A prototype hydrogen-powered outboard
At the Miami Boat Show, Japanese company Yamaha and its marine division will unveil a prototype hydrogen-powered outboard. No precise technical details were given in the company's press release. We do know, however, that it's an adaptation of the 5.6-liter XTO V8, which produces up to 450 hp on conventional gasoline fuels. Fabrice Lacoume, Marine Director at Yamaha Europe, says: "The tests were carried out in the USA at the Yamaha test center, with American construction partners. This shows that it works
A decarbonizing alternative to electric power
While there's still some way to go before Yamaha's hydrogen-powered outboard motor can be marketed, and the solution's integration on a pleasure boat has yet to be specified, hydrogen fuel, as opposed to the fuel cell, is an interesting alternative to electric motors, if so-called green hydrogen develops and becomes accessible in marinas. In any case, this is one of Yamaha Marine's bets. The engine manufacturer underlines its choice to promote "a multidirectional development approach, looking at new energy sources and technologies, in addition to its electrification efforts". Fabrice Lacoume sums up the company's position: "Although we're a long way from marketing this type of product, and the question of the supply chain remains, we're demonstrating that Yamaha has mastered the technology as shown by the recent report published by ICOMIA there won't be just one path to decarbonization."
