LE QUÉRÉ SAS, a French engineering and design company specialising in next-generation maritime sustainability technologies, announces the world premiere of BOAXT, its patented modular “boat-in-a-box” platform, at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) 2025, held from 20–23 November at Marina Hall, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

BOAXT boat-in-a-box launched and outfitted

From ISO Container to 12 m x 5 m Work Platform

At the heart of the BOAXT concept is a robust 20 ft ISO-standard dimensioned frame that unfolds into a 12 m x 5 m vessel with approximately 57 m² of usable deck space. In its operational configuration, BOAXT offers:

• 8.2 t payload capacity
• Shallow 0.5 m draft for operations in rivers, lagoons, marinas, and nearshore areas
• A large, open, reconfigurable deck optimised for equipment, containers, teams, or passengers

This architecture allows BOAXT to move seamlessly through the global logistics chain- by truck, train, coastal ship, or container vessel,  before being deployed where needed, significantly reducing mobilisation time and cost.

BOAXT’s baseline attributes define its industrial logic:

• Amphibious- capable of quick transition between waterborne operations and quayside or ramp interfaces
• Multimodal- designed around ISO standards for seamless intermodal transport
• Unfoldable- deployed from compact transport configuration to full operational footprint
• Multiplex- stackable and combinable in multiple layers and modules
• Flexible- rapidly reconfigurable for different missions and operators

New Semi-Immersed Module: Infrastructure Below the Waterline

The prototype being showcased in Abu Dhabi is the first to integrate the full semi-immersed module built at Trident’s shipyard in the United Arab Emirates. This Level-1 (L-1) semi-immersed “cage” beneath the main deck is designed to host interchangeable containers for:

• Fresh water and technical fluids
• Waste and effluents (black, grey, or recovered pollutants)
• Other mission-specific payloads (e.g. process units, tanks, or specialised systems)

Above the main deck, BOAXT can accommodate:

• Level+1 (L+1) module — a container-sized volume for specialised uses such as operations control, workshop, clinic, laboratory, accommodation, or office
• Level+2 (L+2) module — a structural support platform for solar arrays or auxiliary energy systems, reinforcing BOAXT’s capacity to operate with minimal shore infrastructure

Together, these three levels form a vertically integrated system supporting:

• Environmental and depollution missions
• Circular water and waste management on site
• Long-duration operations with reduced shore dependence

A Platform for Professionals: From Depollution to Logistics and Emergency Response

BOAXT has been conceived from the outset as a professional, multi-mission tool, not a single-use vessel.  LE QUÉRÉ SAS designs BOAXT  not as a single product line, but as a platform for fleets, services and continuous innovation infrastructure for public and private operators. Depending on the installed mission kit, one BOAXT system can be configured as:

• A de-pollution and environmental services unit- supporting floating waste collection, pumps, filtration, or segregation systems
• A mobile logistics and construction platform – for ports, marinas, coastal works, and inland waterways
• An emergency, rescue, or civil-protection platform – for flood response, incident support, or temporary access to isolated communities
• A floating operations base – for offshore and nearshore industries, survey teams, scientific missions, engineering operations, or training centres
• A reconfigurable leisure or hospitality unit – floating lounge, event deck, or eco-tourism operations platform

By starting from a standardised industrial base and enhancing capability through mission modules, BOAXT reduces total cost of ownership compared with multiple specialised hulls or barges while giving operators greater agility across multi-year programmes.

System being assembled through the night in time for launch and outfitting

LE QUÉRÉ SAS: Engineering a New Maritime Paradigm

LE QUÉRÉ SAS applies a full value-chain innovation model- from advanced R&D, prototyping, and testing to market deployment, delivering technologies that reinforce marine biodiversity, reduce emissions, and support coastal economies.

Its cutting-edge portfolio includes:

NETLESS- a fishing system operating with an air-bubble curtain, ensuring an exceptional level of selectivity and acting effectively against overfishing. www.netless.com

WINGFURL – a very high-efficiency rigid wing system enabling the decarbonisation of maritime propulsion. www.wingfurl.com

STREAMESH – a constant-flow filtration device allowing the capture of plastics and microplastics in seawater flows. www.streamesh.com

Together, these technologies position LE QUÉRÉ SAS as a rising leader in blue-economy innovation, with collaborations spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia–Pacific.

