Italian classification society RINA has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to UK-based clean energy startup DRIFT Energy for an energy-harvesting ship concept designed to generate green hydrogen at sea.
The companies said the approval is the first AiP issued for an energy-harvesting vessel design and confirms the concept meets class safety requirements under RINA’s risk-based approval framework.
DRIFT’s vessel concept uses hydro-kinetic turbines installed beneath the hull to generate electricity from ocean wind conditions. The electricity is then converted into green hydrogen through onboard electrolysis systems and stored for delivery ashore.
The company said its proprietary AI-enabled routing platform, called GOLDILOCKS, is designed to direct vessels towards optimal weather patterns to maximise energy generation.
DRIFT said the vessels are intended to supply clean energy to ports, island communities and industries facing challenges accessing renewable energy or grid infrastructure.
“This Approval in Principle underscores RINA’s commitment to supporting the safe and credible development of innovative vessel concepts that contribute to the energy transition through the use of green hydrogen as an energy carrier,” said Patrizio Di Francesco, North Europe Special Projects Business Development Manager and Principal Engineer at RINA.
DRIFT founder and CEO Ben Medland said the AiP validates the vessel’s feasibility from a classification perspective and represents a step towards full plan approval.
The Bath-based company said it aims to launch its first vessel in 2027 and currently has an orderbook exceeding 30 ships.
