RINA Expands Singapore Innovation Hub for AI, Decarbonisation

Classification Society Deepens Singapore Presence

RINA, the global ship classification, inspection, certification and consulting engineering group, is strengthening its Singapore Open Innovation Hub with support from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). According to a report by Marine Insight, the move is intended to accelerate innovation across the maritime and energy sectors by bringing together industry, academia and technology partners.

The Hub is designed to translate applied research into solutions with measurable industry impact, serving as a shared platform where partners co-develop and deploy answers to pressing challenges facing shipping and energy.

Three Priority Areas

The initiative is built around three focus areas: integrated digital twin technologies linking vessels, ports and hinterland systems to improve performance and cut emissions; decarbonisation work covering alternative fuels and new operational models developed with industry partners; and AI-enabled learning platforms aimed at building workforce skills and easing adoption of emerging technologies.

The Hub will back applied research, industry pilots and larger-scale rollout, with an emphasis on practical, scalable results. Planned work includes multi-dimensional digital twins, joint alternative-fuel projects, and advanced training systems meant to address skills gaps in the sector.

Expansion of Local Team

As part of the programme, RINA plans to grow its Singapore-based research and innovation team, creating 11 new specialist roles over the next three years.

Imran Ibrahim, Director of the Open Innovation Hub Singapore at RINA, described the Hub as a catalyst for turning innovation into operational value, saying it connects digitalisation, decarbonisation and workforce development by working with industry partners, regulators and research institutions. He added that EDB’s support helps accelerate deployment of solutions such as integrated digital twins, alternative fuel pathways and AI-enabled learning platforms.

Soo Haw Yun, Vice President of the Global Enterprise Division at EDB, said the launch of RINA’s first Open Innovation Hub for Asia reflects Singapore’s position as a maritime hub and base for companies to accelerate innovation, noting that firms like RINA can tap local research and scientific capabilities to co-develop, test and scale new solutions.

Part of a Global Network

The Singapore facility joins RINA’s broader global network of Open Innovation Hubs, reinforcing the company’s role in supporting technology-driven, sustainable solutions across markets where it operates.