Leslie Massey
Two-stroke outboard motors have been a popular choice for Australian boaters for decades due to their affordability, power, and lightweight design. However, concerns about their environmental impact have led to growing calls for stricter emission regulations. While there is no blanket ban on two-stroke outboard motors in Australia, new emission standards target high-emission engines, effectively banning the sale of new carburettor and EFI two-stroke outboards without direct fuel-injection technology. This shift towards cleaner technology aims to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality, bringing Australia closer to international standards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are two-stroke outboard motors banned in Australia? | No, but there is a ban on any high-emission engine. |
| Emission regulations | Emission regulations for outboard motors are inevitable. |
| US model | Based on Averaging, Banking and Trading which allow manufacturers to offset "dirty" two-stroke engines with cleaner technology. |
| US standard | De facto world standard that ensures Australians have the widest product choices at the lowest price. |
| US emission laws | Put pressure on manufacturers to develop cleaner-burning four-stroke technology for marine products. |
| Emission standards | Standards for small petrol engines up to 19kW (25Hp) include mowers, generators, chainsaws, and all marine engines. |
| Emission limit | Limit for new imports starting in 2018. |
| Ground-supported machines | Only four-strokes will meet the standard. |
| Hand-held machines | A more generous standard where quality two-strokes and most existing four-strokes survive. |
| Marine | Four-strokes and the unique Direct Injection two-stroke outboards will pass. |
| Date of implementation | 1 July 2018. |
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What You'll Learn
- The ban on two-stroke outboard motors in Australia is not a blanket ban on two-strokes, but a ban on high-emission engines
- The new emissions regulations will only cover imported outboard motors
- The Australian Marine Engine Council (AMEC) has been pushing for new emissions regulations for outboard motors
- The US model for boat engine regulations is based on a range of criteria, including averaging, banking, and trading
- The Australian standards for emissions will be based on the USA EPA rules
The ban on two-stroke outboard motors in Australia is not a blanket ban on two-strokes, but a ban on high-emission engines
The Australian government has implemented new emissions standards for small petrol engines, including two-stroke outboard motors, to combat the harmful effects of emissions on human health. While this has resulted in a ban on certain high-emission engines, it is not a blanket ban on all two-stroke engines.
The new regulations, which came into effect on July 1, 2018, set limits on the emissions of imported outboard motors. This means that while the sale of new high-emission two-stroke engines is prohibited, existing two-stroke engines are not affected by the ban and can continue to be used and sold second-hand. The new standards target not only outboard motors but also other small engines such as mowers, generators, chainsaws, and brushcutters.
The push for these regulations was driven by the recognition that two-stroke engines produce significantly more harmful emissions than four-stroke engines. For example, a carbie 8hp two-stroke engine emits 59% more emissions per hour than a 150hp four-stroke outboard. Additionally, two-stroke engines were found to produce up to 11 times the pollutants per hour when compared to four-stroke engines. As a result, the new emissions standards aim to reduce pollution and fuel consumption, with four-stroke engines using 30% less fuel than their two-stroke counterparts.
The Australian Marine Engine Council (AMEC) and the Blue Sky Alliance, which includes the Outdoor Power Equipment Association, have been instrumental in advocating for these changes. The Blue Sky Alliance has introduced a product labelling system to help identify small engines that meet the proposed emissions standards. Additionally, the Australian government has appointed Clean Air Champions, such as Gary Fooks, to represent the needs of the marine industry and ensure a practical and low-cost implementation of the new regulations.
While the ban on high-emission two-stroke outboard motors may have marked the end of an era for two-stroke technology in Australia, it is important to note that this ban specifically targets high-emission engines and does not include all two-stroke engines.
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The new emissions regulations will only cover imported outboard motors
The Australian government has been considering introducing new emissions regulations for non-road engines, including outboard motors, since 2006. The new regulations would only apply to imported outboard motors, with existing two-stroke outboard stocks being unaffected.
The new emissions standards are expected to be based on the USA EPA rules, with certifications from the US, EU, Canada, and California (CARB) accepted. The regulations will cover small petrol engines up to 19kW (25Hp) and include mowers, generators, chainsaws, and all marine engines (outboards, inboards, and jet skis).
The Australian Marine Engine Council (AMEC) has been advocating for the new emissions standards, emphasizing that they will not include exemptions for small outboard engines. According to AMEC, a carbie 8hp two-stroke engine emits 59% more per hour than a 150hp four-stroke outboard, making exemptions unviable.
The new regulations were initially planned for early 2016 but were delayed due to the Federal election. The introduction of the new emissions standards was then legislated for July 1, 2018, with importers given up to nine months to plan for final old-tech shipments.
