Boating Technology Day Highlights Pathways for Innovation and Sustainability at HISWA te Water Boat Show

At this year's HISWA te Water Boat Show in the Netherlands, ICOMIA's Marine Engine Committee (IMEC) hosted its second Boating Technology Day, drawing a global audience of marine industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers. The event offered valuable insights into the technologies, fuels, and strategies shaping the future of recreational boating - insights that are directly relevant to North American manufacturers and stakeholders navigating evolving customer expectations and global regulatory landscapes. Europe is considering changes to the Recreational Craft Directive, so the timing of this event was important.

The morning program at the Museum Batavialand featured presentations on ICOMIA's latest global initiatives, including updates on the Propelling Our Future campaign, progress on the Global Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) project, and developments in strategic maritime fuels (SMF) and other decarbonization solutions. Attendees also reviewed advancements in reducing evaporative fuel emissions in the U.S., an effort that could inform harmonized standards and create a more consistent regulatory framework for boat builders and engine manufacturers worldwide.

In addition to NMMA's Jeff Wasil, vice president of environmental compliance and marine technology, NMMA and IMEC members participated in the educational event, including Yamaha, Mercury Marine, Suzuki Marine, Volvo-Penta, Honda, Kawasaki, Cummins, Yanmar and VETUS Maxwell.

Despite windy and wet conditions, several participants capped the day with on-water demonstrations. ICOMIA's Boating Technology Day underscored the importance of staying ahead of global sustainability trends, exploring alternative fuels, and preparing for potential regulatory changes that could impact future product design, manufacturing, and compliance. Events like these provide critical intelligence to help members innovate, remain competitive, and meet the evolving expectations of customers and policymakers.

To learn more about Propelling Our Future, visit propellingourfuture.com.