(by correspondent Domenico
Palesse) The maps and parchments framed on the wooden walls, the
crystal chandeliers illuminating the officers' wardroom while
the sea is reflected in the portholes of the 'most beautiful
ship in the world'.
For the first time in its history the Amerigo Vespucci has
hosted a board of directors, making the board meeting of RINA,
the company born from the Italian naval register that today also
deals with consultancy and certification, unique and
unforgettable.
"It was a unique emotion, breathtaking", said President Ugo
Salerno and General Manager and CEO Carlo Luzzatto.
For two hours, directors and managers occupied the wooden chairs
of the prestigious officers' lounge.
An 'unusual' meeting preceded by a small tour on board
accompanied by the 'host', Commander Giuseppe Lai.
They made a brief reconnaissance of the 93 years of history of
the Navy training ship, between maps and ropes, from the Council
Room to the Cassero, with the inevitable souvenir photos among
relics, sails and wooden handrails.
An idea, that of the Board of Directors on board, which also
coincides with the birth of a new Open Innovation Hub of RINA
based in Singapore and open to stakeholders in the South-East
Asia area to transform research into concrete activities.
"The idea was born after a meeting with Ambassador Brandi,"
President Salerno explained to ANSA.
"By chance our board calendar coincided with the arrival of the
Vespucci here in Singapore. It was a sign that we could not fail
to take into consideration. Thanks to the Navy and Difesa
Servizi we were thus able to organize our board meeting".
The Genoa-based company also issued the environmental
certification for the Vespucci in 2007, the first ship of the
Navy to join the international convention for the prevention of
maritime pollution.
"Our history," explained CEO and General Manager Luzzatto, "is
closely tied to the sea.
"It seemed to us a bit like a sign of destiny that we could do
something similar on board the most beautiful ship in the world.
"Today RINA is much more than a nautical register, but our main
legacy, as they say, remains that of the seafarer".
The sea returns to the sea, then.
And, once the meeting is over, there is still time for the board
to say goodbye to the sailing ship, while the fanfare of the
Military Academy of Livorno accompanies with music the thousands
of visitors who were able to admire the old lady of the seas
today.
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