid propulsion and Smart Navigation, announce their collaboration at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026.
By bringing their respective expertise together, the two companies aim to demonstrate that it is now possible to enhance the boating experience by combining the power and efficiency of Mercury combustion propulsion with the intelligence of BlueNav electric propulsion.
This hybrid approach provides a concrete answer to the new challenges boating is facing: reduced fuel consumption and engine operating time, enhanced comfort on board, reduced risk and stress during maneuvers and greater environmental sustainability.
Where performance meets electrification
To showcase this vision, Mercury Marine and BlueNav will present a Highfield Patrol 700, equipped with a Mercury SeaPro 250 hp paired with two BlueNav 8 kW electric motors.
This configuration demonstrates that boaters no longer have to choose between the power of combustion propulsion and electric propulsion. The Mercury engine provides the performance, speed, reliability and range required for all types of navigation. The BlueNav electric motors take over when precision, silence and comfort become essential: harbor maneuvering, position holding, anchoring, fishing, navigating in protected areas or operating at reduced speeds.
The result is an intelligent hybrid propulsion solution that offers the best of both worlds: all the power and intuitive operation of Mercury propulsion, enhanced by the benefits of electric propulsion and Smart Navigation.
Hybridization without compromise
One of the key advantages of this solution is its simplicity of integration. BlueNav technology can be installed on boats already equipped with Mercury propulsion, giving owners easy access to the benefits of hybrid propulsion without replacing their main engine.
This ease of integration is also supported by the electrical capabilities of Mercury engines. Mercury outboards feature the most powerful alternators on the market, delivering up to 115 amps on V8 engines. This electrical generation capacity is particularly well suited to powering and recharging the BlueNav hybrid system.
Beyond electric propulsion, BlueNav brings a new user experience through its exclusive Smart Navigation features: the patented Virtual Anchor, Smart Mooring, Docking 360° and control via the BlueNav App. These innovations provide greater precision, control and peace of mind during maneuvers.
Experience the solution on the water at the Cannes Yachting Festival
Throughout the show, Mercury Marine and BlueNav will offer sea trials aboard the Highfield Patrol 700.
These demonstrations will provide an opportunity to experience the benefits of this hybrid solution in real-world conditions. Visitors will discover a new way of boating that is more intuitive, quieter and more efficient. Sea trials are available by appointment throughout the show.
A shared ambition to support the evolution of boating
This collaboration reflects the shared ambition of Mercury Marine and BlueNav to support the evolution of boating through practical, innovative solutions that are accessible today.
By combining Mercury Marine’s global expertise with BlueNav’s French innovation, the two companies are offering a pragmatic response to the new challenges facing leisure boating: improving the user experience, optimizing energy consumption and accelerating the adoption of more sustainable propulsion solutions, without compromising performance.
“At Mercury Marine, we believe that the future of boating will rely on the coexistence of multiple propulsion technologies adapted to different uses. Our collaboration with BlueNav perfectly illustrates this vision: combining the performance, reliability and range of our combustion engines with the benefits of intelligent electric propulsion. Together, we are offering a concrete solution that enhances the on-board experience, makes maneuvering easier, reduces consumption during certain phases of navigation and responds to changing boater expectations, without compromising performance. Mercury stands out as the only manufacturer to equip its entire outboard range with alternators offering exceptional charging capabilities. This is a strategic advantage in the development of hybrid solutions for recreational boating, where battery management and charging play an essential role.” Yann Le Fillastre, Sales Manager, Mercury Marine
“Our ambition is to reinvent the boating experience. Together with Mercury Marine, we are demonstrating that hybrid propulsion is now a concrete solution that is simple to integrate and immediately accessible.
Together, we offer the best of both worlds: the power of combustion propulsion for cruising, combined with the intelligence of our electric propulsion for all the phases where precision, silence and comfort make the difference.” Xavier Lachérade, CEO, BlueNav
