The marine propulsion market is growing and evolving, with new and different low- and zero-emissions products for commercial fishing vessels entering the design and production phase.
In recent times, companies on the Pacific coast and beyond have been, and continue to be, busy working on new and different engines and other devices that can help fishing boats operate faster and more efficiently while doing minimal harm to the environment.
Here’s a roundup of news about companies that in recent months have announced that they’re either bringing new propulsion technologies to market, or intend to do so within the next several months.
John Deere
In late January, marine engine maker Deere & Company, commonly known as John Deere, announced the unveiling of two new products—the JD14 and JD18 marine engines.
“With the addition of these engines, John Deere will be able to offer marine customers heavier duty cycles compared to the John Deere 13.5L 6135SFM85, and a more comprehensive power range, from 298 up to 599 kW (400 up to 803 hp),” the company said in a statement.
Production is expected to begin in 2026.
The JD18 marine engine is geared toward marine customers in commercial fishing, passenger vessels, and tugboat markets with its 18.0L displacement and anticipated power levels from 410 up to 599 kW (550 up to 803 hp).
“The JD18 engine will provide up to 522 kW (up to 700 hp) of uninterrupted power at the M1 rating and up to 599 kW (up to 803 hp) of power at the M2 rating,” the company said in a statement.
The JD14 marine engine is a 13.6L, 6-cylinder engine with an anticipated power range from 298 up to 599 kW (400 up to 803 hp). It’s expected to feature a reduced package size compared to the John Deere 13.5L 6135SFM85.
The company has said that the JD14 is suited for various workboat, pilot boat and pleasure craft applications.
In addition to the M propulsion ratings, both the JD14 and JD18 engines are to be available with variable-speed auxiliary and constant-speed auxiliary and generator ratings, the company stated.
“With the JD14 and JD18 marine engines, we’re able to deliver high performance and excellent fuel efficiency while providing the rugged durability our marine engines have become known for,” John Deere Power Systems Senior Vice President Pierre Guyot said.
“We’re thrilled to demonstrate our commitment to the marine industry through these new engines and to serve a new power class,” he added.
Among the new and improved features expected to be included in the JD14 and JD18 are:
- A high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) fuel system to optimize fluid consumption and help boost fuel economy for commercial operations facing tightening margins.
- A rear gear train that provides customers with up to two rear PTOs and capacity for auxiliary power.
- An overhead camshaft design and hydraulic lash adjusters to achieve better valve fit and eliminate valve lash maintenance.
- A higher duty cycle (compared to the John Deere 13.5L 6135SFM85) and up to a 500-hour extended fluid service interval, keeping vessels at work on the water longer.
Also, the JD14 and JD18 marine engines will be IMO Tier 2, EPA Tier 3 and EU RCD II certified, and will also be compatible with renewable diesel fuel and biodiesel blends, John Deere said.
Company global marketing and product strategy manager Michael Lefebvre said that although the John Deere name is synonymous with agricultural equipment, the company also makes equipment for the fishing industry.
“People may not realize it, but commercial fishermen and farmers have a lot in common when it comes to their power needs, including heavy duty cycles, easy-to-service components, and optimized fuel economy,” he remarked.
“Using our industrial engines as a strong foundation,” he added, “we are proud to bring these tough power solutions to the marine market.”
ACEL Power
In January, ACEL Power, a Vancouver, BC-based electric outboard marine propulsion systems manufacturer, announced that it had signed an agreement with Gospel Boat, a leading Chinese boat manufacturer, to advance electric propulsion solutions in the marine industry.
Gospel, which produces 1,400 boats annually—including pontoons, pro-fishers, catamarans, and center cabins—takes a significant step toward sustainability with the partnership, ACEL Power said.
Under a binding Letter of Intent, Gospel Boat, which is headquartered in Qingdao, China and has an office in Florida, has committed to purchasing 1,000 electric propulsion units from ACEL over a five-year period.
ACEL Power’s Intelligent Electric Series, launched in 2024, includes the IE 50 (50 HP), IE 75 (75 HP), IE 150 (150 HP), and IE 250 (250 HP) models, built for both commercial and recreational use.
The systems feature electric outboards, battery packs, intelligent power supply, smart chargers, digital throttles and onboard computers.
“With 95.8% powertrain efficiency and AC/DC fast-charging capabilities, the system ensures real-time performance monitoring through proprietary software,” ACEL said in a statement.
Gospel Boat has outlined a plan to electrify its product line, starting with at least 10% of its boats using electric propulsion in the first year and growing to 20% by the fifth year.
The electrification initiative, ACEL said, reflects Gospel’s commitment to sustainability, meeting the demands of eco-conscious consumers and regulations in North America and elsewhere.
The first batch of electric boats is slated for export by mid-2025.
ACL officially introduced its 250 HP electric outboard motor at key trade shows last fall, including the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans from Nov. 12-14, where the company made its first appearance in the U.S. commercial marine market.
“The commercial sector is ripe for electrification, and the International WorkBoat Show (was) the perfect platform to introduce our solutions to operators and industry leaders,” ACEL CEO Anthony Liu commented.
