We are a student team consisting of 21 enthusiastic students from many different study backgrounds and coming from both the University of Twente and the Saxion university of applied sciences. Since 2016 we have designed, produced, and raced with solar powered boats, but this year marks a change in course for Surge Methanol Foiling Team Twente. We will transition to a boat powered by a methanol fuel cell. This transition creates exciting new opportunities for innovation, technical advancement, and the development of creative sustainable solutions in the maritime industry. This complies with our vision, guiding us since the creation of the team: Challenge and inspire students to develop and implement technical innovations that push the maritime sector toward greater sustainability. Not only on technical aspects will we transition, but our brand identity also changes.
SeaLab Class
Our goal this year is to achieve a proof of concept of a methanol- and battery-powered boat capable of both sailing and foiling, that will serve as a foundation for future teams to build upon. As a result of the ambitious scope of the project, we place less emphasis on being competitive this year. Instead, our focus is on demonstrating progress, innovation, and teamwork by showing the capabilities of the boat in showcasing events, primarily in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.
This allows us to demonstrate what the boat developed this year can achieve in a remarkably short time, while inspiring others and proving the potential for a sustainable maritime industry. We also aim to create brand recognition for our new identity, building and maintaining strong partnerships with companies and inspiring and educating students.
Surge Methanol competes in the SeaLab Class at the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, 7–11 July 2026 in Port Hercule.
