Panama City Awarded Bay County Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Industry Appreciation Innovation Award for Sustainable Marine Fuels Project

Panama City, FL – The City of Panama City is proud to announce it has been honored with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce's 2024 Industry Appreciation Innovation Award, recognizing its breakthrough collaboration with Suzuki Marine on the Sustainable Marine Fuels Project. 

The Bay County Chamber's Industry Appreciation Awards Program celebrates local industries that significantly enhance the economy and quality of life. This September, the Chamber has honored businesses that have demonstrated excellence in new business creation, innovation, and expansion within Bay County. 

The Innovation Award specifically highlights organizations that exemplify leadership in innovative practices. The City of Panama City's partnership with Suzuki Marine has led to the introduction of Hyperfuel PurfuelsTM, a high-performance, sustainable, ethanol-free 93-octane marine gasoline, now available for recreational boaters at the St. Andrews and Panama City Marina. This innovative fuel is expected to reduce recreational boating emissions by 30%, while maintaining performance and range. 

"We are honored to receive this award and to partner with Suzuki Marine in pioneering sustainable marine fuels," said Jonathan Hayes, City Manager. "This initiative not only showcases our commitment to environmental stewardship but also positions Panama City as a leader in innovative solutions for recreational boating." 

On July 2, 2024, officials announced that this sustainable marine fuel would be accessible at the St. Andrews marina fuel docks, marking the first time such a product has been offered in Florida. The ethanol-free fuel, made from renewable feedstocks like waste cooking oils and plant-based materials, provides a "drop-in" solution for the nation’s 12 million registered powerboats, requiring no modifications to existing engines or fuel systems. With a blend that is twice the concentration of ethanol, marinas can seamlessly integrate this renewable fuel without the need for special equipment. 

Following successful testing at its Panama City-based U.S. Technical Center, Suzuki Marine plans to expand availability to city-owned marinas, private marinas in northwest Florida, and eventually to the entire state.