“It was a pleasure to test the ACEL propulsion system. We think it’s going to be a great leap in the marine industry,” Barracuda Boats President Anthony Kalil said. “It exceeded my expectation for smooth delivery of power, precise throttle control and efficiency. We look forward to partnering with ACEL and breaking new ground in the industry.”
“With 250 horsepower and instant torque, this high-performance motor ensures smooth, quiet acceleration and superior handling for larger vessels,” ACEL said in a statement. “Engineered for both freshwater and saltwater, the motor is made with corrosion-resistant materials for durability and low maintenance.”
Its advanced electric powertrain “guarantees zero emissions,” according to the company. The motor also features proprietary ACEL Power technology that allows real-time monitoring by users of battery life, range and performance.
“The 250 HP model provides a sustainable, efficient alternative to traditional gas engines, offering significant operational savings over time,” according to ACEL.
Electric Lobster Boat
In December, Canada-based marine engineering company Allswater said that it and a handful of partners are working on a first-of-its kind all-electric commercial lobster fishing boat.
“By integrating a battery-electric propulsion, we’re helping to develop a boat that not only reduces emissions but also lowers operating costs for fishers,” Allswater said in a statement. “The goal? To create a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable future for the fleet, while allowing fishers to operate as they do today.”
Allswater said that the project, whose participants also include the Membertou First Nation tribal government, non-profit conservation group Oceans North and electronics manufacturer BlueGrid, marks a significant step toward transforming the lobster fishing industry.
“By collaborating with experts in design and technology, we’re working together to create a boat that meets the needs of local fishers while reducing their carbon footprint,” Allswater said.
The project also incorporates bi-directional charging, which means the boat can feed power back into the grid when it’s not in use.
“This unique feature not only benefits the environment but also provides ongoing financial incentives for fishers,” Allswater explained. “It’s a win-win: cleaner energy, lower costs, and a more resilient community energy system.”
The partners have not revealed a timeline for completion of the project, but did say in December that it’s entering a new stage.
“As we move into the next phase—building and testing the boat—it’s clear that Lektrike’l Walipotl is more than just a boat; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets tradition,” the company said. “At Allswater, we’re proud to be part of this project, and we’re eager to see the ripple effect it will have on the lobster fishing industry.”
McLaren Engineering
Also in December, McLaren Engineering, as subsidiary of Ontario, Canada-based manufacturing company Linamar Corp., announced a new alliance with Honda Marine, a business division of American Honda Motor Co.
Under the agreement, McLaren and Honda Marine are collaborating on the production of the McLaren Performance M300, a 300 horsepower outboard marine engine.
The all-new McLaren Performance M300 engines are based on the existing high-power Honda BF250 hp marine platform, the Honda 3.6-liter V6 engine, which has technologies that include:
- Honda VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), which includes a blend of power, torque and efficiency and is a shared technology with Honda vehicles.
- Honda Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST) command and control system, which has plug-and-play installation of Honda Marine products and third-party controls and devices.
- Programmed fuel injection, which delivers precise amounts of fuel and air to each cylinder, for easy starting, instant throttle response and low fuel consumption/fuel efficiency.
- A dual channel, indirect-air-circuit induction system for optimal airflow, as it directs moisture away from throttle body; and a two-pass cooling system for long-term durability.
- Tough corrosion resistance: the Honda Corrosion Protection System components incorporate high-corrosion resistant aluminum alloy; fresh-water flush port directs debris and saltwater out of engine; and an extreme-duty, durable gear case.
- Engine Alert System monitors vital engine functions and alerts the operator of engine function status.
- Simplified maintenance: reduced maintenance time for routine tasks; a three-latch lock and seal cover design; NMEA 2000 compatibility for interface of engine data with on-board systems and systems displays.
- A transferable, non-declining, five-year warranty.
McLaren Engineering is performing performance-tune base models of Honda BF250 high-power engines to enhance top-end power (to 300 hp) and mid-range torque.
Performance modifications include the integration of a new camshaft for enhanced valve timing and high lift; a new Engine Control Unit (ECU) that controls protection and boosts efficiencies (IG mapping, knock control); new fuel injectors for higher fuel supply; and higher fuel efficiency (3.5+ MPG@cruise, 90 octane).
“The result is a performance-inspired outboard engine with an improved horsepower to weight ratio that offers top-end power for boats in the 24 ft. and higher segment, including pontoons and fiberglass boats, for inland and coastal fishing and pleasure boating,” McLaren said in a statement.
The McLaren Engineering-Honda relationship dates to 2014 when McLaren Engineering’s parent, Linamar Corp., began supplying components to the American Honda engines manufacturing facility in Anna, Ohio.
Now, McLaren Engineering has extended its research & development and performance to Honda Marine outboard motors.
“Our collaboration with McLaren Engineering to enhance marine engine technology, coupled with the recent introduction of our new BF350 marine engine, illustrate our next-level strategy and how we intend to move forward with the Honda Marine business to make our customers successful,” Honda Marine Division Director Daniel Sherlock said.
“Honda Marine is transforming, and our mission is to be a marine mobility leader,” he added. “We are capitalizing on the technology of Honda worldwide and further developing strategic alliances that produce performance-inspired power product offerings.”