It is important to note that the new emissions regulations are not a ban on two-stroke engines but rather an emissions limit for new imports. This means that while the import and sale of new high-emission two-stroke engines will be banned, existing two-stroke engines will still be allowed.
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The Australian Marine Engine Council (AMEC) has been pushing for new emissions regulations for outboard motors
The Australian Marine Engine Council (AMEC) has been at the forefront of pushing for new emissions regulations for outboard motors in Australia. AMEC is an industry lobby group representing BRP Evinrude, Honda Marine, Suzuki Marine, Volvo Penta, and other notable brands. It was formed in 2009 by key industry representatives due to growing discontent with the Outboard Engine Distributors Association (OEDA)'s inability to commit to sustainable boating practices.
AMEC has been advocating for the introduction of emissions standards to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable marine industry. According to a Cost-Benefit Analysis report from 2007, old-technology, high-emission engines heavily pollute Australian waters, and AMEC believes that adopting world environmental standards is crucial. They propose aligning Australian industry standards with global environmental norms, promoting clean technologies, and working with governments on marine park management strategies.
AMEC has been instrumental in driving the conversation around emission regulations for outboard motors. They propose adopting the US standard as it ensures Australians have the widest product choices at the lowest price. Additionally, they support a product labelling system to identify small engines that meet the proposed emissions standards. According to a report by Gary Fooks and David Heyes, approximately half of the outboards and lawnmowers sold in Australia do not meet these standards.
While the government has been considering emission reduction strategies since 2006, AMEC's efforts have contributed to the government's growing likelihood of introducing new regulations governing emissions for non-road engines, including outboard motors. These new regulations would cover imported outboard motors and include fuel evaporation in the emissions standards, with practical, low-cost regulations in mind. AMEC's initiatives are part of the Federal Environment Minister's proposed National Clean Air Agreement, demonstrating their significant influence on shaping Australia's approach to emissions from outboard motors.
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The US model for boat engine regulations is based on a range of criteria, including averaging, banking, and trading
Two-stroke outboard engines have been a popular choice for Australian boaters for decades due to their affordability and power relative to their lightweight construction. However, their environmental impact has brought them under scrutiny.
In 2015, the Australian government was considering adopting the US model for boat engine regulations, which is based on a range of criteria, including averaging, banking, and trading. This model permits manufacturers to offset "dirty" two-stroke engines with cleaner technology. Under this system, emission credits are earned or retained by manufacturers for producing engines that emit less pollution than the standard. These credits can then be used to offset engines that do not meet emission standards.
The US model also includes a product labelling system that identifies small engines that meet the proposed emissions standards. This system was proposed by the Australian Marine Engine Council (AMEC), which represents major outboard engine manufacturers.
While the US model was considered a viable option, the Australian government wanted to minimise the cost to the marine industry. As a result, it was suggested that Australia could follow the Canadian model, which accepts US emissions labels instead of imposing the cost of creating a unique Australian label.
The new emissions regulations in Australia were eventually implemented in 2018, banning the sale of new carburettor-equipped two-stroke outboard engines that do not meet the emission standards. However, the ban does not cover existing two-stroke engines or those bought second-hand.
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The Australian standards for emissions will be based on the USA EPA rules
Australia's product emissions standards are based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Phase III exhaust emissions standards. Products that meet the US Phase III standards will also meet the Australian standards.
The Australian government has recognised that the US model is based on a range of different criteria, including Averaging, Banking and Trading, which allow manufacturers to offset "dirty" two-stroke engines with cleaner technology. This has influenced their decision to adopt the US standard, which is also the de facto world standard.
The Australian Marine Engine Council (AMEC) has been instrumental in pushing for new emissions standards for NRSIEE (non-road spark-ignition engines) and marine spark-ignition engines. These standards were originally planned for early 2016, but the introduction of new emissions standards was delayed by a year due to the Federal election. The new standards for all petrol marine engines, including outboards, inboards, and PWCs, were legislated in 2017 and commenced on July 1, 2018.
To ensure compliance with Australian emissions standards, importers must confirm that the products are labelled in accordance with the foreign standards under which they are certified and obtain certificates of conformity. Products with US EPA certification only require the US EPA marking or labelling as mandated by US EPA standards.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not a blanket ban on 2-stroke outboard motors. Instead, it is a ban on any high-emission engine. The new emissions regulations cover new imported outboard motors.
The new emissions standards for all petrol marine engines were legislated in 2017 and came into effect on July 1, 2018.
Alternatives to 2-stroke outboard motors in Australia include four-stroke engines and direct injection two-stroke outboard engines, which meet the new emissions standards.
