Startup Adds AI-Guided Hydrogen Injection to Cargo Ship Diesel Engines

California startup Newlight Marine Technologies has built a system that uses an AI controller to inject small amounts of hydrogen into existing diesel engines on cargo ships. An 8,500-nautical-mile trial cut fuel use by 24% and CO2 and CO emissions by 28% and 22%, saving operators an estimated $500,000 per ship annually.

• Trial on a 650-foot bulk carrier: 24% fuel savings, CO2 down 28%, CO down 22%
• AI controller adjusts hydrogen injection in real time based on combustion data
• System pays for itself in 18 months, saving up to $500,000 per ship per year
• 12 confirmed orders and two vessels already running the hybrid setup