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ABS, DSME Working to Replace VLCC Diesel Generators with Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Maritime classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and South Korea's shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) have signed a joint development project to use Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology to replace at least one of three diesel generators typically onboard a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)."It’s the second SOFC-focused JDP between ABS and DSME, with the first…
ABS Awards Smart Notation to AET’s Eagle Passos

Classification society ABS said it has awarded AET the SMART (INF) Notation for the 152,700 DWT DP2 shuttle tanker Eagle Passos, which was built and delivered by South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (SHI).The first shuttle tanker to be granted an ABS Smart Notation, which recognizes the vessel’s data communication and network infrastructure, Eagle Passos will also be granted…
World's Largest Ethane Carrier Delivered

MISC Berhad (MISC) has taken delivery of the world's largest very large ethane carrier (VLEC) at the Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) shipyard in Geoje, South Korea.The newbuild 98,000 cubic meter capacity Seri Everest, MISC's first VLEC, is the lead vessel in a series of six that the shipowner purchased from Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical (STL) in July 2020. Concurrently, MISC had also entered into time charter parties (TCPs) with STL, for the six VLECs to operate in international waters.
MacGregor Inks Deal to Supply LNG Bunker Barge Hose Handling Cranes

MacGregor received an order from Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to supply two fixed boom cranes that will handle the hoses on a new 5,400 cubic meter capacity liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker barge currently under construction and estimated to be delivered by the end of 2021.The MacGregor Rapp HP63-13F cranes will handle the hoses that transfer LNG from the barge to the LNG-powered vessel during bunkering operations.
ABS Launches Infectious Disease Mitigation Notation

A new notation and new guidance launched by ABS amid the COVID-19 pandemic aims to help marine and offshore operators reduce transmission of disease, the classification society said Tuesday.The ABS Guide for Mitigation of Infectious Disease Transmission On Board Marine and Offshore Assets details how the physical arrangement of a marine or offshore asset can act to mitigate transmission of infectious diseases…
ABS Reaches an IHM Century with Seaspan

Classification society ABS reports it has scheduled its 100th Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) Certification for Seaspan Ship Management, 98% of which are remote surveys.ABS says it is on course to ultimately certify more than 100 vessels for the world's largest containership lessor as part of a huge increase in demand for ABS remote surveys of around 300% since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic.“COVID-19 has provided the maritime industry with unprecedented challenges.
Dakota Creek Delivers New US Navy Yard Tug

The U.S. Navy’s first Yard Tug (YT) 808 class tug recently delivered to Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton Annex. Only 17 days after delivery, YT 808 was in the water assisting USNS Richard Byrd (T-AKE 4) as it moved away from the dock at Naval Magazine Indian Island.“Narrowing the gap between delivery and providing operational support is a priority for our team,” said Mike Kosar, program manager of Support Ships, Boats, and Craft Program Office within Program Executive Office Ships (PEO Ships).
ABS Publishes Subsea Mining Guide

ABS has published the Guide for Subsea Mining, detailing class requirements for the design, construction, installation and survey of mobile offshore mining units.The publication, which ABS is calling an industry-first, comes as global interest in resources on the seafloor grows to support the emerging low carbon economy.“The world demand for metals required for new forms of transportation and electrical storage is increasing.
ABS Publishes Guidance on Ammonia as a Marine Fuel

Classification society ABS has published guidance on Ammonia as Marine Fuel, evaluating the challenges in design and operation of ammonia-fueled vessels.The latest in an ongoing series of ABS sustainability focused whitepapers examining different fuel options for the marine industry, Ammonia as Marine Fuel provides information for shipowners considering ammonia as an option in both the near-term and…
ABS, American P&I Club Launch Chemical Tanker E-learning Material

