Spyros Zolotas, RINA Senior Director South EMEA Region .Have you adopted new standards of sustainability towards 2050 environmental goals?
RINA is fully committed to supporting the environmental goals set for 2050 and beyond, recognizing the pressing need for sustainable practices in the maritime industry to combat climate change and protect the environment. To achieve this, RINA has introduced new standards and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability throughout its operations and services.
A major focus is on decarbonization. RINA collaborates with its clients to develop innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to cleaner energy sources. This includes advocating for alternative fuels like LNG, hydrogen, and methanol, as well as exploring hybrid and electric propulsion systems.
RINA also leads initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and optimize vessel performance. Using advanced data analytics and digital technologies, the company helps shipowners identify opportunities to save fuel, reduce emissions, and improve operations.
In addition, RINA is actively involved in shaping sustainability standards and regulations. Its experts work closely with industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and international organizations to create policies and guidelines that promote environmental stewardship and ensure compliance with global sustainability targets.
Overall, RINA is fully aligned with the 2050 environmental goals and is committed to driving positive change in the maritime industry, working towards a more sustainable future.
Based on the data you have with the surveys and measurements so far, what is considered to be the appropriate alternative fuel for each type of ship (tanker, bulk carrier and container ship) and what do you usually recommend to ship owners?
We need to view shipping as part of a broader decarbonization effort that begins with onshore, heavier polluting sectors. Shipping will need to adopt and align with the technologies implemented by these industries. Some recent studies also suggest that the expected GHG reductions from certain fuel alternatives might not be sufficient to meet the IMO 2050 objectives. Since we have no guarantees that today’s choices will be valid in the future or that new solutions won’t emerge, we advise our clients to prioritize flexibility for the present and near future. This is why we believe that a very good option, at present, is to optimize the use of available resources in the best possible way.
For short-sea shipping, we believe electrification is a viable solution. Alternative fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, and LNG are suitable for ocean-going vessels like tankers, bulkers, and containerships. These fuels offer varying levels of emissions reductions and energy density and no solution should be ruled out, but the production, distribution, and storage of green alternative fuels seem to be still a long way off. On the other hand, LNG provides a transitional solution as infrastructure for other fuels is developed.
Additionally, LNG can be combined with steam to produce hydrogen and CO2. The hydrogen can be used directly in internal combustion engines or fuel cells without needing onboard storage, while the CO2 can be delivered ashore. This modular and scalable approach allows for the progressive increase of hydrogen production on board, enabling the ship to meet emissions limitations over the years and remain competitive well beyond 2050. Some major players, such as SDARI, TMS, and Maran Dry Management, are already exploring the opportunities of such an arrangement and have received Approval in Principle from RINA.
In summary, flexibility is essential during this transitional phase. While we support the adoption of all available alternative fuels, we encourage approaches that provide adaptability as new technologies and supporting infrastructure continue to evolve.
Update on “future” fuels: Where do you put most of your efforts in / what is the most promising technology in your opinion?
Decarbonization is a global challenge that extends beyond the shipping industry, necessitating the sharing of solutions with other, more heavily polluting sectors. Rapid technological advancements have consistently driven human progress, suggesting that the fuel solutions dominant today may not be relevant in a decade. The future fuel for a net-zero carbon world is likely still unknown, making the selection of green fuels at this time premature and risky. Therefore, flexibility is crucial in choosing the right fuel. At present, LNG is a good option as it produces fewer air pollutants compared to liquid fuels and offers significant near-term emissions reductions. LNG offers the flexibility to be gradually replaced by bio-LNG, and eventually E-LNG or even more, be reformed to produce hydrogen on board. The H2 produced can then be used directly as fuel, without the need to store, and its combustion with LNG can drastically reduce the fugitive methane emissions.
Which trends or topics are currently the most important for the shipbuilding industry from the perspective of a classification society?
From a classification society’s perspective, several key trends are shaping the shipbuilding industry, including sustainability and decarbonization, digitalization, autonomous and smart shipping, safety and risk management, and human capital development.
In the push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with stricter environmental regulations, the industry is still exploring untested solutions to reach the net-zero target. Classification societies play a crucial role in supporting the exploration of different pathways and facilitating the adoption of innovative systems onboard vessels. The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is particularly significant for ship operators, as ships that undergo efficiency retrofits or are built to higher sustainability standards will become more attractive to charterers, boosting both refit and newbuild sectors.
Digital technologies, particularly with the rise of AI, are continuously improving efficiency, safety, and operational performance. Compliance with new regulations is increasingly addressed with a digital-first approach, such as the EU ETS supported by tools like our LEO EMISSION suite.
Autonomous and smart shipping is expected to transform the industry, though it is still in its early stages. Classification societies, alongside insurers and other stakeholders, are leading efforts to establish a framework that guarantees safety, robust cybersecurity management, and clear accountability for autonomous ships.
As the industry evolves, maintaining high safety standards through innovative risk management solutions and compliance with international regulations remains critical. However, the need for skilled personnel is becoming more urgent due to the adoption of new technologies, which, combined with the broader challenge of attracting talent, impacts classification societies as well. This highlights the importance of enhanced training programs, a responsibility classification societies actively undertake. Furthermore, the industry must create new roles and career paths that are more appealing to younger generations.
In summary, classification societies are at the forefront of navigating these emerging trends and helping to drive progress in sustainability, digitalization, and workforce development within the shipbuilding industry.
