RINA, a renowned international company specializing in inspection, certification, and engineering consultancy, has entered a collaborative agreement with Eni, an Italian multinational energy company. This strategic partnership aims to jointly develop initiatives that will contribute to the energy transition and decarbonization of their respective operations, focusing on the maritime transport sector. By leveraging each other's expertise, RINA, and Eni seek to advance sustainable practices and technologies in an industry known for its significant environmental impact.
The agreement primarily centers around the utilization of Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel produced by Eni in its Venice and Gela bio-refineries. Additionally, the partnership encompasses the exploration of other energy carriers such as “blue” or “green” hydrogen and ammonia derived from biogenic, renewable, or waste raw materials that do not compete with the food chain. These alternative fuels hold immense potential in reducing carbon emissions within the naval sector, providing a cleaner and more sustainable option for maritime transport.
In line with their commitment to the energy transition, Eni and RINA will collaborate on developing initiatives concerning the logistics and value chain of new energy carriers. This includes evaluating and adopting certified methods for calculating the emissions benefits derived from these innovative energy sources. By utilizing standardized emission calculations, the industry can accurately assess and compare the environmental impact of different solutions, enabling informed decision-making in the pursuit of sustainability.
Furthermore, the partnership intends to explore experiments and pilot projects related to onboard carbon capture technologies. By capturing and storing CO2 emissions directly from ships, this approach presents an opportunity to make significant strides toward the sustainability goals of the naval sector. As the industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, innovations in carbon capture and storage technologies can play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.
Ugo Salerno, Chairman and CEO of RINA, emphasized the importance of collaboration between companies to drive decarbonization efforts. Salerno highlighted that sharing knowledge and experience with Eni would facilitate the development of innovative energy supply models. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the maritime industry, Salerno underscored the need to draw on successful initiatives adopted in other industrial sectors to decarbonize maritime operations effectively.
Giuseppe Ricci, Chief Operating Officer for Energy Evolution at Eni, echoed Salerno's sentiments and emphasized the wealth of expertise and technological capabilities possessed by both Eni and RINA. Ricci emphasized the technology-agnostic approach they will adopt, exploring multiple solutions to decarbonize maritime transport comprehensively. By leveraging this collaborative agreement, Eni and RINA aim to make maritime transport more sustainable, meeting the evolving needs of shipowners and logistics operators.
Image provided by Eni
