Global Testing Continues at U.S. Marine Technical Center in Panama City, Florida
Tampa, FL (May 11, 2021) — Leading innovator Suzuki Marine is actively testing its new micro-plastics filter device and is moving closer to making this product available to boaters across the United States and around the world. This device is but one part of the company’s larger Clean Oceans Project initiative, through which Suzuki is applying its technical expertise, resources and manpower to help make a positive impact for aquatic environments worldwide.
Previewed to the world’s boating industry in Fall 2020 as the first micro-plastics collection device designed for installation on outboard motors, Suzuki has continued to test and refine this product, which has the power to make Suzuki owners part of the solution to the global challenge of micro-plastics pollution. Filter systems have arrived in the United States and are currently being tested on vessels stationed at the new Suzuki Marine USA Technical Center in Panama City, Florida.
The plan is to test run the filters on these engines and document their effectiveness in collecting various types of micro-plastics pollution. Micro-plastic pollution is created when bottles, bags, wrappers and other trash thrown into the ocean are broken down into smaller and smaller pieces by the sun, salt water and wave action.
While micro-plastic particles are tiny — smaller than 5mm as defined by N.O.A.A. — they present a huge environmental challenge for aquatic environments and animals. Not only are these particles hard to detect and remove, but they are also often ingested by turtles, fish and other sea creatures, causing harm and even death.
Suzuki’s innovative micro-plastics filter is designed to integrate with the outboard motor’s cooling system, allowing a specially engineered filter screen to collect this pollution as owners drive their boats. The system is designed so that the filter element can be cleaned of debris as needed and re-used, with a built-in bypass that will prevent a clogged filter from ever causing engine performance or overheating issues. Suzuki has engineered this device to be easily installed under then engine cowl, effortless to use and easy to clean and maintain for boaters.
“Protecting the marine environment for future generations has always been important to Suzuki,” said George “Gus” Blakely, Vice President of Suzuki Marine. “Whether by innovating new technology, reducing the use of plastics in our products, packaging and shipping, or putting on gloves and rolling up our sleeves to pick up trash off the beach, Suzuki Marine is committed to keeping our waters and shorelines clean and healthy. 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,” added Blakely.
The next stage of testing will involve working with other environmental organizations, boat builders, fishing guides and others to expand data collection and prepare the device for eventual use by the public. Suzuki plans to make the micro-plastics filter available as an optional accessory for selected models, beginning with its popular DF115/140 outboards. First public availability is slated for Winter 2021/early 2022.
To learn more about Suzuki Marine’s Clean Oceans Project initiatives, or its full line of clean-running 4-stroke outboard motors from 2.5 to 350 horsepower, please call (813) 687-7200 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