Note: BOAXT, NETLESS, STREAMESH and WINGFURL are patented technologies and trademarks of LE QUÉRÉ SAS.

Quote from LE QUÉRÉ SAS

“With BOAXT, we transform a standard ISO container into a true maritime and riverine platform. Instead of designing a vessel for every mission, we offer one robust architecture that can be shipped anywhere, unfolded within hours, and adapted for de-pollution, logistics, emergency response, or field operations.”

Presence at ADIBS 2025

BOAXT will be showcased throughout the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show at location ZE05-ZE07, Marina Hall, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, from 20–23 November 2025.

About BOAXT

BOAXT is the trade name and integrated system developed by LE QUÉRÉ SAS, a French engineering and design company specialising in marine sustainability innovative solutions who is dropping anchor in the Emirates to make it the heart of its global operations.

About LE QUÉRÉ SAS

LE QUÉRÉ SAS is a French engineering and design company specialising in maritime sustainability technologies. Its portfolio includes BOAXT, NETLESS, WINGFURL, and STREAMESH. All technologies are internationally patented and trademarked.

It was a great honor for Eric Le Quéré, inventor and investor behind the Le Quéré portfolio of maritime sustainability technologies, to participate as a panelist during the Funding Programmes and Investment Initiatives session on 2nd October at SeaFuture 2025 in La Spezia, Italy.

The session brought together leading organizations shaping the future of maritime finance and innovation, including BlueInvest Capital, Green Assist, EUDIS, Fórum Oceano, Travel Verse Srl, and the WestMED Initiative.

The discussions were both insightful and forward-looking, highlighting the urgent need to improve access to financing for blue economy stakeholders, particularly innovators and SMEs driving sustainable transformation within the sector.

During the session, Eric Le Quéré presented his approach to innovation and financing — a model built on simplicity, agility, and efficiency. This approach includes:
– Self-financing the early-stage R&D phases,
– Assuming initial risk to prove technological and economic viability,
– Opening capital to partners for scaling and industrial deployment.

This lean, results-driven framework ensures that each innovation is validated before seeking external investment, enabling faster, more resilient pathways to market readiness and impact.

Eric Le Quéré extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Leonardo Manzari for his invitation and outstanding leadership within the WestMED Initiative, as well as to Axelle Salvage and Fabrice Maire for their continued dedication to strengthening Europe’s maritime cluster network.

The event also provided an excellent opportunity to connect with passionate and talented professionals, including Christelle Sapata (BlueInvest), Antonio Vincente Amendola (ICARIUS), Sofia Delgado (SeamoreTech), Alfonso Raiola (Duwo), Rui Gomes, PhD (CEIIA), Reza Karimpour and Andrea Schiaffino (Magellan Circle), and Annamaria La Civita (General Manager, Assonave; Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Studies, Fincantieri).

From UNOC3 (Nice) to Wind for Good (Saint-Nazaire), World Ocean Summit (Cascais), Blue Ocean Dome (Osaka), SeaFuture (La Spezia), and soon the Blue Africa Summit (Tanger, Morocco) — Eric Le Quéré continues to promote the technology portfolio,  and to foster meaningful cooperation across the global Blue Economy.

Eric Le Quéré, inventor and investor behind the portfolio of Le Quéré SAS’s maritime sustainability technologies , had the privilege of delivering a keynote address at the 3rd Blue Africa Summit, held in Tangier, Morocco, on October 9–10, 2025.

Beautifully organized and led by La Saison Bleue, this year’s summit brought together nearly 100 experts, scientists, business leaders, and policymakers to explore Africa’s pivotal role in shaping a sustainable ocean future.

Among the many thought-provoking contributions was the speech of Mr. Abdeljalil Lahjomri, Permanent Secretary of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, who eloquently connected culture, spirituality, and the ocean in his address:

“Give the ocean back its true place: that of a common good, a reservoir of spirituality, and a space for cooperation.”
“We have turned the sea into a factory of production instead of a space of life. Overfishing is not only an ecological fault; it is a moral oversight.”

