Athens (Greece), July 10^th, 2024 – Just before the start of one of the most prestigious shipping events in the world, Posidonia, RINA’s Hellenic Advisory Committee (HAC) convened once again to discuss the progression of decarbonization within the shipping industry and its challenges. This event signified a notable gathering of industry leaders and stakeholders, emphasizing RINA's dedication to innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector. The meeting was followed by RINA’s Posidonia Reception.

In his opening remarks, Committee Chairman George Youroukos, owner of Technomar Shipping Inc., underscored RINA’s significant achievements in 2023. Notably, RINA is currently classing over 79 million Gross Tonnage for approximately 9,700 vessels of various types. The RINA Greek owned fleet has seen remarkable growth, doubling in size from 2021 to 2023, now encompassing over 720 ships and 23 million Gross Tonnage. Since January 2024, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has appointed RINA's Roberto Cazzulo as its new Chairman.

Following the Chairman’s address, Ugo Salerno, the Executive Chairman of RINA, delivered a pivotal speech. He focused on the recent integration of Fondo Italiano d'Investimento into RINA's shareholder structure, a strategic move designed to fortify RINA's growth both organically and through acquisitions, thereby enhancing its global presence and capabilities. The Executive Chairman also had the pleasure of discussing Carlo Luzzato's appointment as the new CEO and General Manager, a decision anticipated to infuse the organization with renewed leadership and vision.

Paolo Moretti, CEO of RINA Services, took the stage to present RINA's notable achievements in 2023. These figures highlight RINA's substantial impact and influence within the Greek maritime sector, showcasing its strong performance and strategic partnerships.

Adding to the forward-looking discussions, Faidon Tomazos from Cass Technava offered insights into new building projects, underscoring RINA’s role in spearheading advanced maritime infrastructure. His presentation highlighted the new building activity primarily of Greek shipowners, featuring innovative developments and collaborations poised to set new industry standards.

Antonis Trakakis, Technical Director at RINA, discussed decarbonizing the iron ore supply chain, emphasizing sustainable practices and technological innovations. Highlighting the Clydebank Declaration from COP26, aiming for net-zero maritime emissions by 2050 through Green Corridors—routes enabling zero-carbon fuels—he noted Western Australia's significant role as the leading iron ore producer with over 4,000 annual cargoes. Trakakis concluded that achieving IMO 2050 targets is feasible, even with fossil fuels, advocating for immediate action towards near net-zero carbon while maintaining the 'green premium' low. He stressed that onshore solutions must drive onboard implementation, with new ships designed for flexibility to adapt to future technological advancements.

Spyros Zolotas, Marine Senior Director South EMEA at RINA, commented, “Although the maritime industry's path to decarbonization is undoubtedly long and will take time, the sector is already making significant strides by acting now and investing in future technologies. Decarbonization is one of RINA's core principles, and we are actively working in various ways to assist the sector in achieving its goals. Events like the HAC are crucial, providing a platform for networking and the exchange of information, ensuring we remain on the right path while considering sustainability, viability, and safety for the future of shipping.”

The subsequent Reception offered attendees the opportunity to network and share ideas, fostering a spirit of collaboration and a shared vision for the future of maritime operations.

RINA, leading certification and engineering company, provides a wide range of services across the Energy, Marine, Infrastructure & Mobility, Certification, Industry and Real Estate sectors. In December 2023, alongside the majority shareholder Registro Italiano Navale, Fondo Italiano d'Investimento SGR entered the shareholding structure guiding a pool of co-investors. With revenues in 2023 of 797 million euros, 5,800 employees and 200 offices in 70 countries worldwide, RINA is a member of key international organizations and an important contributor to the development of new legislative standards. www.rina.org

Contacts

Giulia Faravelli

Global Communication Senior Director RINA

+39 348 6805876

giulia.faravelli@rina.org

Paolo Ghiggini

Head of Global Media Relations & Social Media RINA

+39 340 3322618

paolo.ghiggini@rina.org

Victoria Silvestri       

International Media Relations Manager RINA

+39 334 6539600     

+44 7825 842731      

victoria.silvestri@rina.org

Angeliki Xylaki  

Southern Europe, Middle East & Africa Communication & Marketing Manager RINA  

+30 210 4292144  

+30 6974104996 

Angeliki.xylaki@rina.org