RINA has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) to Drift Energy for its energy-harvesting ship concept, marking the first such certification granted for this type of vessel.
The AiP was presented during Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami and confirms that the design meets safety standards equivalent to existing marine industry requirements under RINA’s risk-based framework.
Drift Energy, a UK-based startup founded in 2021, is developing vessels designed to generate, store and transport clean energy at sea. The company said the certification represents a step toward full plan approval and eventual construction of what it describes as a net-positive vessel.
“Our ships are set to play a pivotal role in the global energy transition,” said Ben Medland, the founder and CEO of Drift Energy. “The AiP validates the vessel’s feasibility from a class perspective and is a key step toward full plan approval.”
The vessels are designed to harness deep ocean wind using hydro-kinetic turbines installed beneath the hull. Electricity generated onboard is converted into green hydrogen through electrolysis and stored for delivery to ports and other demand centers.
Drift’s routing system, known as Goldilocks, uses AI to identify and follow optimal weather patterns, allowing the vessels to maximize energy generation.
According to the company, the ships are intended to support energy supply for coastal and island regions, as well as industries facing challenges in decarbonization due to grid limitations or limited access to renewable energy.
The AiP also reflects collaboration between Drift and RINA in assessing the technical and safety aspects of the design.
“This approval in principle underscores RINA’s commitment to supporting the safe and credible development of innovative vessel concepts that contribute to the energy transition,” said Patrizio Di Francesco, North Europe special projects business development manager and principal engineer at RINA.
Drift said it plans to launch its first vessel in 2027 and move toward series production, with an existing orderbook of more than 30 ships.
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