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The naval architect

 

The Naval Architect provides in-depth information on all aspects of vessel design, construction and engineering. Practical applications of latest technology and case studies are accompanied by analysis and foresights.​ Published every two months, the magazine covers everything from superyachts and short-hop ferries to tankers and heavy-lift vessels; from battery pack installations and sail-assisted solutions to LNG tank retrofits; and from offshore safety to warship resilience. 

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Safety first for new fuels

The shift from heavy fuel oil to low-carbon alternatives promises deep emissions cuts but it also introduces a new generation of safety challenges. The challenge now is ensuring the industry meets its decarbonisation goals without compromising on safety. 

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Hydrogen hits the big time with projects on the rise

Hydrogen is moving from pilot projects to mainstream maritime adoption, with landmark vessel orders and emerging bunkering hubs signalling growing industry confidence.

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Why anchoring system layout deserves greater design attention

As vessel designers push the boundaries of space and efficiency, the humble anchoring system is increasingly caught in the squeeze.

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What's next for WAPS?

DNV’s senior principal engineer, Hasso Hoffmeister, examines the evolution of wind-assisted propulsion systems, and what comes next.

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Advancing innovation, collaboration and knowledge-sharing

Welcome to the latest edition of The Naval Architect. Eight months into my tenure as CEO, my initial focus has been on strengthening RINA’s foundations and accelerating delivery of the strategic changes required for our next exciting phase, outlined here.

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Deal smoothes path to Net Zero

UK’s first commercial biomethanol bunkering service launches at Port of Immingham.

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Efficiency is the transitional fuel

Examining how energy saving devices have helped Odfjell slash its fuel costs across its chemical tanker fleet.

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China moves fast with green fuel ambitions

China is moving with unusual institutional weight to position itself at the centre of the global maritime energy transition. A blueprint backed by 10 central government ministries has set Shanghai on course to become a leading green bunkering hub by 2030.

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Professional profile - Edwin Pang

RINA speaks to Edwin Pang, founder of consultancy Arcsilea, about his career to date and notable role as RINA IMO Committee chair.

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The Coandă effect

Khaled M Karmous explains his patented high-pressure water jet system that is showing promise as a new class of active friction-reduction technology, designed to cut fuel consumption by reducing hull drag.

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Latest News

 

Read stories from across our global community, including our new specialist e-newsletters across Power & Sustainability, Ship Repair & Maintenance, Warship Technology, Ferries & Fast Craft and Offshore Technology

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Modern market dynamics in fast craft design

As fast craft design adapts to harsher offshore demands and faster-moving procurement cycles, RINA explores what naval architects can learn from Arksen Pro’s approach to ruggedisation, modularity and modern market dynamics

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Flying boats rewrite the rules of fast craft design

Candela Technology’s flagship vessel, Candela P-12, holds the record as the fastest electric passenger vessel in operation. RINA reveals some of the secrets behind Candela’s pioneering hydrofoiling electric vessel design

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Tailor-making the approach to fast ferries

RINA talks exclusively to Strategic Marine on how low-emission targets are helping reshape hullform optimisation in large fast ferries and how this is subsequently spurring the market towards more tailored vessel designs

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Neurodiversity, opportunity and inclusion in shipbuilding

David Foote, Maritime Diversity Award winner, shares how neurodiversity strengthens innovation, safety and long-term talent in shipbuilding, while calling for more inclusive recruitment and support. Nominations for this year’s Maritime Diversity Award are open, with the deadline extended to 24 April 2026

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Sponsored: Engineering the next decade of maritime innovation

Explore the emergent engineering challenges shaping vessel architectures, from integrated electric propulsion and advanced control systems to autonomy‑enabling sensor suites and evolving regulatory frameworks. Register now for Advanced Maritime Technology Expo & Conference, 16–18 June 2026 in Amsterdam.

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Immersive simulation accelerates warship design

BMT’s new Digital Innovation & Simulation Centre (DISC) aims to reshape how naval architects design, test and validate vessels. In this exclusive interview, discover how it uses immersive simulation to de-risk decision-making

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Building in better cyber resilience

Cyberattackers are streamlining tactics and adopting new technologies to expand their capabilities. Pole Star Defense talks to RINA exclusively on why embedding cyber resilience into warship design from the outset is critical

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Autonomy as a capability multiplier

In light of growing maritime autonomy across the defence sector, RINA questions AI developer MarineAI on how autonomous systems can complement warship capability and streamline decision-making, rather than replace the process

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New Membership pathway for maritime professionals

RINA is delighted to introduce two new tiers for those with expertise outside of our core of naval architecture and maritime engineering. The new tiers recognise the indisputable value of associated disciplines to maritime innovation and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.

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China: ship repair's hotspot

A surge in vessel building in the first 10 years of this century means that vessels are now approaching their third, fourth or fifth surveys, and they must meet evolving decarbonisation regulations to remain viable

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latest papers

 

Browse papers from our conferences such as Wind Propulsion and Warship, showcasing cutting edge research vital to the future of maritime.

Or discover peer reviewed technical papers from the annual RINA Transactions.

 

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Journals

 

Our peer-reviewed journals, IJME and our annual transactions, share relevant research from the fields of naval architecture and marine engineering. Enabling professionals, academics, and students to exchange ideas, present findings, and push the boundaries of innovation.

 

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Magazines

 

Keep up to date on the latest news, insights and innovations from across the maritime community. Our flagship title, The Naval Architect, covers everything from commercial shipping and small craft to defence and advanced design, while our yearly publication Significant Ships, showcases the most innovative and commercially important vessel designs of the prior year. 

 

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Newsletters

 

Stay connected with the global maritime community through RINA’s newsletters.

Whether you are a member or not, you can receive updates from The Naval Architect, alongside selected RINA news, events and industry insights. Members also gain access to a wider portfolio of exclusive newsletters on key topics in the maritime industry.

 

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Archives

 

Discover the Royal Institution of Naval Architects’ rich history through our archives. Explore past issues of our journals, and historical records that reflect over 160 years of innovation and advancement in naval architecture and maritime engineering.

 

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