Yamaha Motor Acquires Electric Marine Propulsion Manufacturer Torqeedo

Bolstering competitiveness and accelerating carbon neutrality efforts in the Electric field of the Company's Marine CASE Strategy

IWATA, January 19, 2024 - Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) announced today that it has recently concluded a stock purchase agreement with Germany's DEUTZ AG, which owns marine electric propulsion manufacturer Torqeedo, to acquire all of Torqeedo's shares. This stock acquisition is premised on the acquisition of the clearances, permits, etc., required by competition laws and other regulations.

Torqeedo, a pioneer in the field of electric marine propulsion, offers a wide-ranging lineup of products, from electric outboard and inboard motors to batteries and various other accessories. With sales in the small electric motor market on the rise, mainly in Europe, Torqeedo continues to grow as a company. It also holds many patents related to electric motors, propellers, and electric systems, as well as the R&D capabilities, mass-production equipment, and development resources for next-generation environmental technologies.

Yamaha Motor's aim in acquiring Torqeedo is to strengthen the Company's development capabilities in the Electric field of its Marine CASE Strategy, which outlines the general direction for the Marine Products business in the current Medium-Term Management Plan. This acquisition is also meant to accelerate the Company's efforts for achieving carbon neutrality in the marine industry as well as aid in fast-tracking the establishment of a small electric propulsion lineup. Furthermore, by combining Torqeedo's assets with Yamaha Motor's decades of technical expertise and know-how in hull design, marine engines, and more will birth synergies for creating mid-range electric outboard motors as the Company aims to become a leader in the growing market for electric boat propulsion.

By implementing its Marine CASE Strategy, Yamaha Motor will deliver attractive products and services with high added value to its customers and strive to achieve its Marine Long-Term Vision of being a business further increasing the value of the ocean by providing customers with a reliable and rich marine life.

 

 

 

 

 

Impact of electric outboard motors on the water sport sector in USA and Europe

 

Electric outboard motors have had a significant impact on the water sport sector in both the USA and Europe. Here are some of the key ways in which this technology is changing the industry:

1. Environmental Sustainability: Electric outboard motors are more environmentally friendly than traditional gas-powered engines. They produce fewer emissions and are quieter, reducing noise pollution in water bodies. As more people become aware of the impact of their activities on the environment, there is an increasing demand for eco-friendly water sports equipment.

2. Cost Savings: Electric outboard motors are generally less expensive to operate than gas-powered engines. They require less maintenance, and the cost of electricity is typically lower than gasoline. This makes them an attractive option for water sports enthusiasts who want to save money while still enjoying their favorite activities.

3. Increased Accessibility: Electric outboard motors are often easier to use than gas-powered engines, particularly for people who are new to boating. They require less effort to start and are generally quieter, making them less intimidating for beginners.

4. Better Performance: While early electric outboard motors had limited power, newer models are more powerful and can match or exceed the performance of gas-powered engines. This has opened up new possibilities for water sports, including water skiing and wakeboarding.

5. Regulatory Changes: Some regions have implemented regulations that limit the use of gas-powered engines on certain water bodies. Electric outboard motors offer a viable alternative that can help boaters comply with these regulations.

Overall, electric outboard motors have had a positive impact on the water sport sector in the USA and Europe. They offer numerous benefits over traditional gas-powered engines, including environmental sustainability, cost savings, increased accessibility, better performance, and compliance with regulatory changes. As technology continues to improve, it is likely that we will see even more widespread adoption of electric outboard motors in the water sports industry. PT04052023.

The first dual fuel hydrogen MAN engines in use on a work boat

 Retrofit of V12 marine diesel engine; 749 kW output; up to 80% CO2 reduction

On 10th May 2022, MAN Engines put its first two dual fuel hydrogen-powered engines for work boats into serial operation. These comprise two twelve-cylinder diesel engines of type MAN D2862 LE448, each with an output of 749 kW (1019 hp) at 2100 rpm. The engines are IMO Tier III-certified and equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction exhaust gas after-treatment system. Both V12 engines have been prepared for dual fuel operation by MAN Engines, and supplemented with a hydrogen injection system by development partner CMB.TECH. The low-emission engine is used on the world’s first hydrogen-powered crew transfer vessel (CTV), the “Hydrocat 48” from Windcat Workboats.

