Yamaha Motor Co. is joining a development and proof-of-concept project with Finnish non-profit Central Finland Mobility Foundation (CEFMOF) to build a hydrogen-powered sauna boat, in what will be the company’s first initiative exploring a marine application that combines hydrogen and electric power.
CEFMOF, established by the City of Jyväskylä, the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team and the Toyota Mobility Foundation, promotes carbon neutrality through sustainable mobility and urban development.
Under the project, electricity generated by hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen cartridges will power Yamaha’s Harmo electric boat control system – to propel the vessel and run a hydrogen-fueled sauna, a new sauna type jointly developed by Harvia and Toyota Motor Corporation that uses heat generated by hydrogen combustion.
Harmo is a boat control and propulsion system that integrates an electric propulsion unit, steering system and other components. Using a rim-drive propulsion setup, it delivers efficient thrust with particularly strong propulsion at low speeds, along with low vibration and quiet operation intended to offer a comfortable onboard environment and smooth handling.
For the project, Yamaha will supply Harmo units along with technical and personnel support for installation on the boat. The company emphasized that this is a proof-of-concept project only, with no commercialization or sales currently being considered.
Once developed, the sauna boat is scheduled to be unveiled at Rally Finland, a round of the FIA World Rally Championship, which will be held in Finland on July 30-August 2, 2026.
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