Lomarlabs and Newlight: Pioneering Hydrogen-Diesel Hybrids for a Greener Maritime Future
In a bold move to tackle maritime emissions, Lomarlabs—the innovation powerhouse of Lomar Shipping—has teamed up with tech trailblazer Newlight to pilot hydrogen-diesel engine retrofits. This collaboration isn’t just about incremental change; it’s a moonshot to slash fuel consumption by up to 20% and significantly cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By retrofitting conventional diesel engines to run on a hydrogen-diesel mix, the duo is betting big on a hybrid solution that could redefine maritime decarbonization.
The project is set to hit the high seas in summer 2025, with a pilot installation on one of Lomar’s vessels. The goal? To collect real-world data through harbor and sea trials, building on workshop trials that have already demonstrated jaw-dropping fuel savings of up to 30%. If successful, this could be the spark that ignites a wave of retrofits across the industry.
Why Hydrogen-Diesel Hybrids Are a Game-Changer
At the heart of this initiative is Newlight’s dual-fuel retrofit technology—a low CapEx solution that’s as practical as it is innovative. Instead of waiting for the maritime industry to fully transition to pure hydrogen (a Herculean task), this tech allows existing vessels to integrate hydrogen as a supplementary fuel source. The result? A cleaner, more energy-efficient fleet without the need for a complete propulsion system overhaul.
“Hydrogen is the future, but the future can’t wait,” says Haran Cohen Hillel, CEO of Newlight. “By retrofitting today’s diesel engines to run on a hydrogen blend, we’re delivering immediate, scalable impact. It’s about decarbonizing ship by ship, starting now.”
Stylianos Papageorgiou, Managing Director of Lomarlabs, echoes this sentiment. “Decarbonization isn’t about waiting for the perfect fuel; it’s about acting now with every viable tool at our disposal. Newlight’s technology offers a cost-effective, scalable way to reduce emissions today.”
The Bigger Picture: A Race Against Time
Engine retrofits are emerging as a critical short-term solution for the maritime sector as it races to meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization targets. According to Lloyd’s Register’s latest Engine Retrofit Report, 2024 has seen a resurgence in retrofits, particularly for LNG marine fuel. However, the report also warns of a looming bottleneck: a lack of strong incentives for fuel producers to scale alternative fuel solutions.
This is where Lomarlabs and Newlight’s hydrogen-diesel hybrid approach could shine. By leveraging existing infrastructure and delivering immediate emissions reductions, the technology bridges the gap between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s solutions. It’s a pragmatic, forward-thinking strategy that could set a new standard for the industry.
