Following its first award at the Cannes Yachting Festival for its Smart Mooring innovation, BlueNav has received another accolade at the Grand Pavois de La Rochelle. The company has won the 2026 Trophée Innovation Nautisme for its smart mooring technology and Virtual Anchor, six years after receiving an award at the very first edition of the competition. This double recognition comes as BlueNav is also accelerating its development through its collaboration with Mercury Marine France and the launch of BlueNav Control, its new solution bringing Smart Navigation to boats equipped with third-party electric propulsion systems.
Three awards in a matter of months: technology recognised over time
After winning the AFBE Award in March 2026 for its Virtual Anchor innovation, followed by recognition at the Cannes Yachting Festival for its Smart Mooring innovation, BlueNav has received another award at the Grand Pavois de La Rochelle, winning the 2026 Trophée Innovation Nautisme.
This latest distinction has particular significance for the company: BlueNav had already won an award at the very first edition of the Trophée Innovation Nautisme in 2020, for its retractable electric motor concept dedicated to boat hybridisation.
At the time, BlueNav was taking a new approach: adding electric propulsion to a boat without replacing its existing combustion engine. The electric motor could be used during low-speed cruising phases and then retracted when the boat switched back to thermal propulsion.
Six years later, the innovation has evolved considerably. BlueNav’s electric propulsion is now complemented by a range of Smart Navigation features, combining propulsion, high-precision positioning and onboard intelligence.
“Receiving two awards within a few weeks is an important milestone for BlueNav. Beyond the recognition itself, it reflects the recognition of a technology we have been developing for several years, which is now proven in real-world conditions and recognised by the industry.” Xavier Lachérade, CEO of BlueNav
Mercury Marine France: a new step for hybridisation
This recognition comes as BlueNav is also reaching a new stage in its development with Mercury Marine in France.
The two companies have entered into a collaboration based on a shared approach to hybrid propulsion: combining the performance of a combustion engine with dedicated electric propulsion for phases where quiet operation, precision and manoeuvrability are particularly valued.
This approach reflects the philosophy that has guided BlueNav since its creation: combining the two energy sources rather than seeking to replace the combustion engine, using each where it is most relevant.
BlueNav Control: Smart Navigation beyond BlueNav motors
Another major development presented this month is BlueNav Control.
Until now, BlueNav’s Smart Navigation features were directly integrated into BlueNav propulsion systems. With BlueNav Control, the company is now opening its ecosystem to boats already equipped with third-party electric propulsion, without replacing existing motors or modifying the boat’s structure.
The new solution provides access to BlueNav’s intelligent positioning features, including the Virtual Anchor and highly precise monitoring of the physical anchor.
As of today, BlueNav Control is compatible with Bellmarine and Oceanvolt electric propulsion systems, with additional configurations set to be developed. This expansion is already taking shape through several collaborations. BlueNav is working with Windelo to develop BlueNav Control for its catamarans and adapt the solution to the specific requirements of their electric configurations. The technology is also demonstrated on an Outremer equipped with Oceanvolt propulsion, in partnership with E-NAV Systems, demonstrating BlueNav’s ability to bring its Smart Navigation technology to existing propulsion architectures.
A new phase of acceleration
From its first generation of retractable electric motors in 2020 to Smart Navigation today, BlueNav continues to pursue the same ambition: making boating more accessible, more precise and more responsible, while retaining the boat’s main propulsion system.
Two awards in one month, the collaboration with Mercury Marine France and the launch of BlueNav Control now mark a new phase of development for the company.
An evolution that confirms the transition from a hybridisation technology to a complete ecosystem combining electric propulsion and intelligent navigation.
