Hydrogen-Hybrid Ship Retrofits

Newlight is advancing hydrogen-hybrid ship retrofits that combine hydrogen injection with AI-guided combustion control to improve the efficiency of existing diesel engines. Tested aboard a 199-meter Lomar Shipping bulk carrier, the system completed an 8,500-nautical-mile commercial voyage from Singapore to Ghana while reducing fuel consumption by 24% and CO2 emissions by 28%. Its controller continuously adjusts hydrogen injection according to engine load, speed and operating conditions without requiring full dependence on hydrogen fuel.

From a business perspective, the retrofit can be installed in one to two weeks without drydocking or vessel downtime, offering shipping companies an alternative to replacing existing fleets. Newlight projects annual savings of approximately $500,000 for comparable vessels and a payback period under 18 months. With commercial agreements covering 12 vessels, the technology could provide operators with a scalable route to lowering fuel expenses and shipborne emissions.