Of course, sustaining our levels of business
requires the right people, and we invested in people, competencies, and our global network.
While our growth rate makes recruitment an ongoing challenge, in 2022, we increased the number of colleagues that support the marine sector by more
than 10% to over 1000 located worldwide.
These include bringing in new competencies to support environmental aspects, digitalisation, cyber
security, and specialist areas such as alternative fuels and hydrodynamics to support the
decarbonisation of the industry.
We experienced significant growth in Greece, where we have
invested a great deal, but also in regions such as SE Asia and Northern Europe, where our client
portfolio is expanding. In Italy, we hold around 93% of the market share, and the focus is very much on
maintaining our business.
RINA is one of the leading class societies for passenger ships and
ferries. With the relaxation of the COVID restrictions, we saw a substantial recovery of this
business in 2022. However, except for containers, the new build market is still relatively quiet, but we
had significant success in the number of new builds for car and truck carriers.
RINA is talking with almost every client about decarbonisation - but we are
not just talking, we are finding practical and doable solutions for shipowners.
We approach decarbonisation from three angles: alternative fuels,
ship design, and operational excellence to ensure the crew operates the ship at the maximum
possible efficiency to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In all three of these areas, we
introduced several new services in 2022. These included the “Innovative Ships” concept, which follows
several joint development projects with key partners. This highly successful approach produced the
Approval in Principle (AiP) of an LNG/Hydrogen Fuelled VLCC and a hydrogen-powered MR tanker,
conceived by RINA and designed by FKAB: the first vessel of its kind to meet IMO 2050 targets with
currently viable technology and fuels.
Cooperation between Aurelia Green Ship Concept Design and RINA generated the new design concept
of a RORO vessel for transporting ro-ro cargo, with electric propulsion using highly compressed
hydrogen as fuel. RINA is also part of the Goal Zero Consortium and has been awarded funding by the
Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) to develop, deploy
and commercialise a fully electric cargo vessel in interoperable swappable battery infrastructure
solutions for the Port of Singapore. Construction started in September 2022, and RINA was appointed as
the classification society for the vessel.
Along with hydrogen production onboard vessels, we have also carried out studies into the use of
methanol and ammonia as alternative fuels, highlighting the pros and cons of different options. In
addition, RINA carried out a Joint Development Project with SDARI on an ammonia-fuelled MR tanker in
2022.
RINA continues to invest in digital tools to support the shipping industry.
During 2022, 23 new clients and 282 new vessels started to use Digital Solutions, bringing the total
number of vessels using our digital solutions to more than 2000. New provisions included Voyage
Optimisation and Voyage Monitoring tools. Voyage Optimisation guides a ship on an optimal route based
on arrival time, weather, currents, ship type, etc. It is designed to save fuel, reduce operating
costs, and improve CII rating.
Voyage Monitoring allows shipowners to follow a vessel’s voyage to confirm that the planned route
is being followed. If the ship deviates, the system will raise alarms to alert the crew.
The Leonardo Fleet and VRS (Vessel reporting system) was developed in 2022 and will be released in
2023. Leonardo Fleet will bring an overview of the fleet status to shipping companies, and the VRS
system will enable vessels to report MRV, DCS, noon reports and all other reports in a completely
flexible way.
One of the highlights of 2022 was the launch of RINA MAXIMA at the Monaco Yacht Show. This provides a complete
service package for custom megayachts, including digital tools, sustainability, and decarbonisation
aspects. The product has proved a considerable success, and during the year, we have gained more than
300 new projects for luxury yachts >40m.
We have attended hundreds of conferences and discussion groups and recognise
that the decarbonisation of the shipping industry will be based on
more than one solution. Every shipowner will have different options, depending on multiple
factors, such as ship type, market served, and clients. Choosing the right option presents a huge risk
to their business, and we see RINA more and more helping, supporting and advising stakeholders in the
shipping industry on how to de-risk their path to decarbonisation.
We have attended hundreds of conferences and discussion groups and recognise that
t
he decarbonisation of the shipping industry will be based on more than one
solution. Every shipowner will have different options, depending on multiple factors, such as ship
type, market served, and clients. Choosing the right option presents a huge risk to their business, and we see
RINA more and more helping, supporting and advising stakeholders in the shipping industry on how to de-risk
their path to decarbonisation.
