RINA and PTT Target Vessel Electrification and Low-Carbon Fuels

Two agreements signed in Bangkok establish a framework to explore vessel electrification, hydrogen readiness and alternative fuels, combining RINA’s engineering expertise with certification and assurance services.

RINA signed two memoranda of understanding with Thailand’s national energy company, PTT, through the PTT Innovation Institute, to explore research and technical cooperation across the maritime, energy and industrial sectors.

Announced at PTT’s Bangkok headquarters on 6 October 2026, the agreements cover feasibility work, knowledge sharing and potential research collaboration. They establish a framework for exploring technologies rather than committing the partners to specific deployments.

The proposed scope includes alternative and low-carbon fuels, sustainable aviation fuels, vessel electrification, digitalisation, carbon management and hydrogen readiness. Cold energy utilisation is also included, with potential applications in data centres and small modular reactors. Learning and training initiatives for maritime and industrial users form another part of the framework.

RINA Consulting will contribute engineering consultancy expertise, while RINA Services will work in certification, verification, assurance and classification. These activities will be managed under internationally recognised principles of competence, impartiality and conflict-of-interest management.

“The energy transition requires robust and trusted frameworks for certification, verification and assurance,” said Pino Spadafora, Marine Market Development Vice President at RINA Services.

The immediate focus is on assessing opportunities for cooperation and sharing expertise across the sectors covered by the agreements.