Yesterday, March 26, 2025, Navalprogetti Srl was featured in La Repubblica, one of Italy’s leading newspapers, in a special in-depth article published both in print and online. The feature was part of the Focus Innovation and Sustainability section, highlighting the company’s continued commitment to sustainable practices and technological innovation in the maritime industry.
Navalprogetti’s Commitment to Sustainable Ship Fuel Alternatives
At the forefront of innovation, Navalprogetti is actively exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional ship fuels. While the fundamental ship design remains relatively unchanged, the company’s focus has shifted towards developing and utilizing alternative fuels, including methane and hydrogen, to drive the maritime sector’s transition towards greener practices.
Pioneering Green Propulsion Technologies
Under the leadership of Irene Lavagnini, R&D Manager, Navalprogetti has been a key player in numerous EU- and regionally-funded research projects. These efforts have expanded the company’s traditional engineering expertise—such as structural calculations and hydrodynamics—to include cutting-edge developments in green propulsion technologies.
Flagship Project: sHYpS – Liquid Hydrogen Propulsion for Cruise Ships
One of the company’s flagship initiatives is the sHYpS project, co-funded by the Horizon Europe programme. This groundbreaking project involves the design and development of a liquid hydrogen propulsion system specifically for cruise ships. The technology, however, is scalable to other large vessels, demonstrating a versatile solution for a variety of maritime applications.
The sHYpS project is a hybrid propulsion system, where conventional propulsion is maintained, but hydrogen is used during certain segments of the journey, with the only emission being water vapor. A key feature of this system is the use of SWAP tank systems, where empty tanks are swapped out like batteries, eliminating the need for onboard bunkering.
Collaborating for Innovation: A Consortium Approach
Navalprogetti’s development of the hydrogen propulsion system involves collaboration with a consortium of technical and certification partners, including Lloyd’s Register, to ensure that each component meets stringent approval and compliance standards. Prototype testing for this revolutionary system is set to begin this year.
Decarbonizing Adriatic Routes with Gaseous Hydrogen
In addition to the sHYpS project, Navalprogetti is also involved in another exciting initiative funded by Interreg Italy-Croatia, TransH2 Project. This project focuses on decarbonizing Adriatic ferry routes by designing a system that utilizes gaseous hydrogen for ferry services between Italy and Croatia. Running until July 2026, this project will assess feasibility, power requirements, autonomy, and economic viability, laying the groundwork for sustainable maritime transport in the Adriatic region.
A Vision for the Future of Maritime Energy Transition
Despite its strong commitment to green innovation, Navalprogetti continues to provide traditional naval engineering services, gradually expanding its expertise into hydrogen, ethanol, ammonia, and carbon capture technologies. The company aims to become a leading player in the energy transition of the maritime sector, driving change and paving the way for more sustainable, eco-friendly solutions.
