Newlight has completed the first long-range commercial voyage using its hydrogen-hybrid energy system aboard a Lomar Shipping bulk carrier.
The company reported a 24% reduction in fuel consumption during an 8,500-nautical-mile voyage from Singapore to Ghana.
Newlight also reported a 28% reduction in CO₂ emissions and a 22% reduction in carbon monoxide emissions during the tests.
Hydrogen system tested over 8,500 nautical miles
The technology was installed aboard a 199-metre, 57,038-dwt Lomar bulk carrier.
Newlight’s system combines hydrogen injection with real-time combustion control. It is designed to improve the performance of existing diesel engines without requiring their replacement.
The controller continuously adjusts hydrogen injection according to engine load, speed and operating conditions.
Importantly, the vessel can continue operating solely on diesel when hydrogen is unavailable.
According to Newlight, the system can be installed on existing vessels in one to two weeks without drydocking. The company also says vessels can remain operational during installation.
Newlight targets wider fleet deployment
Following the voyage, Newlight is moving towards broader commercial deployment of the technology.
The company has signed agreements covering 12 vessels across several shipping companies, with wider fleet rollouts planned for 2027.
Based on the performance recorded during the Lomar voyage, Newlight estimates that the technology could save a similar vessel around US$500,000 annually.
It also projects a payback period of less than 18 months. These estimates are based on Newlight’s assessment of the test results.
Lomar sees retrofit potential for existing ships
The project was supported through lomarlabs, Lomar’s maritime innovation venture.
“This voyage has demonstrated that hydrogen can safely be managed and used onboard, to enhance the combustion of HFO and reduce emissions,” said Stylianos Papageorgiou, Managing Director at lomarlabs.
The retrofit is designed to inject a relatively small amount of hydrogen into the existing diesel combustion process rather than replacing conventional fuel entirely.
Newlight said its system has also received regulatory approval from classification society RINA.
The commercial voyage represents a move from testing towards multi-vessel deployment for the technology, as shipowners explore options to improve the efficiency of existing fleets without replacing their main engines.
