RETROFIT55 project
Pioneering decarbonization in maritime transport
| Business | Period | Project Coordinator | Funding Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine | January 2023- 2026 | CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE |
HORIZON EUROPE |
Challenge
Maritime transport emits around 940 million tons of CO2 annually and is responsible for about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this regard, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in line with the global framework set out in the Paris Agreement aimed at limiting global warming below 2°C, has targeted to reduce total annual GHG emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008. The European Commission has also adopted a series of legislative proposals to deliver the European Green Deal – the ‘Fit for 55’ package – with the aim of reducing GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and becoming the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050 (net zero emission scenario).
By focusing on the retrofit of existing ships, RETROFIT55 project primarily contributes to achieving the objectives of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), particularly in the “Design and Retrofit” section. It also helps in reaching the targets of the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) partnership concerning fuel consumption reduction.
Approach
RINA mainly contributes to RETROFIT55 by supporting partners in ensuring compliance with the regulatory framework applicable to the innovations developed in the project, with particular attention to safety issues.
We will ensure that no negative effects or incompatibilities arise from the combination of multiple novel systems and, at the same time, will verify that their integration on board respects the constraints imposed by the vessel under study (e.g., layout, operating profile, ...).
Moreover, we will support partners in carrying out risk analysis of novel technologies and will consider the issuance of Approval in Principle of innovations, when useful or appropriate.
Finally, we will promote the development of safety provisions and standards related to novel technologies, by means of regulation proposals in the EU and potentially at IMO, ISO and other regulatory as well as standardization frameworks.
Conclusion
RETROFIT55 will introduce a step-change in the use of energy saving solutions and renewable energy sources in the ship retrofitting.
The decision support system underlying the web-based tool will enable to rapidly evaluate multiple combinations of different retrofitting options, thus allowing ship owners to compare them based on relevant KPIs and designers to identify the optimal solution by exploring the entire variable space.
Novel technologies investigated in RETROFIT55 will allow the achievement of the ZEWT targets of 35% GHG emission reduction by 2030, by combining radically new technologies (Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems, Passive Air Lubrification System, digital, electrification) with already mature technologies systems.
The reduction of GHG emissions achieved through RETROFIT55 technologies will be in line with the IMO strategy and will substantially contribute to limit global warming according to the Paris Agreement.
