Michigan’s maritime future is being written in real-time, and last week’s Boating Technology Briefing & Demonstration at Ilmor Marine’s new facility in New Hudson gave policymakers and industry leaders a front-row seat. The event, co-hosted with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), wasn’t just a tech showcase—it was a rallying cry for Michigan’s Maritime Strategy, a bold plan to position the state as a national leader in marine innovation.
Ilmor Marine, a powerhouse in marine propulsion, opened its doors to Michigan state policymakers, legislative staff, and marine industry leaders, offering a glimpse into the technologies reshaping recreational boating. The facility tour and on-water demonstrations featured boats running on Strategic Maritime Fuels (SMF), hybrid, and electric systems—each a piece of the puzzle in the industry’s push toward decarbonization.
This wasn’t just about Michigan. It was about the U.S. staking its claim in the global race for maritime innovation. “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. His words underscored the stakes: Michigan’s moves here matter.
The event built on the findings of ICOMIA’s global research report, *Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonization for the Recreational Marine Industry*, which laid out the industry’s diverse approach to lowering emissions and improving efficiency. Ilmor’s Mike Lindberg joined Jeff Wasil, Eric Mueller (Mercury Marine), Gus Blakely (Suzuki Marine), and Kemba Solomon (Yamaha Motor Corp.) to discuss how the industry is tackling these challenges—head-on and collaboratively.
The on-water demonstrations, supported by Wilson Marine and Action Water Sports, weren’t just about proving performance. They were about proving progress. Attendees saw firsthand how next-generation technologies are shaping a more sustainable future for recreational boating.
This event wasn’t just about what’s possible today—it was about what’s coming next. Michigan’s Maritime Strategy isn’t just a plan; it’s a challenge to the industry to innovate faster, collaborate deeper, and lead the charge in sustainable marine technology. And with partners like Ilmor Marine and NMMA, the state is well on its way to meeting that challenge.