Hydrogen-assisted engine retrofit provides emissions savings
Newlight’s system, together with a supply of hydrogen, can reduce a sizeable portion of emissions (Source: Newlight)
US technology company Newlight has reported fuel and emissions reductions from the first commercial voyage using its hydrogen-assisted engine retrofit system. The findings follow a trial aboard a Lomar Shipping bulk carrier.
The technology enables conventional diesel engines to operate on a blend of hydrogen and conventional fuel without replacing the main engine. Installed in less than two weeks without drydocking, the system uses a real-time control platform to regulate hydrogen injection during combustion while allowing the engine to continue operating on diesel alone when hydrogen is unavailable.
The retrofit was tested aboard the 57,000-dwt Oslo Trader during a voyage from Singapore to Ghana. According to Newlight, the vessel achieved a 24% reduction in fuel consumption, a 28% cut in carbon dioxide emissions and a 22% reduction in carbon monoxide emissions.
Chief Executive Haran Cohen Hillel said the system creates “a new energy layer for the diesel engines already powering the global economy”, allowing operators to improve efficiency without replacing existing machinery. The company estimates the technology could save a comparable vessel around USD 500,000 annually, with a payback period of less than 18 months.
The voyage was conducted using a fuel blend in which approximately one quarter of the engine's energy demand was met by hydrogen. Newlight said broader fleet deployments are planned next year and that commercial agreements have already been signed covering twelve vessels.
Lomar-backed innovation unit Lomarlabs supported the project and provided the trial vessel. Managing Director Stylianos Papageorgiou said the voyage demonstrated that hydrogen can be safely used to enhance conventional fuel combustion and reduce emissions aboard existing ships.
The trial comes as shipowners face increasing pressure to cut emissions under tightening international and regional regulations, while seeking retrofit options that can be deployed across existing fleets.
