Classification society RINA and automation company ABB have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a collaborative relationship with the aim of developing ‘new concepts to reduce emissions in shipping for various vessel types’.
The companies together will promote the use of hydrogen and innovative propulsion technology while exploring solutions such as fuel cell systems with carbon capture.
ABB will research and develop new solutions to increase fuel efficiency and work with stakeholders in the shipping industry to ensure needs are being met.
Rune Braastad, Business Line Manager for Marine Systems at ABB Marine & Ports, explained the need for such co-operation between different organisations, saying: “Bringing new, commercially viable solutions to the market is a long process that requires close collaboration between class societies and technology providers.”
RINA’s role in this partnership revolves around certification and classification. It will provide ‘Approval in Principle of design concepts that match the technologies available from ABB and the applicable rules and regulations, along with project and type approvals’.
Giosuè Vezzuto, Executive Vice President of Marine at RINA, said: “There are many challenges to overcome, and collaboration is crucial if we are to succeed in addressing them to protect the environment.”