Reflecting on these words, Eric Le Quéré noted that the ocean must be reclaimed as a living, moral, and cultural foundation for cooperation- not simply as an economic resource.

Special appreciation was extended to Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Ambassador for the Poles and the Oceans, for his characteristically Breton moderation of the panel “African Atlantic Coast: What Public–Private Cooperation for Sustainable Fisheries?” — “Kenavo, Olivier!” as Eric warmly remarked.

The summit also provided a meaningful moment of recognition for Eric Le Quéré’s ongoing work. H.E. Hamadi Baba Hamadi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mauritania and President of the National Federation of Fisheries, shared:
“I met Éric Le Quéré three and a half years ago in Tokyo. We are very interested in his project.”

Adding to this momentum, Mr. Omar Akouri, President of the FPMA and Secretary General of the COMAIP, emphasized:
“As usual, we are always the last to be informed, while being the first concerned… We would like to be presented with this project; we are ready to support it.”

As Eric Le Quéré explained, “That is precisely why we were in Tangier-  to build a concrete bridge between our pre-industrial innovations and the key fisheries stakeholders of Africa, particularly in Morocco and Mauritania.”

Mission accomplished!

The keynote reinforced the commitment to advancing a portfolio of transformative technologies driving progress across the Blue Economy:
– Decarbonizing maritime propulsion (WINGFURL®)
– Reinventing sustainable and selective fishing (NETLESS®)
– Protecting ecosystems by capturing plastics and microplastics (STREAMESH®)

–Modular, adaptive, rapidly deployable boat-in-a-box (BOAXT)

Immense appreciation goes out to General (2s) Frédéric Beth, President of AGEOSCO, for his partnership and presence throughout this decisive summit. As Eric aptly stated, “We are doers, not talkers.”

The Blue Africa Summit 2025 once again proved to be a vital space for cooperation, bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise, and innovation to strengthen Africa’s leadership in the sustainable ocean economy.

Looking ahead, Eric Le Quéré confirmed that the next phase will focus on the implementation of these technologies in the United Arab Emirates, advancing the shared vision of a blue, decarbonized, and sustainable Africa.

During a recent technical visit to Novi Sad, Founder Eric Le Quéré, met with Malcolm Watson, Aleksandra Tubić, and colleagues from the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection. Together, they conducted a detailed site survey to determine the most suitable locations for the upcoming plastic and microplastic collection operations utilizing BOAXT on the Danube River.

This initiative forms part of the Upstream Horizon Mission, a consortium project uniting European partners to address plastic pollution in major waterways. As part of this effort, Le Quéré SAS will deploy and test BOAXT, an innovative semi-submersible modular system designed for the efficient collection of plastics and microplastics from river environments.

The microplastics monitoring and analysis component of the project is being conducted in partnership with Eden Tech (France), led by Abhilash Venkateshaiah. Eden Tech specializes in advanced microfluidic technologies for environmental and life sciences applications. Their system captures and analyzes particles smaller than 500 microns, while the BOAXT with the integrated STREAMESH system targets larger fragments. Together, these technologies provide a comprehensive understanding of plastic and microplastic distribution in the river ecosystem- and a practical solution for their removal.

The operation is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and continue through the autumn season, during which BOAXT will operate alongside Think Ocean CIC’s complementary technology for collecting plastics from the riverbed. This marks the first combined river plastic recovery mission of its kind in history.

Project activities will culminate in a stakeholder event bringing together representatives from the University of Novi Sad, the Upstream Horizon consortium, local authorities, and educational institutions. The event will include outreach and awareness initiatives aimed at strengthening public understanding of riverine pollution challenges and fostering community engagement in Serbia.

The visit to Novi Sad represented a key step in advancing international cooperation toward cleaner waterways. By combining science, engineering, and education, the mission will help protect one of Europe’s most significant rivers, while driving forward collective awareness and innovation for sustainable environmental action.

In St Nazaire, we were warmly welcomed by Mayor David Samzun, who facilitated connections with the city’s economic development board and provided a platform for deeper discussions about local support structures for clean tech innovation. During these sessions, our focus centered on how Saint-Nazaire’s existing infrastructure, its skilled labour force, shipyard capacity, and logistics ecosystem, could support Wingfurl’s next phase of industrialisation and deployment.

