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Naval Transition: Pioneering Eco-Responsible Naval Architecture in Nice Côte d’Azur

Founded by engineer and naval architect Billy Devauchelle, Naval Transition stands out as an innovative player in eco-responsible tech in the field of shipbuilding.

Established in Nice in 2023, this innovative blue economy enterprise places ecology at the heart of its projects, committing to design environmentally respectful ships throughout their lifecycle.

Naval Transition offers a variety of services, from the design of structures, to conducting studies and plans, incorporating collaboration with local partners to offer solutions that facilitate the ecological and energy transitions of the maritime sector.

Interview with Billy Devauchelle, Founder of Naval Transition (pictured).

What is the story of Naval Transition and its activities?

^{Naval Transition Technical Plan and Drawing}

Naval Transition is the result of a vision that combines a passion for the sea with eco-responsible commitment.

Founded a year ago without any external funding, it is a direct result of my experience as a naval architect and my desire to promote a more sustainable nautical industry to meet current ecological challenges.

Our naval architecture office is distinguished by its commitment to integrating ecological principles from the design phase.

We focus on innovative and sustainable solutions for propulsion and ship construction, striving to minimize the ecological footprint while adhering to the strict regulations of the sector.

This approach is exemplified by the adoption of technologies such as hybrid or electric propulsion and the use of low carbon impact materials, such as natural fibers replacing fiberglass.

Our projects range from the initial design to the refurbishment of ships to make them more ecological or to extend their lifespan, as well as advising on best construction practices and advanced propulsion technologies.

Naval Transition is not just a naval architecture office; it is an incubator of responsible maritime innovations, a place where engineering and environmental concerns meet to contribute to the virtuous evolution of maritime transport, proving that performance and ecology can coexist harmoniously.

What are your specialties and impact within the maritime sector?

Our specialty lies in our comprehensive approach to shipbuilding where every aspect of the ship, from its design to its dismantling, is considered from the perspective of maximizing the reduction of its ecological footprint.

This approach is structured around four major transitions:

Energy transition: we explore and integrate alternative propulsion technologies, such as electric, hybrid, and hydrogen. These technologies are not just alternatives to fossil fuels; they represent a revolution in how energy is generated and used aboard ships.

Structural transition: we adopt innovative and less polluting materials. By replacing traditional fiberglass with natural fibers such as flax fiber or using recycled plastics (HDPE) for parts of the ships, we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our constructions. This approach also includes optimizing structural design using advanced software, minimizing weight and optimizing overall ship performance.

Regulatory transition: with the constant evolution of environmental standards, we assist our clients in ensuring that all ships designed not only meet current standards but are also prepared for future regulatory developments.

Usage transition: we reexamine and redefine how ships are operated to encourage more sustainable practices. This includes reducing speed, extending the lifespan of ships, or contributing to the development of sail transport.

Through our projects, we demonstrate that it is possible to significantly reduce the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of ships.

We support shipowners and shipyards in adopting clean technologies and implementing new and complex regulatory standards, thus facilitating the transition to a more sustainable maritime industry.

What are the advantages of being located in the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur?

Being based in the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur offers us an environment conducive to innovation and business development. The territory is a hub for technology and innovation industries.

The Métropole benefits from strong economic vitality, supported by public and private initiatives that promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

The territory offers significant support to technology companies, notably through initiatives from associations such as Nice Start(s) Up and the French Tech Côte d’Azur or the Mediterranean Sea Cluster, which facilitate exchanges with investors and potential partners.

The organization of the Blue Innovation Challenge by the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur also supports initiatives related to the protection of marine spaces. We hope to participate in proposing a demonstrator project in connection with the United Nations Ocean Conference to be held in Nice in 2025.

Additionally, the region is home to a rich ecosystem of academic institutions, research centers, and technological startups. We collaborate with the Physics Institute of the University Côte d’Azur to advance our research and development and integrate the latest scientific and technological advances into our projects.

Nice and its region are at the heart of what is called the “blue economy,” a rapidly expanding sector that encompasses all economic activities related to the sea.

What are your development projects?

In the short term, we plan to expand our team to support our growth and meet the increasing demand for ecological ships.

We are also developing tools to better assess the environmental impact of the technologies we propose, which will enhance our ability to advise our clients on the best eco-responsible options.

Naval Transition is actively engaged in revitalizing sail maritime transport, particularly by supporting and drawing inspiration from projects like Hisseo, an initiative aimed at developing goods transportation by sail in the Mediterranean, and Skravik, a Breton cooperative developing working sailboats, illustrating the convergence between maritime tradition and sustainable innovation.

We seek to establish partnerships with shipyards, shipowners, and other key players in the maritime industry to test and integrate our solutions. These collaborations are essential not only for the adoption of our technologies but also for their continuous improvement. Moreover, we are open to partnerships with non-maritime technology companies to integrate their innovations into our designs.

Contact: Billy Devauchelle

Tél : +33 7 66 13 66 06

Mail: billy.devauchelle [@] navaltransition.com

Website : https://www.navaltransition.com/