San Francisco Bay Area startup Newlight is bringing a new efficiency layer to cargo shipping with a hydrogen-injection system designed to work alongside existing diesel engines. The company says its retrofit can be installed in under two weeks, without a dry dock, making it a practical option for vessel operators.
Rather than replacing the engine, the system continuously analyzes performance data such as exhaust temperature, combustion pressure, and air intake pressure. It then injects compressed hydrogen at precisely timed moments to help reduce fuel demand and improve combustion efficiency.
According to Newlight, early results are promising. During a long-distance commercial voyage from Singapore to Ghana aboard a 650-foot bulk carrier operated by Lomar Shipping, the system reportedly cut fuel use by 24% and carbon dioxide emissions by 28%.
The startup says the technology can lower operating costs by as much as $500,000 per year for some vessels. Its first real-world deployment also helped the company secure a $9 million seed round, backed by investors including lomarlabs, BIRD Energy, Undeterred Capital, CiRi Ventures, and Fusion VC.
Newlight says it has already signed agreements to install the system on 12 vessels, with wider fleet expansion planned next year. While the team is currently focused on shipping, it sees potential for similar energy applications in other transport and infrastructure sectors. If the technology scales as expected, it could help shape a more efficient maritime future.
