Suzuki Motor of America continues to test its microplastics collecting system at U.S. Marine Technical Center in Panama City, Fla. The company is expanding testing and data collection with local environmental organizations, boatbuilders and fishing guides.
The device is part of Suzuki’s Clean Ocean Project, an effort to reduce plastic waste in the marine environment. “Suzuki is applying its technical expertise, resources and manpower to help make a positive impact for aquatic environments worldwide,” the company said in a statement.
The system is designed for its outboards of 40 hp and higher. Installed under the cowling, the device filters cooling water as it passes through, collecting plastics and other pollutants. The cleaned water is then returned to the sea. A filter element is designed to be cleaned and reused, and a built-in bypass is said to prevent filter clogging or impeding other engine functions.
“Suzuki Marine is committed to keeping our waters and shorelines clean and healthy,” said vice president George Blakely. “When it becomes available to the boating public, this new filtering system will allow our customers to join our effort simply through the act of using their boats.”
Suzuki expects the system to be available toward the end of the year and into early 2022 as an option on its DF115 and 140 outboards.
In a separate statement, Suzuki Motor Corp. released the results of its 2020 fiscal year, April 2020 through March 2021.
For its marine business, net sales increased by 12 percent to JAP83.4 billion ($762 million), and operating profit was up 21 percent to JAP17.1 billion ($156.4 million). The main drivers were strong demand for large outboards, mainly in the North American market.
