You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence World News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features World Energy-Harvesting Ship Design Wins RINA Approval Energy-Harvesting Ship Design Wins RINA Approval by Ship & Bunker News Team Wednesday May 20, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker The first vessel is planned for launch next year. Image Credit: RINA UK -based startup DRIFT Energy has received approval from classification society RINA for a ship design that generates electricity at sea and converts it into hydrogen fuel onboard. The approval was presented during the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami and is believed to be the first approval in principle issued for an energy-harvesting vessel concept, RINA said in an email update on Wednesday . DRIFT’s vessels are designed to use hydro-kinetic turbines installed beneath the hull to generate electricity while sailing. The electricity is then used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, with the fuel stored onboard for delivery to ports and coastal users. The company said its AI-powered routing system, known as Goldilocks, enables vessels to follow optimal weather patterns to maximise energy generation. DRIFT plans to launch its first vessel in 2027 and said it currently has orders for more than 30 ships . Ship & Bunker News Team To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at [email protected] Also in the News TFG Marine Secures $300 Million DBS Facility Backed by Digital Bunker Delivery Records Digital delivery records replace paper-based audit trails as collateral verification in a first for marine fuel trade finance. Read in Full Tanker Struck by Projectiles Off Fujairah The incident happened about 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah at 19:40 UTC on S