We also met with members of the regional maritime cluster and port operators who provided valuable feedback on potential integration and manufacturing pathways. There was a strong sense of shared mission throughout the conversations, and a clear understanding that climate action in the maritime sector requires practical tools that can be deployed today.

What stood out most was the recognition that auxiliary wind propulsion is not just an innovative concept, but a viable and essential solution. Industry representatives repeatedly reinforced that Wingfurl holds real competitive value—not just as a sustainability tool, but as a cost-saving, compliance-friendly upgrade for fleets across Europe and beyond.

We left Saint-Nazaire energized by the alignment and enthusiasm. Concrete next steps are already underway to define regional cooperation frameworks, explore co-investment models, and bring Wingfurl closer to scaled commercialisation. This is more than a regional opportunity, it’s a model for how coastal innovation ecosystems can help lead the maritime sector into a zero-carbon future.

He noted that while many in the industry are exploring synthetic fuels and engine retrofits, these alternatives are either prohibitively expensive or years away from mass adoption. Container ships built today will still be sailing in 2050, and without immediate intervention, current fleets cannot meet the IMO’s carbon neutrality targets. Auxiliary wind propulsion, he argued, must be integrated immediately, not as a future solution, but as a present-day necessity.

His perspective resonated deeply with our own conviction. Wingfurl, our auxiliary wind propulsion system, was built on the belief that scalable retrofits and hybrid solutions can, and must, serve as a bridge between today’s infrastructure and tomorrow’s clean fleet. Unlike speculative technologies, Wingfurl is already being piloted and adapted for different vessel types, providing a modular, affordable, and effective pathway to decarbonisation.

Throughout the summit, the consensus was clear: passive propulsion is no longer an experimental idea, it is a strategic imperative. As fuel prices fluctuate and environmental regulations tighten, shipowners and operators must make decisions that align with both long-term viability and short-term compliance.

We left WindForGood encouraged by the strength of industry alignment, and even more determined to push forward with partners and port cities that see wind not only as a tradition of the past, but as a technology of the future. The age of clean shipping has already begun—and wind is once again at the helm.

Our presentation shared real examples of ocean innovation being deployed. We showcased Wingfurl, our auxiliary wind propulsion system designed to decarbonise shipping; Netless, a selective fishing and plastic retrieval system; and Streamesh, a microplastics recovery module. These technologies are not future concepts. They are real tools being tested and deployed to address the most urgent issues affecting our marine ecosystems- carbon emissions, ocean plastic, and destructive fishing practices.

The keynote session, hosted by JB Dondolo, Inc. and the APEX Development Foundation, was a standout moment. We were privileged to share the stage with environmental artist Anna Stern, whose thought-provoking work has brought fresh awareness to sustainability. Her creative perspective underscored a powerful theme echoed throughout the conference: that true change happens when diverse sectors, science, art, technology, and grassroots action-work together.

Also presenting was Think Ocean CIC, a member of the Upstream Horizon Consortium, representing on-the-ground community engagement and habitat restoration projects. Their contribution reaffirmed the importance of blending global systems with local action. Whether through technology or traditional knowledge, the pathway to change must be collaborative, inclusive, and practical.

For us, UNOC3 was not just a talking shop. Several connections made during the week have already evolved into working groups, co-design initiatives, and regional pilots. From Africa to Asia, from coastal communities to international finance partners, there is clear movement toward co-investing in impact. This gathering gave us hope, because it showed that when dialogue leads to action, a healthier ocean becomes truly possible.

This meeting, which also honoured our partnership with SARAYA Group and the ZERI Japan Foundation, took place during a ground-breaking parallel event. Each morning of UNOC3, a live connection was established between the Blue Ocean Dome in Osaka and the main conference venue in Nice. This real-time, cross-continental dialogue allowed for direct exchange between key stakeholders, students, researchers, and policymakers, creating a sense of global synchronisation around ocean action.

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation has long stood as one of Japan’s most respected thought leaders on maritime affairs, and our collaboration has evolved into a model for how technical innovation can be embedded in policy dialogue and institutional cooperation. Meanwhile, ZERI Japan’s systemic, solution-oriented frameworks continue to inform our own approach to designing for environmental impact.

