RINA, the inspection, certification, and consulting engineering multinational, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Maritime University (WMU), an institution established by and for the international maritime community within the UN system.

The organisations say that the MoU is aimed to promote academic, technical, and educational exchange between the two institutions, with the aim to inspire leadership and innovation for a sustainable maritime and ocean future.

“We are pleased to establish a partnership with RINA, an organisation that is committed to ensuring an energy transition for the maritime industry,” said Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the WMU.

“Engagement with the industry is vital for WMU and RINA’s green approach aligns perfectly with our focus on maritime energy and the UN Sustainable Goals. We look forward to a fruitful partnership.”

The MoU will present opportunities for field study training exchanges for WMU students, exchange of academic information, and, where appropriate, collaborative research, according to the two organisations.

“The exchange of information and the education of young engineers are vital for the decarbonisation pathway and innovations for the future. The MoU will help attract talent and further the development of new ideas that will support the maritime industry going forward,” said Paolo Moretti, CEO of RINA Services.

The MoU will initially run for a period of five years, although RINA says it hopes that it will continue subsequently.

In February, RINA announced an MoU with Swedish-Swiss multinational ABB for the development of new concepts for shipping decarbonisation.