 

“What’s special about our technology is that we use a conventional diesel engine, which doesn’t need to be optimised for hydrogen,” says Werner Kübler, Head of Development at MAN Engines. A proven V12 marine engine is thus used in which hydrogen is introduced into the charge air via an adapter and is added to the combustion cycle. The combustion process is thereby started according to the diesel principle, which requires the injection of approx. 5% of diesel fuel. The diesel fuel common rail injection parameters have been optimised here for dual fuel operation. “MAN Engines has long-standing experience in the development of fuel-saving and reliable diesel engines, including for work boats. Building on this experience, we were also able to achieve the best consumption values in dual fuel operation, and ensure the same operating behaviour as displayed by diesel operation at full load. At the same time, we also reduce CO2 tailpipe emissions through the use of hydrogen by an average of approx. 50%, and even up to 80% as a peak value,” adds Kübler.

A further advantage of using the conventional and sophisticated diesel engine is the accustomed easy handling when it comes to maintenance and service. Moreover, pure diesel operation can continue without interruption if the hydrogen supply is exhausted, for instance. Availability, driving comfort and operational safety are thus always guaranteed at the high level that a traditional diesel engine is known for.

MAN Engines offers its customers and partners solutions like the “MAN Smart HYBRID Experience” hybrid system or engines for gas/electric drives, to contribute to CO2 reduction and sustainable shipping. Now that the MAN D2862 LE448 dual fuel engines for work boats are ready for series production, a further milestone has been reached to that effect. “By starting with dual fuel combustion engines, we can make hydrogen technology operational in the industry and kick-start further development of the technology, regulation, supply chain, etc.,” says Willem van der Wel, Managing Director of Windcat Workboats.

Source: MAN Press release.

 

 

Candela C-8 performs successful first flight - ushering in a new era of electric foiling powerboats

 

The world’s most anticipated electric boat has completed its maiden flight. The foiling Candela C-8 promises to disrupt the gas-guzzling powerboat industry, thanks to a unique combination of long all-electric range, high speed, and industry-first features.

After 16 months of intense development, the most ordered electric boat ever took off from the cold waters outside the Swedish tech company’s headquarters at Lidingö, Stockholm.

After reaching its designed take-off speed of 16 knots, the Candela C-8 prototype P-01 lifted off smoothly, and flew noiselessly above the water at a cruise speed of 20 knots.

- Smooth, and very, very silent, said Gustav Hasselskog, Candela’s CEO after piloting the C-8 on its maiden flight.

- This first flight marks a huge moment not only for Candela, but also for the powerboat industry. The C-8 is not only designed to be the best electric boat, it is designed to be a far better experience than conventional powerboats. I hope we can drive the transition to emission-free boating at a very fast pace.

With Candela C-8, the Swedish tech company strives to disrupt waterborne transport by offering an electric boat that is better than ICE competitors, in all respects.

The transition to zero-emission boats has been hampered by the inadequate performance of conventional electric boats. Propelling a planing, conventional speedboat through the water requires enormous amounts of energy, which drains even the biggest lithium-ion batteries after only 30-45 minutes of spirited driving.

Flying above the waves on computer-controlled hydrofoils – underwater wings – Candela’s craft use 80% less energy than conventional boats, which translates into far longer range and higher speeds on pure battery power.

What makes hydrofoils so effective is the dramatic reduction in drag. A typical planing hull has a 4-to-1 lift-to-drag ratio, while the Candela C-8 has a 20-to-1 lift advantage. Cruising at 20 knots, the C-8 can fly for 50 nautical miles on its 44 kWh battery – 2-3 times longer than conventional electric speedboats with 300% bigger batteries.

But the C-8 offers other and new benefits over any other boat.

Actively stabilized hydrofoils allow Candela electric boats to leave no trace; no pollution, no noise, no wake.

