I’m just the latest in a long line of custodians of RINA, building on what generations before us created, with a clear responsibility to ensure the Institution is stronger for our current members and those who follow.

At 166 years old, RINA is the longest-standing maritime engineering and naval architecture institution in the world. My ambition is to return RINA to its unique position as the global Learned Society, safeguarding the rightful place of the naval architects and maritime engineers at the very heart of critical global conversations on marine technology, innovation and development. We are also widening participation and inclusion across all associated professions to advance innovation. We recognise that the challenges facing our sector require collaboration across disciplines such as design, operations, regulation, finance and technology.

With members in more than 140 countries, RINA has extraordinary global reach and expertise. Our task now is to connect that expertise more effectively through the technical excellence of our conferences, publications and other structured collaboration. The following is just some of what we are doing.

Our digital library is being rebuilt, making the entire 166-year archive of journals, articles, conference proceedings, magazines, papers and other materials accessible for free to all members. Later this year, we will introduce an AI-powered search function.

We have introduced a ‘Find a Member’ capability, enabling members and employers to identify expertise, verify credentials and connect directly for collaboration, projects and professional engagement. It’s coming very shortly for our corporate partners too.

We have added new newsletters to our portfolio, which members can subscribe to in MyRINA.

In April, we are launching an innovative mentoring scheme, with every mentor and mentee individually matched. More than 10% of RINA members have indicated that they want to be involved, which demonstrates the depth of commitment within our membership. If you have put your name forward, you will be hearing from us very soon. If you haven’t done so yet, and would like to, this is available in your MyRINA area.

We are establishing structured digital forums for branches and committees, enabling international discussion without barriers of time or geography. Follow us on LinkedIn for forum announcements and updates over the coming weeks.

New technical working groups will address the defining issues of our industry, with findings made available to members via our digital library.

And every event, wherever it takes place in the world, will be recorded and made available to all members to watch in their own time. We are here to advance innovation, promote collaboration and make all the knowledge generated within RINA accessible to the entire membership.

These initiatives are being delivered by a strengthened executive team focused on operational excellence and effective communication.

RINA’s strength is its members. I encourage every member to engage actively with our resources, forums and events. Follow us on LinkedIn to join the conversation. Sign up to our newsletters to stay informed. Get involved in a working group. Be active in our forums. Come forward to mentor or be mentored. Attend an event. And if you know someone who belongs in this community, bring them in. A stronger, more connected Institution depends on the participation of its members.

This edition of The Naval Architect is looking at alternative fuels and vital decarbonisation work taking place. We have included content from our sold-out Wind Propulsion Conference 2026. If you are interested in more detail, proceedings and recordings are available in your MyRINA area. This magazine also features a professional profile of Edwin Pang, RINA trustee and chair of our IMO Committee.

We will continue to evolve The Naval Architect to anticipate the technical needs of our members and feature top talent. The next issue will benefit from a redesign and the introduction of a Technical Panel to support the editorial team. Please get in touch via publications@rina.org.uk to share your news and insights. I hope you find this edition informative and thought-provoking.

This article appeared in Message from the CEO, TNA Mar/Apr 2026