Super-fast, zero-emission catamaran to support sailboats in
the America’s Cup
In a project starting in 2022 and due for completion in early 2024, RINA is providing
services to support the construction of the unique “Chase Boat”, a super-fast, zero-emission,
11-metre catamaran. The vessel can travel at speeds of up to 50 knots and has been designed to
support sailboats in the America’s Cup. Its innovative design includes a hydrogen powertrain
with pressurised hydrogen, fuel cells, batteries, electrical motors, and foils attached to the
catamaran bottom plating. The hull shell is designed for high speed and will be made of carbon
fibre. Very few vessels in the world match Chase Boat’s capabilities.
Hydrogen-powered megayacht
The Baglietto shipyard’s B-Zero is a design for a 50m superyacht fitted with solar panels,
an electrolyser, pressurised hydrogen systems, fuel cells, and batteries. It is the first
real-scale design application of hydrogen-related technologies to a mega yacht. RINA is
supporting Baglietto with design verification and compliance services. Baglietto will evaluate
the possibility of proceeding into a construction phase for possible delivery in
2028.
The first RINA class ship to be propelled by hydrogen
The research project TecBIA (Technologies with Low Environmental Impact to produce energy
on naval vessels) by Fincantieri, co-financed by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development,
aims to validate the sustainable technology of fuel cells for naval applications through the
construction of the prototype ship named ZEUS (Zero Emission Ultimate Ship) with hybrid
propulsion. RINA classified Zeus in October 2022 as the first RINA Classed ship capable of
being propelled by Hydrogen.
About 25 meters long and weighing about 170 tons, ZEUS’s primary objective is that of a
floating laboratory to study fuel cells. The vessel will be the first real test for the
application of fuel cells to power a ship, the results of which will enable the client to
evaluate the use of this technology on a wider scale.
Data Collection and analysis of different biodiesel/MGO
blends give an understanding of decarbonisation options
The route to decarbonisation can be pursued with different solutions, and using biodiesel
is one starting point. RINA supported a biodiesel testing programme which collected and
analysed emissions data using biodiesel blended with MGO at different percentages. The project
aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the use of biodiesel onboard a tanker for the reduction
of overall emissions, in particular carbon dioxide, measuring emissions while the vessel was
sailing across the English Channel. This project was important, helping the industry
understand the options for decarbonisation and their effects on emissions to meet new IMO
regulations.
The effectiveness of biodiesel in reducing emissions will depend on the characteristics of
each vessel, but this programme demonstrated that emissions were lower with greater
percentages of biodiesel. RINA supported the project with engineers and project management
services and witnessed the procedure for collecting data. It provided the measurement
instrument, advice on where to place sensors and how to take measurements, and a full data
input worksheet.
Ensuring compliance of new technology with international regulations
Fuel cell technology is used for onshore applications but is new to the marine sector. It
offers a solution to reduce carbon emissions, but vessels must comply with international
regulations and standards. To support this, RINA carried out risk assessment, facilitation,
worksheet preparation and issued the final report for the installation of eight fuel cell
systems on Meyer Werft’s new build cruise LR classed vessel, SilverNova.
Each fuel cell system will deliver 500kW (max) to the ship grid to be used during harbour
operations. RINA reviewed the procedure of Fuel cell operation using the HAZOP (Hazard and
Operability study) process, employing engineers along with Risk Assessment and Fuel Cell
Systems experts to carry out the work. The shipyard, fuel cell manufacturer, vessel owner and
vessel operator were present in the HAZOP sessions to discuss the hazards related to the fuel
cell operation.
Ensuring the FSRU meets
regulations and client requirements
RINA has been awarded the contract for support services to SNAM for the Golar Tundra FSRU
dry-dock refurbishment. These include a review of the Works Specification, including
refurbishment scope and modification yard contract; technical assistance during the project;
design and document review; survey of refurbishment activities; trials after work is
completed; and supervision of the cooling down procedure. Its services will ensure the work
meets the client’s requirements and compliance with all applicable rules and regulations
(International Rules, Flag Rules, class rules, and international standards).
Finding the right vessel
for the job
In 2022, RINA was awarded a contract for consultancy services to define the technical
specifications of a ship to be used to repair marine cables. It will provide market analysis
on potential operating areas in the Mediterranean Sea, issue TERNA with the main
characteristics of the vessel, give an indication of the upgrade process for a supply vessel
capable of performing the cable repair operations, draft the minimum technical details for the
purchase of a vessel for an upgrade, provide a general overview of the Class notation and
relevant certification for the selected unit, and produce 3D modelling of the ship.
