Yamaha Illuminates Hydrogen for Recreational Craft During 2024 IBEX®

KENNESAW, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Our work with hydrogen technology is a key part of Yamaha’s commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Grant Suzuki, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit Chief of Technology. “By collaborating with industry leaders and advancing hydrogen propulsion systems, we’re not only exploring new possibilities for carbon-neutral marine products but also ensuring the performance and reliability Yamaha is known for remain uncompromised.”

Suzuki’s comments underscored, “Hydrogen for Recreational Craft,” which Yamaha presented during the recent 2024 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition (IBEX^®). The presentation included insights into Yamaha’s collaboration with leading industry partners, such as Roush and Regulator Marine, the long history of Yamaha’s efforts in hydrogen development, and the technical aspects of engineering a hydrogen internal combustion engine.

Along with Suzuki, Louis Doucette, Manager, Advanced Vehicles and Tomoyoshi Onikata, Automotive Development Section, Yamaha Motor Company, dissected the challenges and opportunities related to hydrogen fuel storage, distribution infrastructure and regulatory requirements.

The Yamaha team shared news of the company’s ongoing testing and development efforts. In early 2024, Yamaha introduced a hydrogen-powered golf car and a hydrogen-powered outboard (both industry firsts) as means to explore hydrogen as a possible method of achieving carbon neutrality within its product lines.

Yamaha has a long-standing commitment to exploring innovative and sustainable technologies, including hydrogen as a potential fuel source. The company's interest in hydrogen technology dates back to 2003 with early research into alternative energy solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact. Over the years, Yamaha collaborated with various partners to develop hydrogen-powered engines. These efforts align with Yamaha's broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. By exploring hydrogen as a clean and renewable energy source, Yamaha is advancing environmental goals while maintaining performance and reliability.

Pursuit of hydrogen technology is just one example of Yamaha’s suite of multiple technology solutions to reduce carbon. Earlier this year Yamaha acquired electric marine propulsion leader Torqeedo, expanding Yamaha's capabilities in electric and hybrid power. In addition, Yamaha is actively researching and promoting the use of sustainable marine fuels as part of ongoing efforts toward carbon neutrality across the industry.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, based in Kennesaw, Ga., markets and sells marine outboard motors ranging in size from 2.5 to 450 horsepower. It also engineers, manufactures, markets and sells boat control systems, IoT control devices, fiberglass, jet-drive sport boats ranging from 19 to 27 feet, and personal watercraft. The unit includes the manufacturing divisions of Yamaha Marine Systems Co., Inc., including Kracor of Milwaukee (rotational molding), Bennett Marine of Deerfield Beach, Fla. (trim tabs), and Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers of Indianapolis (stainless steel propellers). Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit is a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., based in Cypress, Calif.

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