How can RINA support the industry in addressing these issues?
RINA supports the maritime industry in tackling these challenges through a multi-dimensional approach, positioning itself as an enabler of innovation rather than a bureaucratic barrier. Notably, consultancy services contribute to more than 50% of our revenue.
Sustainability Services: Drawing on expertise from multiple sectors, especially energy, RINA offers valuable insights into alternative fuel use. In recent years, we have conducted feasibility studies for clients exploring ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, fuel cells, and even nuclear power generation projects. However, decarbonization extends beyond alternative fuels—it also involves optimizing onboard systems and implementing efficiency-enhancing solutions like hull appendages, propeller and rudder retrofits, air lubrication, and wind-assisted propulsion. Our RINA Marine consulting experts, operating as a distinct legal entity within the group, ensure these tasks are completed without conflicts of interest.
Digital Solutions: When it comes to digital tools at RINA, SERTICA stands out. This all-encompassing suite covers maintenance, procurement, HSQE, crewing, performance, logbooks, and reporting, enabling seamless vessel and fleet management across technical, operational, and compliance aspects. In addition, we offer other AI-powered tools that complement our core services, such as CAP Surveys, Leonardo Emission (for real-time emission monitoring, data consistency checks, and voyage simulations), a Fatigue Tool (to assess vessel life extension), and digital twins. Our software platforms also enhance the client experience by providing easy access to asset data and other resources.
Innovation in Autonomous Shipping: RINA is heavily involved in the development and certification of autonomous vessels. Our rules cover different levels of ship autonomy, though the human element remains a critical factor, as expected.
Through this holistic approach, RINA helps the maritime industry meet its evolving challenges with forward-thinking solutions.
Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges in Shipping in the face of Geopolitical Shifts and Digital Evolution"
As the maritime industry progressively integrates digital systems onboard, the risk of cyber-attacks grows significantly. RINA takes a realistic approach, offering cybersecurity solutions that are not only robust but also tailored to the specific shipowners needs. Our services are designed to accommodate shipping companies of any size and include vulnerability assessments, testing, and regulatory compliance audits at both the company and ship levels. At the same time we provide customized solutions assisting in cyber policy development and the implementation of advanced technologies. By utilizing machine learning and AI for real-time threat detection and mitigation, our experts ensure that these technologies are effectively integrated into active cybersecurity measures.
RINA’s scalable solutions extend beyond technical measures and include comprehensive training programs, focusing on cybersecurity awareness, regulatory compliance, data security, and risk management. Our advice to shipowners is to stay informed, invest in cutting-edge technology, prioritize staff training, collaborate with industry experts, and perform regular security audits to maintain optimal protection.
Safety and Risk Management Expertise: Safety is the core of our business as a classification society, particularly during this period of transition. We are responsible for developing rules, approval procedures, and inspection methodologies to ensure the highest safety standards, especially in unregulated environments. This is primarily achieved using risk assessment techniques like HAZID and HAZOP.
Can you provide an overview of RINA's global and Greek classed fleet growth since 2020, and what factors have contributed to this significant expansion?
People are RINA’s main asset. The expertise and competence of our personnel makes the company valuable. In our office in Piraeus people have played a pivotal role in the continuous evolution and growth of the company over the past years. The expertise and dedication of the Piraeus personnel have enabled RINA to adapt to emerging trends and regulatory changes, particularly in the areas of environmental compliance, digitalization, and sustainable shipping practices. We have achieved almost tripling our fleet in terms of GT the last four years. We have a team of approximately 80 people at the office, covering the needs of the industry: plan approval, yachting, surveying and technical support working 24/7. We also have a very dedicated team for Global Marine Training and a Surveyors Academy based in Greece, Business Development Managers and experts in cyber security, environment, and new buildings. Through the contribution of all, the RINA Piraeus has played a critical role in shaping the company's strategic direction, enhancing its service delivery capabilities, and reinforcing its commitment to driving positive change within the maritime sector.
Since 2020, RINA's global classed fleet has increased from 50 million gross tonnes (GT) to over 81 million GT as of Sept 2024, a 62% rise. The number of ships grew from 7,150 to 8,513. In Greece, the fleet under RINA’s classification has nearly tripled in gross tonnage in the same time period.
This growth is driven by several factors. Our commitment to innovation and technology has enhanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability in our classed ships. Building strong relationships with shipowners through tailored solutions has also been crucial. Our focus on sustainability, including expertise in alternative fuels and decarbonisation, together with the ability to transfer to the maritime industry the experience on technology originally developed for the energy sector, positions us as a leader in supporting greener maritime operations.
Additionally, expanding our range of services to meet industry needs, such as comprehensive classification, certification, and technical consultancy, ensures shipowners receive full lifecycle support for their vessels. Our global network of offices and surveyors allows us to provide timely and efficient services worldwide, including strong support in Greece.
In line with this growth, this year RINA unveiled a strategic plan to reach 2 billion euros in revenue by 2030. This plan includes significant investments in innovation, such as the launch of the “AI Factory” to drive breakthrough developments and better anticipate industry dynamics. The strategy also focuses on expanding our workforce to 10,000 employees by 2030 and increasing our market presence in key international markets . In Greece, we will support energy transition initiatives not only by expanding our well-established marine competencies but also by leveraging our experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