The first RINA Green Plus
class HSC hybrid fast vessels will have an environmentally friendly profile with fuel and
energy-saving solutions onboard
Liberty Lines has ordered nine new high-speed passenger ships for the Spanish Armon
shipyard to be delivered between 2023 and 2026, with an option for nine further vessels to be
delivered between 2027 and 2030. The vessels will be equipped with hybrid propulsion
Rolls-Royce Mtu engines. Their design is the result of over two years of collaboration between
Liberty Lines, the Armon shipyard, Rolls-Royce, RINA, and Australian designers Incat Crowther.
The new vessels will be the first HSC hybrid fast units to obtain the RINA Green Plus class.
RINA is providing services to revising the Safety Management System manual and procedures used
on board the ships and within Liberty Lines in compliance with the IMO ISM code and laws and
regulations of the Italian Administration using its ‘Hydrogen Ready’ expertise.
Hybrid LNG/battery RORO
In a contract awarded in 2022 with scheduled completion in 2024, RINA is providing
supervision of the construction at the shipyard and classification of the Sefine NB 60- Gas
Fuelled Battery powered RORO Passenger Vessel. The vessel is 133.6m long, with a maximum
passenger capacity of 1500 persons. It will be powered by a combination of LNG and battery
units, providing an environmentally friendly profile with fuel and energy-saving
solutions.
Addressing the safety of small vessels in more
adequately
In the absence of harmonised EU safety standards, small passenger ships need to be
carefully checked against fragmented national standards. In the second-hand market, in case of
not conformities in safety requirements, the vessel has to be modified and re-certified, with
all associated additional costs.
In a project completed in 2022, RINA developed a prototype common EU performance-based
framework for small passenger ships. With full responsibility for the project, the RINA team
included experts in passenger ship rules and regulations and project management. The work
included assessing possible technical and implementation options, consultation with EU
stakeholders, and impact analysis. The performance-based approach will provide flexibility for
manufacturers and regulators while setting a common safety benchmark.
Introducing better risk
models for grounding and collision
For over 20 years, FLARE has bought together key stakeholders from industry, academia and
policymakers involved in ship flooding risk research on passenger ships. It offers a unique
knowledge base and capability to support targeted new developments, new risk control options
and expedite implementation.
Using damage stability and safety experts, RINA defined and validated a new flooding risk
assessment model capable of evaluating any impending emergency with an evaluation of the
safety level in the design phase and in real time. The platform provides the crew with
critical decision support information during emergencies and gives designers invaluable
feedback to understand the effect of active and passive flood mitigation measures.
The platform provides a risk-based methodology for flooding risk assessment and control,
focusing on passenger ships. The flooding simulation tools afford a risk model for flooding
incidents, accounting for collision and grounding with a focus on cost-effective risk
containment in emergencies, with potential application for newbuilds and existing ships.
Results of the project have been submitted at IMO (SDC 9) as recommendations to improve SOLAS
regulations.
The next generation of lifesaving appliances and systems on
high-capacity passenger ships
In extreme scenarios and conditions, timely evacuation of high-capacity passenger ships
requires fast and accurate evaluation of the ship’s condition and estimation of remaining
evacuation time. In a project completed at the end of 2022, RINA provided safety, ship
lifesaving appliances and evacuation, and digital system experts to redefine the evacuation
processes, evacuation systems/equipment and international regulations for passenger ships in
all environments, hazards and weather conditions. Independent of demographics, the new,
integrated system collectively monitors, processes and informs passengers and crew of optimal
evacuation routes during emergency scenarios while providing advanced, intuitive and
easy-to-use LSA. It provides clear instructions to facilitate safely guiding passengers to
safety in an emergency to reduce the total time required for ship evacuation without reliance
on specific skills or experience.
Using modern digital tools to predict energy saving and emission reduction
RINA performed a comparative study of four different energy-saving devices to be installed
on the chemical tanker, Tommaso S. By analysing the operational profile and shape of the
vessel, RINA used Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis to produce a simulation and
evaluate the devices. The study's outcome provided a comparison of the maximum efficiency
gained by each device and estimated return on investmen.
The most advanced cable layer to date
RINA will supervise the construction, testing and classification of the new, cutting-edge
Prysmian Group cable-laying vessel to be designed and constructed by Fincantieri. The vessel,
which follows the delivery of the “Leonardo da Vinci” vessel in 2021, will be specialised for
advanced subsea operations and is intended to be the most capable cable layer in its market.