The C-8’s digital Flight control system automatically adjusts the foils to keep the boat level and steady, even in adverse weather conditions. The ride is silky smooth in choppy waves and side winds. The low energy usage directly translates into an almost non-existent wake. And the ride is silent, thanks to Candela's newly developed Candela C-POD direct-drive electric pod motor.

In an industry-first for leisure boats, the C-8 is equipped with fly-by-wire steering and has Autopilot features for more relaxed driving over long distances. When the driver lets go of the wheel, the boat will automatically steer the set compass course. More features will follow as the C-8 is upgradeable Over-The-Air.

The Swedish tech company has refined its hydrofoil technology and Flight control software since the open sportsboat Candela C-7 was introduced in 2019. With experience from the C-7, Candela’s 70+ engineers and technicians have designed the C-8 for rapid mass production, targeting a rate of 400 units per year in 2024.

Candela has received more than 100 orders since launching the C-8 concept last fall, which makes it the best-selling electric boat model in Europe, even outselling most other 28-foot ICE boats in the premium (290 000€) category.

- This successful first flight brings us one step closer to serial production. We’ll now perform a rigorous flight test campaign to ensure reliability and maturity. We’re on track to deliver the first C-8 units this summer, says Gustav Hasselskog. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0fWO1KO8-E

Mercury Marine announces bold new vision with its Avator™ electric outboard concept

 

Miami Boatshow reveals new Mercury Electric Outboard

 

 

MIAMI (Feb. 16, 2022) — Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), has announced its Avator™ electric outboard concept, representing Mercury’s next step in marine innovation, advanced technology, and engineering. The electric outboard concept will be on display for the first time during the 2022 Miami International Boat Show and is progressing the company toward the formal release of electric outboard products later in 2022 and 2023. 

Avator creates a new boating experience for Mercury’s global customers combining an investment in electrification with more than 80 years of expertise in the marine industry. Leveraging Mercury's leadership and reputation for hydrodynamics, corrosion resistance, reliability, and industrial design, the Avator concept will deliver a superior user experience for a wide range of vessels and activities.  

“We are excited to formally announce this bold new phase of our vision for the future that only Mercury Marine can deliver,” said Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president. “Electrification is strategically important to us, and this concept provides a first look at how we intend to deliver on our commitment to being the industry leader in both internal combustion products and electric propulsion. We are taking efficiency to a new level, opening up new ways to enjoy the boating experience.” 

Avator advances Mercury’s commitment to sustainability by offering the prospect of boating with zero direct emissions. Mercury is also using electrification to make boating more accessible with features such as swappable batteries and enhanced portability. 

“Mercury has the industry’s strongest and most robust technology and design teams who are shaping a new power for marine that expands the brand into new applications,” said Tim Reid, Mercury Marine vice president of product development & engineering. “We believe features like easily changeable batteries and quiet operation hold great appeal for current and prospective boaters. We expect our breadth of electric offerings to expand over time, and we will continue to listen to consumer feedback and monitor adoption trends.”    

“Our team is taking everything we know about how consumers use our products and incorporating it into Avator, creating an electric propulsion system that will set a new benchmark for the marine industry,” said Drees. 

Learn more about the Mercury Avator concept and our vision for electrification at MercuryMarine.com/Avato

Suzuki introduces trio of new outboards

 New Suzuki outboards in the Line up DF140B, DF115B and DF100C

 

Suzuki the Japanese outboard manufacturer is introducing three new models to its range in 2022 – the DF140B, DF115B and the DF100C. The new outboards are mechanically controlled and replace the out-going DF140A, DF115A and DF100B models.

These new additions to the Suzuki outboard range provide an upgraded compression ratio of 10.6:1 for better top speed and quicker acceleration as well as increased fuel economy through improved thermal efficiency. Additionally they include a 40-amp alternator that delivers improved output and battery charging at low idle speeds.

A redesigned cowling incorporates a new air intake structure with improved water separation and a silencer-resonator system to provide a more pleasant boating experience at all engine speeds.

The new DF140B, DF115B and DF100C models are the latest in a long line of Suzuki's innovative, lightweight and fuel-efficient four-stroke outboards that give customers the power, performance and reassurance that they need for a wide variety of boating activities.

