We are excited to launch the first session of the LH2CRAFT Knowledge Hub Webinar Series, an initiative designed to facilitate expert dialogue and knowledge-sharing around the safe and sustainable adoption of hydrogen technologies in maritime transport.
đź“… Webinar Date: 26 June 2025
đź•› Time: 12:00 CET
🎙️ Speaker: Mr. Alessandro Maccari, Marine Research & Development Director, RINA Services S.p.A.
🔎 Topic: Hydrogen as fuel in the maritime sector – Challenges and opportunities from a regulatory perspective
A High-Level Industry Perspective
This inaugural session features Mr. Alessandro Maccari, a renowned expert in ship safety and hydrogen fuel regulation. Mr. Maccari brings over 30 years of experience at Fincantieri, 9 years at RINA Services, and has acted as technical advisor to the Italian delegation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for more than three decades.
His presentation will offer:
- An overview of EU and international decarbonisation goals for the maritime sector
- The current status of hydrogen as an alternative marine fuel
- Insights into ongoing IMO work on interim guidelines for hydrogen-fuelled ships
- Key challenges around the marinization and onboard integration of hydrogen systems
- A look at how risk assessment, simulation tools, and research collaborations can bridge regulatory gaps and foster safe innovation
Regulatory Readiness for Hydrogen Fuel
With direct involvement in IMO rule-making processes, Mr. Maccari will provide clarity on the updated work plan for alternative fuels, emerging safety requirements, and areas where technological advances are outpacing regulation. His focus on Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) methodology will highlight how regulatory frameworks can evolve to support hydrogen integration in a safe and practical manner.
The session aims to support LH2CRAFT’s broader mission to develop and validate safe, compliant, and scalable liquid hydrogen containment systems for maritime applications.
About the Speaker
Alessandro Maccari is the Marine Research & Development Director at RINA Services S.p.A., bringing over four decades of experience in the shipbuilding and maritime safety sector.
He holds an honours degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and for 30 years at Fincantieri, he developed deep multidisciplinary expertise in ship design, shipbuilding, and R&D, contributing to the design and construction of over 60 large passenger vessels.
Since 1995, Mr. Maccari has represented the Italian Flag Administration at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN agency responsible for regulating marine safety and environmental standards. At IMO, he plays a leading role in coordinating Italy’s involvement in the development of regulations on Low-Flashpoint Fuels and on the Regulatory Framework for Ships Using New Technologies and Alternative Fuels.
He is also a recognised Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) Expert at IMO, known for his pioneering work in risk assessment and alternative design methodologies for ship operations and safety strategies.
At RINA Services, Mr. Maccari leads high-impact R&D initiatives and strategic collaborations with a wide network of stakeholders in the global maritime industry. His leadership spans innovation in safety systems, decarbonisation strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies.
In parallel, he actively contributes to academic education through training sessions, thematic lectures, and postgraduate seminars focused on maritime safety and regulatory evolution, sharing insights gained from decades of front-line industry experience and regulatory engagement.
How to Join
The webinar is open to all LH2CRAFT partners and stakeholders.
đź”— Webinar access link
