Yachting Art Magazine

At the Nice Boating Tomorrow 2026, the Eco Yachting program by Actunautique Yachting Art highlights the strategic vision of Bali Catamarans, a flagship brand of the Groupe Catana, in the field of sustainable boating. Through the insights of Benjamin Seur, the brand’s manager, a distinctive approach emerges—one based on a progressive, practical, and accessible ecological transition, far removed from the headline-driven innovations often seen in the marine industry.

One of the key moments of the program is the unveiling of the Bali CatSmart, the builder’s first hybrid catamaran. More than just a new model, this vessel serves as a true experimental platform. It reflects several years of research and development initiated in 2022 by Groupe Catana, aimed at significantly reducing the carbon footprint of its yachts. This structured approach is grounded in a comprehensive lifecycle analysis, including a carbon assessment and an external audit that helped identify the main areas for improvement.

Three fundamental pillars underpin this strategy. The first focuses on materials, with particular attention paid to durability and environmental impact. The second pillar addresses manufacturing processes, with the goal of optimizing industrial methods to reduce emissions during production. However, it is the third pillar—usage—that accounts for the majority of emissions, representing 72% of a catamaran’s total carbon footprint. This finding naturally shifts priorities toward reducing energy consumption during operation.

In response, Bali Catamarans is developing innovative yet practical technological solutions. The MuxN system, currently being deployed across the range, enables real-time monitoring of onboard energy flows—including electricity, water, and fuel—allowing for optimized usage. This improved understanding of consumption is a crucial first step toward meaningful reduction.

Another major development is the gradual elimination of the onboard generator, traditionally used on catamarans. Known for generating noise, vibrations, maintenance requirements, and emissions, this equipment is being replaced by more sustainable alternatives. Bali is leveraging high-output alternators combined with lithium battery banks, capable of producing and storing enough energy to ensure onboard comfort—even overnight—without relying on a generator. This “silent mode” meets both environmental goals and the growing demand for quieter, more enjoyable onboard experiences.

At the same time, the brand is exploring various hybrid and electric propulsion architectures. The Bali CatSmart presented at the show features a fully electric propulsion system, supported by onboard energy storage and backup solutions to extend range. However, true to its DNA, Groupe Catana adopts a measured approach: all technologies are thoroughly tested and evaluated to identify those offering the best balance between performance, reliability, and cost.

This highlights a key aspect of Bali Catamarans’ strategy: making sustainable boating economically viable. For the brand, innovation only makes sense if it can be widely adopted. Technologies that are too expensive or overly complex risk remaining niche and ultimately have limited impact on the industry’s ecological transition.

Supported by a dedicated research and development center recently established on France’s Atlantic coast, Groupe Catana is equipping itself to meet these ambitions. Through real-world testing, data collection, and continuous improvement, the company is building a coherent and effective roadmap for the future.

With this strategy, Bali Catamarans clearly asserts its positioning: delivering more responsible boating without compromising comfort, ease of use, or accessibility. A realistic and structured vision that could well redefine the standards of tomorrow’s yachting industry.