e Spec
The e Spec concept is expressed into the day-to-day operation of Honda marine engines. Honda shall make every effort to continuously reduce emission and noise levels. Honda shall reduce CO2 emissions by means of increased fuel efficiency for engines and new frame related technologies for finished products.

So, no matter which Honda engine takes you out to sea, you can be sure it is taken the cleanest route possible.

Ultra low emissions Honda has demonstrated that ultra-low emission levels are not only possible, but the right thing to do to protect the waterways we enjoy and the air we breathe. In fact, Honda is the only manufacturer with every model in its range meeting the world’s toughest emission regulations, including EPA 2006 and CARB 2008. Furthermore, every Honda 4-stroke marine engine is engineered to our unique 'e-spec' standards that set the benchmark for both ultra low emissions and whisper quiet operation.

VELS
An emissions rating system will be introduced next month to help boat owners choose outboard engines based on emission information along with other features required to meet their usage requirements.

In a world first, the Outboard Engine Distributors Association of Australia (OEDA) announced today at the Brisbane International Boat Show a Voluntary Emission Labelling Scheme (VELS) that will come into effect on January 1, 2007. The voluntary code would be based on international emission regulations and is supported by the major outboard distributors including BRP, Honda, Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu and Yamaha.

Under the code, engines would have permanent, recognisable external labels that would identify the emission rating of the product.

The star rating system will be as follows:

• Zero star - High emission   - Generally 2-stroke engines
• One star - Low emission  - many 2-stroke engines
• Two star - Very low emission  - some 2 stroke direct injection and 4 stroke engines
• Three star - Ultra low emission  - most 2 stroke direct injection and 4 stroke engines
• Four star – Super ultra low emission –  for future technologies

Low emission engines reduce air pollution, use less fuel and oil, produce less noise and smell and have better resale value than higher emission engines. As well as investing in the most suitable technology when buying a new engine, the boating public could help the environment by ensuring boats and engines are kept in peak operating condition and being careful to avoid fuel spills.

The VELS system will begin to be phased in on new outboards from January 2007.