The American P&I Club and ABS have worked together to produce a new e-learning module on chemical tanker operations, brought to life by state-of-the-art animations by IDESS IT, a frequent contributor to the American Club’s loss prevention capabilities.The new e-learning module, entitled CHEMICAL TANK, has been developed in accordance with the IMO Model Course 1.03 Advance Training for Chemical Tanker…
ABS Updates Its Shuttle Tanker Advisory

Classification society ABS announced Tuesday it has updated its Shuttle Tanker Advisory, offering insights on shuttle tanker design and operation all over the globe, with particular focus on Brazil, the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.The Advisory explains how ABS optional notations complement class and statutory requirements to fulfill varying regional and operational requirements. As well as exploring new technologies having an impact on the sector…
ABS Renews R&D Partnership with Singapore's MPA

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ABS to renew its partnership in maritime research, development and innovation. The signing was witnessed by Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Transport and Foreign Affairs, at the Singapore Maritime Institute’s SMI Forum 2020 themed “Future of Port and Shipping”.Under this agreement…
ABS Grants Approval in Principle for DSME Floater

Maritime and offshore classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design of what it described as "a wide breadth, single row, near-shore LNG Floating Production Storage Offloading Vessel (FPSO) hull with a jetty-moored system." The hull design has been developed by South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (DSME).The…
ABS CEO Calls for Cooperation on Decarbonization

The successful decarbonization of the shipping industry will require teamwork and cooperation, said ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki.“Building the future is clearly a team sport – even if not all players see it that way all the time,” he said. “In our industry, the more all stakeholders in the supply chain cooperate on meeting the challenges of getting to 2030 and 2050, the sooner we will reach those goals…
ABS Grants AiP for Damen's Fast Crew Supplier for U.S. Offshore Wind

Maritime classification society ABS has granted its Approval in Principle for Damen Shipyard's Fast Crew Supplier 2710 crew transfer vessel aimed for deployment in the U.S. offshore wind industry.To achieve approval, Damen has modified the design of its standard FCS 2710 to meet the US requirements. Waterjets are now incorporated, driven by engines that are compliant with US Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
ABS to Class U.S. Largest Hopper Dredge

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) will class the Frederick Paup, the largest self-propelled U.S. Hopper Dredge ever ordered.As previously reported, the giant hopper dredge was ordered by Manson Construction last month from Keppel AmFELS to build the hopper dredge.The 420-foot-long dredge, which will be U.S. flagged, will be built in Brownsville, Texas. It is expected to be fully operational by 2023.Arinjit Roy…
ABS Launches "My DigitalFleet" for Marine and Offshore Operators

One of the world's largest maritime classification societies American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Tuesday launched a web-based digital platform that "delivers real-time data-driven insights to improve fleet efficiency, reduce costs and help manage risks," for marine and offshore operators.The platform, called My DigitalFleet, is, according to ABS, a significant step forward for the digitalization of the maritime industry.Christopher J.
ABS and Israel Shipyards Trial 3D Model Process

Classification society ABS said it is working with Israel Shipyards to approve the shipbuilder's 3D models as part of plan review of its 45-meter multi-mission Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV).“Israel Shipyards is our latest partner where we have been able to demonstrate how ABS can support the design and class review process using 3D models. This exciting project is another building block in our development of an end-to-end paperless class process…
ABS to Class STL's New Very Large Ethane Carriers

Maritime classification society ABS will class four new 98,000 cbm Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs) ordered by China's Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical (STL)These ethane-fueled VLECs are part of a Phase-2 order from STL and South Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries and Hyundai Heavy Industries will build two VLECs each.ABS, which was the classification society of choice for the first order of the six dedicated VLECs by Reliance Industries in 2014…
New LNG ATB Bunker Vessel is a US First

Bunkering ports around the world have long used a variety of small tankers or tug and barge combinations to deliver fuel to visiting ships. Mostly this was heavy oil, but recently a new breed of bunkering vessels is emerging to deliver clean burning liquefied natural gas (LNG) to modern ships with dual-fuel capabilities.The fall of 2020 will see a new addition to this fleet servicing ships in Florida and the Caribbean.