With experience across a wide range of industries, RINA is a multinational company that helps clients build strong, successful businesses
The classification society was established in Genoa, Italy, under the name Registro Italiano. In the very first year of operations, our 13 agencies classed 340 vessels.
The creation of Registro Italiano responded to the need for Italian maritime operators, particularly maritime insurance companies, to have their own classification company.
This unified the regional fleets under a single flag and provided Italy’s fleet with a voice in the international maritime community.
In collaboration with state representatives from the maritime industry, the Registro Nazionale was founded. Following its merger with Registro Italiano, the organization became known as Registro Nazionale Italiano.
During World War I, maritime and merchant trade declined sharply, negatively impacting the industry and reducing Registro Nazionale Italiano’s operations. However, in 1919, the resurgence of maritime activity and international cooperation revived the sector: the first international agreements were signed with the British Corporation Register, the American Bureau of Shipping, and Teikoku Kaiji Kyokai, promoting mutual representation and harmonization of rules and regulations across different countries.
Registro Nazionale Italiano merged with Veritas Adriatico, successor to the Austro-Hungarian Veritas. From then on, Registro Navale was located in two different offices: administration stayed in Genoa, and the registered office moved to Rome.
New mutual agreements with other classification registers. We joined the International Institute of Welding (IIW), the International Standardization Organization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Ship Structures Congress (ISSC).
We founded the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) with six other registers: American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas, Det Norske Veritas, Germanischer Lloyd, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai.
In 1999, RINA S.p.A. was established in Genoa by Registro Italiano Navale. The new company, in compliance with national, European, and international regulations, undertook inspection, control, certification, and research activities related to materials, projects, technologies, products, and installations. These activities spanned the maritime sector as well as other industries, including assignments from public administrations and other authorities.
In November 2000, RINA’s operational committee decided on an important revision of the organizational structure. By January 1, 2001, RINA S.p.A. became fully operational, with its functions divided into Marine Certification, Industry and Certification divisions.
Following an in-depth analysis of possible alliances and collaborations with international classification bodies, including the American ABS and the French Bureau Veritas, RINA decided to pursue a vision of remaining strong and independent, opting against mergers in 2001.
On June 1, 2002, Ugo Salerno was appointed CEO and General Manager of RINA. His tenure was extended in 2012 when he was also appointed Chairman of the Group.
In 2012, RINA underwent an organizational restructuring to encourage cross-sector collaboration within the company’s various business areas. This was also the year of significant acquisitions, including D’Appolonia, a leading Italian engineering consulting firm, and Simtex S.r.l., the leading private Romanian company for the certification of management systems and products.
In 2013, RINA completed the incorporation of Is.me.Cert S.r.l., a certification body for agri-food production in southern Italy.
In 2014, RINA acquired Centro Sviluppo Materiali (CSM), a center of excellence in materials and application technology research, and Hayes Stuart, a Canadian ship inspection company
The Group expanded further by acquiring 100% of QIC Inc., a leading company for inspections in the American oil & gas sector, and SC Sembenelli Consulting, a company specializing in large-scale geotechnical and hydraulic infrastructure projects.
We acquired the entire share capital of Edif, a worldwide provider of a diverse range of TIC-CE services that serve to reduce risk, optimise performance and enhance the capability of its clients’ assets.
In 2017, we launched a new company logo to present a unique and recognizable identity in the market. That same year, D’Appolonia is rebranded as RINA Consulting.
With the aim of consolidating the company’s expertise in space, defense, and cybersecurity, we acquired Interconsulting Engineering, a company specializing in the design and development of integrated systems and applications, particularly high-tech avionics solutions. RINA also acquired Cyber Partners, a consulting firm highly specialized in cybersecurity.
In addition, with this acquisition of Logimatic Solutions, a leading software house in Denmark, we added the Sertica software to its portfolio of marine offerings for fleet management.
At the end of 2022, we acquired 100% of Patrick Engineering, the Chicago-based engineering consultancy firm specialsing in infrastructure, transport and renewable
energy
In August, Registro Italiano Navale, Fondo Italiano d’Investimento and RINA S.p.A. announced the signing of an agreement aimed at the entry of the fund into the share capital of RINA S.p.A. The agreement finalized in December, involved an equity injection of 180 million euros. Registro Italiano Navale retained majority ownership, while Fondo Italiano d’Investimento and a group of co-investors took a minority stake of up to 33%.
Company management also participated with about 2.5% of the capital. Simultaneously, the new board of directors of RINA S.p.A. took office, appointing Carlo Luzzatto as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager. Ugo Salerno remained in office as Executive Chairman, with responsibilities for communication and institutional relations.
Our team of professionals who drives the digital development of RINA’s services.
In June 2025, we acquired the entire share capital of Foreship, a renowned Finnish company based in Helsinki specialising in naval architecture and marine engineering.
