Cruise moves forward with carbon capture and fuel cells

The combination of LNG and fuel cells in cruise ships, safe bunkering and carbon capture are all key areas in which class society RINA is actively involved. 

RINA’s leadership in these developments is underscored by the appointment of Roberto Cazzulo as chairman of IACS Council in 2024, and the company’s chairmanship of the IACS’ Safe Decarbonisation Panel since its establishment. “This allows us to be at the forefront of technology innovation and have a better insight of what the industry needs and what options are available – I am very proud of that,” says RINA head of passenger ships excellence centre, Maria Garbarini. 

RINA is well enmeshed in all the new fuels and technology being rolled out and trialled within the cruise ship and ferry sector. Out of 27 cruise ships running on LNG, RINA classed nine of them during construction. The class society has played a pivotal role in several groundbreaking ship projects, including pioneering main conversions for Spanish operator Balearia’s fast ferry LNG retrofit, Grimaldi’s battery retrofit in 2019, and Explora Journeys’ fleet of ships. The latter reflect a dynamic evolution happening in the sector starting from the design and construction phases. The first two ships of the series prioritise high energy efficiency with a traditional propulsion system. Ships three and four will deploy LNG, while five and six, as announced, will potentially be capable of using both LNG and hydrogen fuel cells. Although built under the same class, these are evolving projects. Fuel and technology choices are shifting to meet stricter sustainability requirements.

Referring to carbon capture, Ms Garbarini says, “Through a reforming process on board, LNG and steam can be combined, and hydrogen and CO2 obtained. The CO2 can be then captured, liquefied and stored on board for permanent sequestration, while the resulting pure hydrogen can be used directly or blended with LNG. The mix improves combustion and reduces methane slip. Producing hydrogen enables the use of new technologies such as fuel cells. Additionally, even when used in blends, hydrogen can help improve the Carbon Intensity Indicator and reduce the impact of the EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, and the new IMO decarbonisation measures.” 

For access to this full feature, please see Passenger Ship Technology Q3 2025.