To make routine maintenance easier, Suzuki has made it possible to replace the oil filter by removing the upper engine cover. To further increase ease of maintenance, the hole for the oil level gauge has been widened to 15mm which enables the use of a larger oil change hose.

 

In addition, a new oil spill catcher on the filter mount prevents spillages and a new easy access water detection fuel filter helps protect the engine against contaminated fuel.

The DF140B, DF115B and DF100C provide heavy-duty performance and long-lasting durability in a lightweight, mechanically controlled package and are also the first four-stroke outboards to utilize an oil cooler.

 

 

All 3 new Suzuki outboards are also available in white color.

 

 

Yamaha introduces new option for 9.9hp - 15hp - 25hp outboard motors

 

New option for a range of Yamaha outboard motors

 

New 25hp option

The industry leading Yamaha 25hp is now available with power trim and tilt, even on short shaft models. Ideal for boaters operating in shallow waters or recovering the boat to a trailer regularly; this customer-centric innovation brings the luxury and simplicity of a push button trim adjustment and full power tilt to more customers and smaller vessels. 

Operated by a neat electric switch, ergonomically situated and incredibly simple to use – adjusting the angle and draught of the engine to avoid damaging the skeg or reaching optimal performance and efficiency when on the plane.

 

 

 

New 15hp options

More options are now available in the Yamaha 15hp range, including an electric start model with power tilt, all controlled from an ergonomic tiller handle. Available in short shaft, a newly introduced electric start unit with power tilt controlled from a remote throttle and helm to complement the existing long shaft model. 

This brand-new design is ideal for boaters who want a more traditional, comfortable boat configuration with a helm in the middle of the boat, that is compatible with a much larger range of boats.

 

New T 9.9hp option

The Yamaha T 9.9hp model now features an electric ignition, power tilt and an extra-long shaft, ideal for keel boats and smaller sailing vessels which require outboard power. 

With an optional remote-control box, the unit can be controlled from the boat’s cockpit, allowing the crew to enjoy the comfort of their boat whether under sail or power. 

When the outboard is not in use, power tilt allows the crew to quickly raise it out of the water to reduce drag and corrosion, all from the comfort of the cockpit.

Yamaha introduces new outboard motor

 

 Yamaha B 6hp new for 2022

 

 

Yamaha’s B 6hp offers the ultimate in smooth performance from a 2 cylinder, 212cc engine. Available with an enhanced, ergonomic tiller handle, or with a remote helm and throttle for console boats, maneuvering with the new B 6hp is a joy. 

 

 

This innovative design of the remote helm option offers a more authentic leisure boating experience. Both options are so quiet customers can enjoy their surroundings to the full. 

 

The high torque engine makes it ideally suited to larger, heavier boats, plus it is very economical to run, making the B 6hp ideal for river boats and commercial users.

UKCA product marking will replace CE product marking

  

 

UK government has given firms an extra year to apply

 post-Brexit product safety standards

 

After “Extensive and ongoing engagement” with the industry the government has been acting on the much-argued switch from CE (European Conformity) marking to UKCA marking (United Kingdom Conformity Assessed). This has resulted that the firms get an extra year to apply and assess their UK sold products and they are allowed to use the CE marking till 1 January 2023 (before 1 January 2022). 

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) welcomed the move saying it would protect supply chain and “make a huge difference to consumers” on the availability of products covered by the CE/UKCA marking. UK’s post-pandemic economic recovery is already showing signs of being held back by a cocktail of supply chain issues from lorry driver shortfalls to global chip shortages.

The new product safety marking rules will affect businesses supplying most products on the market in England, Scotland and Wales the BCC indicated. Companies have been able to use the new UKCA markings since January 1, 2021, which the government says will allow it to have control over goods regulations “maintaining the high product safety standards expected in the UK”.

But businesses have complained about the extra burden this will give to be applying to two regulations and standards and the departure of decades of experience vs a new system of conformity compliance. Because the UKCA product marking is not recognized in the EU and the CE product marking is not recognized in the UK. Additionally, the end consumer will have to pay the bill with buying the product as an end-consumer...

 

 

Conformity compliant products the CE Marking must be added/replaced

 to/by the UKCA Marking