Leading by example: SeaZen showcases sustainable boating at UNOC 2025

This June, global leaders, scientists, businesses, and advocates will converge in Nice, France, for the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC). Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, this major international event is focused on accelerating action to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

For SeaZen, a pioneer in solar-powered boating (and longtime FareHarbor operator!), participating in UNOC is more than a milestone — it’s a natural extension of their mission. 

SeaZen has built its business around clean, quiet, and sustainable navigation. As part of the conference, they’re welcoming participants aboard their solar boats to showcase what the future of eco-friendly marine tourism can look like — and how small, smart innovations can drive meaningful change.

We caught up with the team to hear how they’re preparing for the event, and what it means to be part of a global push toward a more sustainable blue economy. 

Interview translated from French with ChatGPT.

What does it mean for your company to be involved in the UNOC conference, and in particular to host participants aboard your solar boats?

UNOC is a historic event, and it’s taking place in Nice — the birthplace of our solar boating activity. Given our commitment to sustainable navigation, it was only natural for us to get involved. 

We proposed to the Ministry of the Sea the development of a new solar boat to serve as a showcase of French expertise in solar navigation. The core aim of UNOC is to preserve life in the oceans. It turns out that gentle, electric navigation is particularly quiet underwater, but numerous studies have shown how harmful the noise from propellers is to marine biodiversity. Imagine if we all had to live on the Paris ring road! 

Furthermore, since our boats are 100% powered by solar energy, we’ve already covered 10,000 km with over 10,000 visitors — without ever needing to recharge from the electrical grid. This too is a strong example of what a sustainable blue economy can look like.

How have you prepared to welcome public figures aboard your solar boats for this event?

At first, we offered to make the new boat available in the Port of Nice. However, due to security reasons, no boat movements will be allowed within the port. UN conferences are among the most complex events to organize in the world. And as a result, our preparation is actually much simpler, as we already operate two fully functioning boats in the Port of Beaulieu that are well-suited for welcoming the public. 

We are simply adding a third boat to the port. We dedicated the month of May to testing this new boat, which was designed using an innovative method to reduce cost while increasing the level of quality.

How does this event fit into your long-term vision for sustainable mobility or eco-friendly events?

We believe that sustainable boating is not just about technology. I’d even say it’s less than 50% about technology and more than 50% about changing how people use boats. So it’s about educating the public on these new practices — showing them that it works.

For professionals, we’ve developed a franchise model. It’s aimed at entrepreneurs who want to give new meaning to their careers. We provide them with a boat and a business model that allows them to create one or more jobs in their local port.

An event like UNOC can help us reach a broader audience, both in France and internationally.

Leading by example

SeaZen’s presence at the UN Ocean Conference is a powerful reminder that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. From designing solar boats that never need to plug into the grid to creating a franchise model that supports local entrepreneurs, they’re showing what’s possible when technology meets purpose.

For tour operators everywhere, SeaZen’s story offers inspiration — and a roadmap. Sustainable practices don’t have to be out of reach. With the right tools, partnerships, and mindset, they can be part of how you grow, connect with your audience, and protect the places that make your business possible.