RINA and Hanwha cooperate to promote advanced battery-hybrid propulsion systems

Photo: RINA

With their eyes on the RO/RO ferry sector, Genoa-headquartered classifications RINA and Hanwha Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at promoting the adoption of advanced battery hybrid propulsion systems in the maritime sector.

The collaboration between RINA and key Hanwha affiliates Hanwha Power Systems (now Hanwha Power), Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Engine will leverage innovative technologies that enable the shift from traditional internal combustion propulsion systems to advanced hybrid battery solutions, both for newbuilds and, through retrofitting, for vessels already in service.

The partnership brings together Hanwha’s advanced expertise in propulsion, energy storage, and systems integration with RINA’s strong regulatory and certification know-how.

Hanwha Power Systems will act as the project’s lead integrator, overseeing overall ship design and system interface development. By bringing together Hanwha Aerospace’s marine Energy Storage System and Hanwha Engine’s propulsion‑engine technologies through its own engineering capabilities, the company will deliver an advanced battery‑hybrid propulsion vessel.

Hanwha Aerospace will enhance safety and reliability by applying aerospace energy technologies to marine ESS solutions. Meanwhile, Hanwha Engine, will utilize its expertise in medium‑speed engines to optimize the propulsion system to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize carbon emissions.

RINA will play a key role in verifying and certifying the regulatory compliance and technical soundness of the project, for both classification and statutory certification purposes. Additionally, drawing on its extensive experience in the ferry sector, RINA will support Hanwha in analyzing market trends within this specific segment.

“This agreement reflects the increasing pace of innovation required to meet the maritime sector’s decarbonization target,” said Simone Manca, North Asia marine vice president at RINA. ‘By combining RINA’s expertise in classification and regulatory compliance with Hanwha’s advanced technological capabilities, we are ideally positioned to promote safe, efficient, and scalable hybrid propulsion solutions for the global fleet.”

Kim Hyoung-Seog, Head of the marine solutions business division at Hanwha Power Systems, stated, “This collaboration brings together Hanwha’s core capabilities across energy‑equipment, battery systems, and engine integration creating strong technological synergy. Through our partnership with RINA, we will secure reliable technologies and strengthen our presence in the global eco‑friendly vessel market.”