RINA–CMES partnership targets smarter, lower-carbon shipping

Summary

RINA and China Merchants Energy Shipping have signed a cooperation agreement covering artificial intelligence, vessel safety, digital operations and maritime decarbonisation. Announced on 12 October 2026, the partnership will explore predictive maintenance, energy efficiency and alternative fuels, connecting operational improvements with the shipping industry’s longer-term technology and emissions challenges.

Cooperation covers technology and fleet performance

The RINA–CMES partnership establishes a framework for the two organisations to investigate new approaches to ship operations, combining the shipping company’s experience with RINA’s classification, certification and engineering expertise.

The memorandum of understanding builds on their existing relationship. Its scope includes fleet risk management, emissions monitoring, regulatory compliance and the use of operational data to support decisions aboard vessels and ashore.

Artificial intelligence will be examined for applications including predictive maintenance and energy efficiency. The organisations also intend to study automation, smart shipping systems and alternative fuels, supported by technical exchanges, research and knowledge sharing.

The agreement is a cooperation framework. No named vessel trials, investment commitments, deployment timetable or quantified emissions savings were disclosed in the announcement.

Its commercial significance lies in bringing several operational priorities into a common programme: equipment reliability, fuel use, safety and compliance. Further project announcements will determine how that programme translates into practical applications.

Why operational data matters for decarbonisation

The emphasis on emissions management comes as shipowners face established requirements to measure both technical efficiency and operating performance.

The International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index, or EEXI, assesses a vessel’s technical energy efficiency. The annual Carbon Intensity Indicator, or CII, measures operational carbon intensity for applicable ships, using emissions relative to capacity and distance travelled.

These requirements took effect from January 2023. CII performance is graded from A to E, with A representing the strongest performance. A vessel rated E for one year, or D for three consecutive years, must develop corrective actions showing how it will achieve the required performance level.

This regulatory background helps explain the agreement’s focus on data-driven operations. Reliable information on fuel consumption and vessel performance supports emissions reporting and the assessment of operational changes.

The potential connection between AI and lower emissions therefore extends beyond selecting a future propulsion fuel. It also concerns how existing machinery and vessels are operated, maintained and monitored.

Earlier engineering work provides context

The CMES agreement follows another RINA initiative focused on improving ship efficiency while retaining flexibility over future fuels.

On 27 August 2026, RINA introduced Mermaid, a propulsion and power-generation concept combining a shaft generator, propeller shaft clutch and battery storage. The arrangement extends the main engine’s role to supplying onboard electricity, reducing dependence on auxiliary engines.

During port operations, the concept allows the propeller to be disconnected while the main engine generates electricity or charges batteries. Stored energy can then supply onboard demand.

RINA’s analysis indicates potential fuel savings exceeding 1,000 tonnes annually in some applications. That figure is an estimated benefit of the Mermaid concept, rather than a measured outcome of the new CMES partnership.

Mermaid is intended for vessel types including tankers, bulk carriers and container ships. It was being developed into a detailed design when announced. No deployment of Mermaid under the CMES agreement has been identified.

Wider collaboration on fuels and assurance

RINA has also recently expanded its energy-transition cooperation in Thailand. On 6 October, it announced two memoranda of understanding with PTT Public Company Limited through the PTT Innovation Institute.

Those agreements cover potential research and technical cooperation in alternative and low-carbon fuels, vessel electrification, hydrogen readiness, digitalisation and carbon management. Their remit extends across maritime, industrial and energy applications.

The arrangements distinguish engineering consultancy activities from certification, verification, assurance and classification services, with internationally recognised principles governing competence and impartiality.

Together, these earlier developments provide context for the CMES announcement: RINA is pursuing both operational efficiency and the technical assessment of emerging energy solutions.

For the latest partnership, the immediate step is establishing cooperation across a broad technical agenda. Its eventual impact will depend on the research programmes, operational trials and implementation decisions that follow.

FAQs

What does the RINA–CMES partnership cover?

It covers maritime safety, digital operations, artificial intelligence, emissions management, alternative fuels and emerging shipping technologies.

How could artificial intelligence be used?

The partners will explore predictive maintenance, energy efficiency and support for operational decisions.

Does the agreement include confirmed vessel deployments?

No specific vessel trials, deployment schedule or investment commitments were disclosed.

Is Mermaid part of the CMES agreement?

No such connection has been announced. Mermaid is a separate RINA propulsion and power-generation concept introduced in August 2026.

What is the difference between EEXI and CII?

EEXI assesses technical energy efficiency, while CII measures a ship’s annual operational carbon intensity.