Indmar recognized for catalytic inboard engine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized boat engine manufacturer Indmar Products Company, Inc for developing the first clean catalytic marine inboard engine to enter production, the National Marine Manufacturers Association reported in a recent statement.
Government and industry leaders gathered at the ceremony hailed the development as a groundbreaking step that will take the boating industry into a new era of engine safety and offer substantial air quality benefits, the association stated.
“I’m very pleased to recognize Indmar Marine Engines for their leadership in advancing clean catalyst technology,” said Margo Oge, the Director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “Their clean emission technology will offer substantial air quality benefits to boaters and the public at large, demonstrating what a business committed to consumer safety can accomplish.”
A first for production gasoline inboard marine engines, the Indmar technology significantly reduces exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide, combined hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen, according to NMMA. The new catalytic converter will enable the boating population to enjoy their time on the water with an extra margin of safety, while at the same time reducing boating’s environmental impact on both air and water quality, the association said.
“The marine environment is harsh – engines and components are subjected to many stresses from the water, salt corrosion, the sun, and extremes in temperatures,” said NMMA President Thom Dammrich. “Indmar has earned this recognition for making the investment to develop this new catalytic engine technology that stands up to these rigors and enhances boating safety.”
“We’re honored by the EPA’s recognition of our pro-active approach to emissions control and consumer safety,” said Indmar founder Dick Rowe. “For us, it was the right thing to do, and will be good for the advancement for our industry, boaters and our environment.”
The new engine will also be the first marine engine to earn the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) top rating of Four Star Super-Ultra-Low Emissions. Neither CARB nor the EPA currently regulates CO emissions, and NMMA said it believes Indmar’s recognition will set the tone for future industry efforts to reduce engine emissions voluntarily through technological developments.
“The boating industry is committed to promoting advances in engineering that make boating affordable and safe for the American family,” Dammrich said. “Today’s award by the EPA highlights the industry’s commitment to safety, good stewardship of our resources, and a better boating experience through technological innovation.”
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