SUSTAINABILITY
Yamaha’ s Hydrogen Outboard on display
Setting the Agenda
Equally important as the technology is who gets to set the rules around it.
NMMA’ s Jeff Wasil says the sustainability conversation remains critical, and that the industry is better served writing its own standards than waiting for legislators to write them.
“ There are state and local governments that are pushing for environmental initiatives that impact our industry, so we need to remain diligent and able to respond,” he told Boating Industry.
Michigan is a recent case study. The state released a Maritime Strategy draft last year that incentivized electric boat production almost exclusively, without acknowledging sustainable fuels, lifecycle assessment work, or the broader portfolio of technologies the industry is actively developing.
The marine industry responded. Ilmor Marine hosted a Boating Technology Day that brought multiple propulsion technologies and strategic maritime fuels directly to policymakers – and then put them on the water.
“ They got to experience the great technologies the industry is developing in a real way,” said Wasil.“ As a result, earlier this year, Michigan published an updated Maritime Strategy that is aligned with what is possible for recreational marine. They will be supporting Strategic Maritime Fuels, LCA, electric, hybrid-electric, and advanced hull designs in order to minimize emissions from recreational boats. This was a huge win for the industry and the state of Michigan, who have positioned themselves as leaders in important maritime innovation.”
NMMA is also working at the global level. President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer was elected last May to a two-year term as the board president of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations, or ICOMIA, ensuring the domestic recreational marine industry has a seat at the table when environmental frameworks are being shaped.
“ Given the diversity of products and experiences we offer across recreational boating, there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Hugelmeyer wrote in a previous Boating Industry op-ed.“ The diversity of boat types, operational cycles and unique energy requirements of recreational boats requires a portfolio of product offerings and technologies to address emissions initiatives while meeting the performance needs and expectations of boating consumers. Collectively, as an industry, let’ s embrace our role in promoting environmental and conservation efforts. With continued effort and innovation, we can ensure that recreational boating remains a sustainable and responsible activity for generations to come.”
10 april 2026 www. boatingindustry. com