Discussions with Mr. Sunami and Mr. Kobayashi focused on joint mechanisms to scale innovation across Asia-Pacific regions, ensure regional equity in implementation, and strengthen the interface between grassroots solutions and multilateral strategy. These are not theoretical aspirations, they are pathways actively being built through shared platforms like the Blue Ocean Dome and collaborative events such as UNOC.

With partners like the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, The Saraya Group and ZERI, we are confident in our ability to turn vision into outcomes. We remain committed to fostering multi-stakeholder frameworks that deliver real change for people and the planet through cross-regional solidarity, policy alignment, and impact-led innovation.

The discussion revolved around some of the most urgent challenges facing the maritime sector today: the persistence of plastic pollution and unsustainable fishing practices, the long lifecycle and high emissions of traditional shipping fleets, and the increasing pressure for decarbonisation from both regulatory and public stakeholders. These are not future threats, they are present-day problems with significant consequences for the economy and the environment alike.

We were honoured to contribute to these discussions by presenting our suite of ocean-impact technologies that directly respond to these concerns. These include Netless, our selective fishing system that removes plastic and avoids bycatch; Wingfurl, an auxiliary wind propulsion solution engineered to retrofit and future-proof commercial vessels against carbon targets; and Streamesh, which enables onboard microplastics recovery in a modular, scalable form.

These innovations aren’t speculative. Technologies bricks are already being tested and reaching the operational engineering stage in natural environments, and representing a practical, near-term path forward for sustainable maritime transformation. They are cost effective, easy to maintain and implement and are economically viable.

The response from maritime cluster leadership was overwhelmingly positive. Several delegates highlighted the potential for pilot deployment across the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, and discussed collaborative approaches for scaling solutions through cluster-wide adoption, co-financing instruments, and alignment with the European Union’s Horizon Europe and WestMED strategies.

This event confirmed our belief that collaborative implementation is key to meaningful ocean impact. Innovation alone is not enough, it must be matched with aligned governance, accessible pathways for adoption, and shared investment. As we continue these conversations, we look forward to turning the goodwill expressed in Luxembourg into partnerships that bring measurable results at sea and across port economies.

As part of the Dome’s series of high-level engagements and keynote sessions, we were proud to share our sustainability-focused marine technologies with an audience of global decision-makers, innovators, and public visitors. Our participation in this historic venue was made possible through the longstanding collaboration with SARAYA Group and the ZERI Foundation, organizations that have consistently championed the intersection of environmental stewardship and systemic innovation.

At the heart of our presentation was the unveiling of a holistic approach to ocean impact. This included demonstrations and discussions around our integrated solutions: Wingfurl, an auxiliary wind propulsion system designed to decarbonise commercial shipping; Netless, a selective fishing system addressing bycatch and plastic retrieval; and Streamesh, a modular microplastics recovery system designed for deployment across multiple vessel types.

These technologies are not theoretical concepts, they are engineered for immediate implementation, with pilot programs such as the integrated Blue Fishery initiative already underway in regions aligned with the EU green deal, Ocean pact, startup & scale up strategy, , bilateral strategic partnership with GCC, WestMED Initiative and European Network of Maritime Clusters. Scalable solutions that aim not only to mitigate harm but also to regenerate and restore marine ecosystems through real-world application.The Blue Ocean Dome itself is a manifestation of ocean-first values. Designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban using biomimicry and constructed with low-impact materials, the Dome served as both a symbolic and practical arena for advancing marine sustainability. It will remain engraved in the long list of the 37 world expos recognized by the Bureau International des Expositions (BEI) , held around the world since 1851, as the first privately financed pavilion exclusively dedicated to the ocean.

The event reaffirmed our belief that innovation must serve both the planet and people. Our thanks go to the SARAYA Group, the ZERI Foundation, and all Expo 2025 partners who made the Blue Ocean Dome a reality. We look forward to deepening the relationships and conversations sparked in Osaka, and to bringing these shared visions to life through transnational partnerships, co-funded implementation frameworks, and continued technological advancement.

Together, we move forward toward a marine economy where human ingenuity nurtures rather than depletes the ocean, a future that begins with innovation but is sustained through collaboration.