Yanmar Marine’s product manager talks E-Saildrive strategy
In September 2024, Yanmar Marine International (YMI) launched the E-Saildrive, its first electric propulsion product designed to provide an easy transition to emission-free sailing. This is a significant yet not wholly surprising move by the engine and equipment manufacturer, particularly as sustainability is increasingly a focus across the entire marine industry.
Stijn Takes, product manager of YMI’s global marine sales department, explains that the company launched the E-Saildrive series as part of its Yanmar Green Challenge 2050. The challenge aims to reduce the environmental impact across the entire production chain – from suppliers to customers.
“This new range of electric sail drives aligns with Yanmar’s vision of promoting sustainable solutions in the marine industry. The launch is a step toward providing boat owners with easy-to-install, emission-free propulsion options, helping the industry transition toward cleaner energy.”
The E-Saildrive range, which won a DAME award in 2024, utilises a plug and play platform and is available in three models – the SDe7, the SDe10 and the SDe15, delivering up to 15kW of power for sailboats under 40ft (depending on application and displacement). The range is designed as a drop-in replacement for Yanmar’s YM engine series.
During the launch, Floris Lettinga, director of sales and marketing at Yanmar Marine International, said: “Our electric propulsion system is different to others on the market. Our technicians have created a clever, integrated system on a plug and play platform which helps boaters to easily switch to electric propulsion.”
Takes says interest in the new range has been positive: “The fast number of reactions from the market has far exceeded our expectations. We have been positively surprised by the number of visitors on our booth at the Cannes Yachting Festival that came to visit and to see the SDe series in person. Ever since, we have been receiving many follow up questions across all segments of the industry.”
Development of the E-Saildrives started just a few years ago and Yanmar plans to continue expanding its electric and sustainable propulsion solutions.
“Our projects can take several years. The launch in 2024 marks a significant milestone for Yanmar as part of its ongoing efforts toward sustainability,” adds Takes.
Takes notes that the plug-and-play feature was crucial in making the transition to electric power easy for both boatbuilders and owners. “By ensuring the E-Saildrive could fit existing engine mounts with no hull modifications, we minimised installation complexity,” he says.
Developing an integrated system with components such as the motor, controller, and cooling system required in-house design efforts to ensure optimal longevity, while maintaining simplicity.
Collaborations with partner boatbuilders are also of key importance, particularly in this period of transition for the industry where all companies are considering their eco optics and sustainability.
The influence and importance of investment was outlined in Marine Industry News magazine’s discussion with startup hub Yachting Ventures.
“The partnerships are essential for developing new products and driving innovation. A prime example of this collaboration is Yanmar’s work with Saffier Yachts, where the first-ever boat fitted with Yanmar’s SDe10 electric saildrive, the Saffier 33, was created.
“The collaboration with Saffier Yachts allowed Yanmar to integrate the SDe10 saildrive into a cutting-edge vessel without requiring significant modifications. Yanmar’s focus on maintaining long-term partnerships ensures that new innovations, like the E-Saildrive, meet the needs of boatbuilders and customers alike, driving both quality and technological advancement.”
In steps to make the manufacturer’s lineup more eco friendly, the full range of YMI diesel engines has been approved for the use of HVO100 fuel. “Today we are proud of our newly launched SDe Electric Saildrive series and our HVO100 compliance. But in line with our Green Challenge 2050 we will drive further innovations in this area. The marine industry can expect Yanmar to introduce more electric and hybrid solutions, reflecting its commitment to reducing greenhouse gases and achieving sustainability throughout the entire production chain.”
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