In an unexpected move, the chairman of RINA, the classification society for the Costa Concordia, Gianni Scerni has resigned with immediate effect from January 17, 2012.

According to RINA, his decision was made as a result of comments about the Costa Concordia tragedy attributed to him in a personal capacity in the media. Scerni has disputed the veracity of these comments, but has decided to resign in order to distance RINA from any association with the alleged remarks.

RINA acknowledges the important contribution which Scerni has made to the company during the past ten years.