NMMA Member Ilmor Marine Showcases Innovation as Host of Michigan Boating Technology Day
NMMA member manufacturer Ilmor Marine welcomed Michigan state policymakers, legislative staff, marine industry leaders, and NMMA members to its new marine technology and manufacturing facility in New Hudson, Mich. last week for a Michigan Boating Technology Briefing & Demonstration. Hosted in partnership with NMMA, the event spotlighted the technologies driving the future of recreational boating and to further inform Michigan’s Maritime Strategy, which aims to position the state as a national leader in maritime innovation.
At the briefing, Ilmor’s Mike Lindberg joined fellow presenters Jeff Wasil, NMMA; Eric Mueller, Mercury Marine; Gus Blakely, Suzuki Marine; and Kemba Solomon, Yamaha Motor Corp. to showcase the industry’s diverse approach to further lowering emissions and improving efficiency, building on findings from ICOMIA’s global research report, titled Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonization for the Recreational Marine Industry.
Following presentations, Ilmor opened its facility for a tour prior to offering on-water demonstrations, featuring boats operating on Strategic Maritime Fuels (SMF), hybrid, and electric propulsion systems. Thanks to support from Wilson Marine and Action Water Sports, attendees experienced firsthand the performance of next-generation technologies that are shaping a more sustainable future for recreational boating.
“Michigan is the third-largest state in recreational boating sales, right behind Texas and Florida, and its Maritime Strategy carries significant weight as the U.S. seeks to lead in maritime innovation,” said Jeff Wasil, vice president of environmental compliance and marine technology at NMMA. “Thank you to Ilmor for hosting this important event and showcasing their new facility dedicated to advancing sustainable marine technology.”
The recreational boating industry contributes $230 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting more than 1,400 small marine businesses in Michigan and generating $11.7 billion for the state’s economy. As Ilmor put it: “Together, we’re powering a sustainable future—right here in Michigan.”
For more information on recreational boating’s pathway to propulsion decarbonization, visit PropellingOurFuture.com.