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In response to the growing recognition of climate change and its impacts, the global automotive industry, including Japan’s, is swiftly transitioning from traditional fossil fuels to electric-powered vehicles. Similarly, the maritime sector is also pursuing carbon-neutral alternatives, particularly in Europe and the United States, which are the world’s largest markets for marine engines.
To stay competitive, major marine engine manufacturers in Japan are making substantial investments in research and development (R&D) to achieve net-zero goals. One such company is Yamaha Motor, a renowned Japanese brand that originally applied its small engine technology, developed for motorcycles in 1960, to marine engines. Yamaha Motor is now embracing environmental sustainability by actively working on the development of electric motors for boats.
Toshiaki Ibata, the chief general manager of the firm’s marine business operations, stated that electrified outboard motors have gained popularity worldwide, particularly in Europe and given Europe’s emphasis on a green economy, they aspired to align with their advancements.
Japanese manufacturers currently command a significant global market share in the sales of outboard motors and engines. Yamaha, for instance, exports more than 90 per cent of its outboard motors to markets beyond Japan, according to information available on its website.
The UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport for this year emphasizes the necessity of a “just and equitable transition” toward a decarbonized shipping industry. Despite accounting for 3 per cent of the global total, the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions have risen by 20 per cent in the last decade. Without intervention, the report warns that emissions could surpass 130 per cent of their 2008 levels by 2050.
While alternative fuels show promise, their adoption is still in the early stages, with 98.8 per cent of the global fleet continuing to rely on fossil fuels. A positive note is that 21 per cent of vessels on order are slated to operate on cleaner alternatives such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, and hybrid technologies.
In addition to embracing cleaner fuels, the industry must expedite its transition to digital solutions like artificial intelligence and blockchain to enhance both efficiency and sustainability, according to the review.
Despite the ongoing expansion of the industry, Japanese marine engine manufacturers are increasingly directing their focus towards environmentally friendly practices. The UNCTAD report forecasts a 2.4 per cent growth in maritime trade in 2023 and over 2 per cent between 2024 and 2028.
Yamaha and Honda are concentrating on developing electric components. At the same time, Suzuki aims to contribute to environmental cleanliness with its outboard motor designed to collect microplastic waste, as noted by Mr Seiji Saeki.
Nevertheless, challenges persist in the electrification of motor boats, as this process requires a substantial battery and consumes 10 times more energy than electrifying land-based vehicles. The size of these batteries exacerbates the issue of limited space, particularly on smaller boats. Additionally, electrified boats have yet to achieve the speed capabilities of their fuel-dependent counterparts.