The development of smart and sustainable power grid infrastructure is key to enabling the
energy transition, and submarine cables are an essential component. The new vessel will have
substantially the same hull as the Leonardo Da Vinci, a length of approximately 170 m and a
breadth of about 34 m. With highly efficient and green engines, it will cut NOX emissions by
85%.
Using digital tools to reduce costs and increase the
efficiency of ship design and production phases
RINA uses the latest digital tools to approve the piping systems and structures of towing
winch settings for the H260 Kocaçay IV RI100993. The RINA ship approval platform defines
critical survey aspects in advance. It is designed to lessen the number of remarks to increase
efficiency and productivity during all ship life phases and reduce time and costs during the
design and production phases.
A decarbonisation solution
for vessels using current technology
In partnership with FKAB, Wartsila, ABB and Helibo, RINA is working on a project to design
an MR tanker using hydrogen as fuel. The tanker design is based on combining LNG with steam in
a Helbio gas reformer to split LNG molecules into hydrogen and CO2. Hydrogen is then directly
used to fuel the internal combustion engines and fuel cells in a hybrid marine power system by
ABB. The CO2 is captured by splitting the LNG molecules rather than from exhaust gas.
The percentage of hydrogen used can be progressively increased to maintain a top CII rating
throughout the ship's life, reducing CO2 emissions in a parallel slope with the applicable
regulations. The ship can meet full decarbonisation targets by running the engine on 100%
hydrogen or produce all the required power by fuel cells. In this way, the owner can decide
the rate of CO2 reduction. The innovative approach provides a novel solution for decarbonising
new ships with a currently available, technically viable, practical solution that meets IMO
2050 targets.
Evaluating legislative
developments
RINA is providing classification of the new Moby Fantasy RO-PAX vessel. The ship has been
designed with solutions that will make it possible to lower emissions without compromising
performance. Innovative scrubbers are being used to enable the vessel to switch from
traditional power to LNG. The Moby Fantasy will be the first RO-PAX vessel to attain EEDI
PHASE III.
Supporting rescue
activities throughout the world
In 2022, RINA started the classification of the SDO-SuRS for the Italian Navy. The ship
is under construction at the MARIOTTI Shipyard in Genoa and associated Submarine Rescue
deployable assets at DRASS in Leghorn. When complete, SDO-SuRS will enable the Italian Navy to
perform rescue activities up to around 600 msw and the deployable system is designed to be
transported by air to be deployed worldwide in less than 72 hours.
Decarbonisation drives
innovation
TT-Line has chosen RINA class for their LNG Fuelled Green Ships, Nils Holgersson and
Peter Pan. As a result of their innovative technologies, these forward-looking LNG-powered
RoPax vessels are the result of cooperation within the industry and a perfect example of
how decarbonisation can drive innovation. The engines on board can be started and run up
directly with LNG. Over the year, this saves many hours (and the associated emissions) of
run-up operation in diesel mode.
Concept Design for
Hydrogen-fuelled RORO
A cooperation between Aurelia Green Ship Concept Design and RINA has generated a new
design concept for a cargo RORO vessel with electric propulsion using highly compressed
hydrogen as fuel. Aurelia assigned RINA to provide Approval in Principle of the concept design
for the hydrogen-fuelled ship, including CH2 (high-pressure cylinders in racks), fuel cell and
battery systems. The 100% compressed hydrogen generates no environmentally harmful emissions,
producing a design that can be considered zero emission both in port and during navigation.
Hybrid propulsion is based on battery and fuel cell power modules, and it is not supported by
additional internal combustion engines supplied by petroleum-based conventional fuels. The
batteries are also used as an energy storage source to power the hotel load.
First pipeline assessment
project for RINA in Nigeria
Nigerian National Petroleum (NNPC) has decided to undertake rehabilitation of its Port
Harcourt Refinery. The refinery used to export its product as well as import feed and
consumables through 13 pipelines running between the refinery and two jetties located
offshore. The subcontract scope focuses on the refurbishment of these pipelines. RINA is
providing pipeline assessment services using long-range and manual ultrasonic testing experts
and associated relevant equipment. The work will enable NNPC to check levels of corrosion in
the pipelines through a fast, methodical and cost-effective approach compared with other
technologies such as pigging.