Italians partner up for clean fuels, greener shipping and renewable energies

Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri has signed a memorandum of understanding with compatriot certification and engineering company RINA to enhance mutual expertise and develop synergies in the field of alternative fuels, carbon capture and renewable energies in the shipping sector.

The agreement sees the involvement of the two companies in initiatives related to technology scouting, the analysis, study and simulation of new fuels and energy vectors – in particular hydrogen and ammonia – and carbon capture, according to the partners.

The collaboration will also include Approval in Principle (AiP) activities, a risk-based approach to classification that allows new designs and concepts to be validated on the basis of safety equivalence, and the qualification of innovative projects and technologies.

In the field of renewable energy, the two companies will focus on offshore wind power plants and technological solutions for wave energy.

RINA and Fincantieri said they will also co-participate in EU-financed R&D projects and engage in the development of ‘green finance’.

Thanks to the cooperation, the two companies will complement each other’s expertise in the provision of multidisciplinary engineering services, strengthening their position among the most important players in the conception of new projects and the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Ugo Salerno, chairman and CEO of RINA, said: “RINA and Fincantieri share a common ancestry with our commercial roots both beginning in the naval sector. In addition, we share the same passion to create a sustainable industry, and that is why I am both pleased and proud to announce the closer collaboration between the two companies.”

Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, added: “Being leaders in multiple sectors brings with it the responsibility to act in a sustainable way. It is in our interest to ensure a combination of competitiveness and sustainability, profit and innovation, at all levels.

“We want to play an active role in promoting a low-carbon circular economy by reducing the direct impact of our operations, developing sustainable products and services, and working with institutions and partners like RINA.”