Hydra is a research, development, and innovation project supported by the European Commission and the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, aiming to decarbonize the steel production process through hydrogen technologies.  The global steel industry accounts for 8% of total carbon dioxide emissions and producing one ton of steel releases 1.6-2.3 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere. The Hydra project aims to develop the processto produce steel with a fraction of the carbon dioxide currently emitted, thanks to the experimental activities than will be realized on a “mini steel plant” utilizing hydrogen for reducing iron ore.  This facility, aiming at becoming an R&D living lab for all the steel makers, plant suppliers and Mining Companies, 

consists of a direct reduction iron (DRP) plant using hydrogen as a reducing agent and an electric furnace (EAF). At full capacity, the plant will test steel production up to seven tons per hour, setting up processes and practices able to concretely contribute to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. The initiative also includes a center dedicated to testing and qualifying materials and components for hydrogen transportation and storage, and the establishment of a training hub focused on safety, European regulations, and the dissemination of technology-related know-how for decarbonization. Due to its extraordinary level of innovation, the initiative is part of the IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. 

The pre-FEED study of a carbon capture and storage project in Malaysia by PETRONAS CCS Solutions provided RINA with the opportunity to expand its expertise in carbon dioxide management.  The preliminary engineering FEED study (pre-FEED) - the development phase where technical and functional needs are identified and key engineering concepts defined - aimed to engineer the infrastructure needed for the receipt, transportation, and storage of CO₂: within the whole process from capture at industrial sites to pipeline transportation and subsequent storage in depleted offshore reservoirs.  The project covered various areas: for the northern 

hub of Kerteh, the onshore terminal, including the onshore pipeline system, and the jetty for receiving CO₂ transport vessels; and for the southern hub of Kuantan, the onshore terminal, pipeline, and offshore injection platform.  The project marks an important step in Malaysia’s path to climate neutrality, committing to emissions reduction through a long-term strategy allowing millions of tons of CO₂ to be captured annually, reducing the environmental impact of various industrial sectors.  The captured CO₂ will be permanently stored in offshore geological formations, such as depleted oil reservoirs, leveraging Malaysia’s natural subterranean formations. 

The Hafeet Rail project is a futuristic initiative-a rail transport network exceeding 300 km linking the UAE and Oman-where RINA was selected as the system integrator due to its established experience in this sector.  RINA is responsible for integrating rail subsystems, including signaling, telecommunications, and operational technologies, ensuring the infrastructure’s safe and efficient operation.  Additionally, the company oversees implementing the project’s signaling system based on the Level 2 European Train Control System (ETCS), one of the world’s most advanced systems, ensuring safety and reliability across operations. 

Hafeet Rail will connect Abu Dhabi the capital of the UAE-and Sohar-a city in Oman’s Al- Batinah region-enabling passenger and freight transport in just 100 minutes. Passenger trains will reach speeds exceeding 200 km/h, and up to 15,000 tons of goods can be transported in a single journey.  With this new railway, the UAE and Oman will strengthen their logistics hub positions, supporting various sectors from mining to petrochemicals. 

“Minerva” (MaRINAzzazione di Impianto Nucleare per l’Energia a bordo di Vascelli Armati) is the project initiated by the Italian Ministry of Defense to evaluate the feasibility of integrating next-generation nuclear reactors into military vessels for electricity production and propulsion.  In 2023, when the Directorate of Naval Armaments of the Ministry of Defense invested €2.1 million to explore this technology, it became apparent that no state-of-the-art naval applications were available at the time.  Consequently, RINA, in collaboration with strategic partners such as Fincantieri, Ansaldo, and the Italian Navy, is leading this initiative. 

RINA is responsible for conducting feasibility studies and exploring the application of compact mini-reactor designs on large vessels. These reactors promise to significantly decarbonize the shipping industry by needing infrequent refueling, thereby enhancing both operational efficiency and sustainability.  Project phases include initial feasibility assessments, the design and development of reactors, and eventual integration and testing on military ships. Given their compact size, these nuclear reactors could be used not only on submarines and aircraft carriers but also on smaller ships like cruisers and frigates. The development of this pivotal innovation reinforces RINA’s distinctive position on the global stage. 

The project developed with a leading European steelmaking company is a significant example of RINA capability to act as a strategic partner for clients operating in highly complex and transformative environments. Aiming to certify Carbon Neutrality, Production from Renewable Energy, and the Recycled Content of products intended for the market, RINA worked closely with the client to define and validate their internal regulatory document, ensuring its alignment with major international standards (including ISO 14067, ISO 14068, ISO 14021) and renewable energy protocols.

Through the integration of a proprietary digital platform, RINA can simultaneously certify various sustainability attributes and ensure the traceability of the production process. This enables the customer to provide stakeholders with accurate, batch-associated declarations that are distinctive for their transparency and reliability. This approach showcases RINA’s ability to manage complexity, offering scalable solutions in strategic sectors such as infrastructure and energy transition.

Initiated in 2023, the collaboration between RINA and Aprilia Racing materialized in several areas: from advanced data performance analysis to creating an innovative performance monitoring system, to testing solutions for reducing the weight of motorcycle decals.  The technical partnership aims to develop innovative technologies in high-level motorcycle racing, leveraging RINA’s multidisciplinary expertise and “technology transfer” methodologies.  The collaboration has been so successful that it has been renewed for another three MotoGP seasons to continue optimizing motorcycle performance concerning bike setup characteristics and rider guidance. 

In particular, the focus is on integrating digital solutions, including artificial intelligence, capable of identifying the best performance compromises for each track condition.  Furthermore, RINA and Aprilia Racing collaborate on developing customized test benches (simulating stress conditions occurring during races) for various motorcycle structural components, along with improving motorcycle aerodynamics to reduce drag across different configurations. 

The H2ISEO Hydrogen Valley project, coordinated by FNM S.p.A., aims to decarbonize the Brescia-Iseo-Edolo railway line, promoting a transition toward a more sustainable transport system. It represents a significant step in experimenting with a zero-emission mobility system and creating a hydrogen mobility economy.   RINA is supporting FNM in tackling the various technical and managerial challenges of this innovative project.  

The collaboration led to the unveiling in February 2025 of the new hydrogen maintenance and refueling facility in Rovato, Valle Camonica-the first Italian railway site specifically designed, engineered, and built for hydrogen trains. The first Italian hydrogen train underwent a series of facility testing activities and refueling tests by the plant constructor and hydrogen supplier, Sapio, to be followed by circuit tests. The commercial service launch is anticipated within the first half of 2026.