RINA – Driving Innovation in FLEXSHIP

About RINA

RINA operates on behalf of 122 flag authorities, and it is one of the top-ranking marine classification societies in the world. In addition to the provision of classification and statutory certification, it provides tailored advisory services for shipyards and shipowners, particularly in complex areas relating to sustainability, environmental regulations and digital technologies. Through exploring new market opportunities and anticipating new trends, RINA builds an expert knowledge base, becoming amongst the most active industrial players in European research and innovation programs. 

In FLEXSHIP, RINA contributes to all the engineering design, manufacturing, risk assessment and testing activities needed for regulatory compliance of the battery systems and their integration onboard the vessel.

RINA’s key focus areas in delivering a digital green concept for the electrification of vessels include integrating advanced digital tools and simulation models to optimize energy efficiency and system performance, while ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable electrification solutions aligned with emerging regulatory and cybersecurity standards.

Meet the Experts Driving FLEXSHIP Forward  

• Alessandro Maccari – Marine Research & Development Director: Supervises all technical activities in the project.

• Pieter van den Ouden  – Marine Excellence Centre Senior Surveyor: Key technical contact for supporting the activities of the project.

• Luigi Benedetti – Head of Trieste and Naples Plan Approval: Main technical contact for approval of documentation.

• Edoardo Morea – Marine Senior Project R&D Manager: Lead in coordination for vessel electrification within the project.

• Dionysios Melissinos – Marine R&D Engineer: Support the technical development and validation of electrification solutions within the project.

• Antonella Frassinetti– R&D Financial Advisor: Communication and Dissemination activities.

How RINA is Powering FLEXSHIP’s Success:

• RINA supports WABTEC in the pre-certification process for site procedures and software/module production, enabling future marine applications to be certified under RINA’s marine standards.

• RINA reviews the DC switchboard documentation to provide preliminary approval comments on electrical schemes, ensuring compliance and smooth progression toward future Type Approval.

• RINA has conducted internal reviews of risk assessment procedures and HAZID worksheets, contributing to robust safety validation within the project’s deliverables.

• RINA provides guidance and documentation on cybersecurity certification, as well as requirements and testing for electrical and battery-powered ships, supporting FLEXSHIP’s alignment with emerging maritime standards.

FLEXSHIP is funded by the EU Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement no. 101095863.