Yamaha Motor 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.

The intended acquisition of Torqeedo, which is subject to clearances, permits, etc., required by competition laws and other regulations, further supports Yamaha’s strategy to implement a multiple technology approach to achieve carbon neutrality. The pending acquisition also boosts Yamaha’s position in the competitive electric propulsion market.

Torqeedo is a pioneer in the field of electric marine propulsion and offers a wide-ranging line of products, from electric outboard and inboard motors to batteries and various other accessories. 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.

A recent, first-of-its-kind study commissioned by the International Council of Marine industry Associations (ICOMIA) entitled Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry, validates Yamaha’s approach to carbon neutrality, revealing a multi-plan approach is the best way to continue the decarbonization of recreational boating.

Through the study, global engineering consulting firm Ricardo investigated propulsion technologies across nine common recreational watercraft to compare the impact of lifetime global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, financial costs, usability, performance, range and infrastructure implications.

Due to the unique water environment of boats, the study found there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, and instead recommends a portfolio of technologies to continue the reduction of carbon emissions within the recreational boating industry including a combination of electric, hybrid, sustainable fuel and internal combustion applications.

Recreational boats, which depend on clean water and preserved environments, account for less than 0.1% of (GHG) emissions, specifically 0.7% of transportation CO₂ emissions in the United States and 0.4% of transportation CO₂ emissions in Europe.

Due to concentrated efforts within the marine industry, in the last two decades, the US recreational marine industry alone has decreased marine engine emissions by more than 90% and increased fuel efficiency by more than 40%.

Yamaha US Marine Business Unit, based in Kennesaw, Ga., markets and sells marine outboard motors ranging in size from 2.5 to 450 horsepower. It also markets and sells fiberglass, jet-drive sport boats ranging from 19 to 27 feet, and personal watercraft. The unit includes 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 US Marine Business Unit is a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, based in Cypress, Calif.