RINA and Hanwha ink MoU for battery-hybrid propulsion systems

April 7, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Ship classification, inspection, certification and consulting engineering group RINA and South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote the adoption of battery-hybrid propulsion systems in the maritime sector.

According to RINA, the collaboration aims to accelerate the transition to low-emission vessels by leveraging 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 partners plan to combine the hardware expertise of Hanwha Power Systems, now Hanwha Power, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Engine in propulsion, energy storage, and systems integration with RINA’s regulatory and certification know-how.

Kim Hyoung-Seog, Head of the Marine Solutions Business Division at Hanwha Power Systems, said: “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.”

Hanwha Power Systems is the project’s lead integrator and will oversee the 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 apply aerospace energy technologies to marine ESS solutions, while Hanwha Engine will use its expertise in medium‑speed engines to optimize the propulsion system to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize carbon emissions.

RINA is in charge of verifying and certifying the regulatory compliance and technical soundness of the project, for both classification and statutory certification purposes, and will also support Hanwha in analyzing market trends.

Simone Manca, North Asia Marine Vice President at RINA, said: “This agreement reflects the increasing pace of innovation required to meet the maritime sector’s decarbonisation targets. 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.”