American Bureau of Shipping
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries. Established in 1862, it is one of the oldest classification societies in the world. ABS is headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA.
Primary Functions and Services
Classification
ABS classifies ships and offshore structures, ensuring they comply with specific standards related to design, construction, and operational maintenance. Classification is the cornerstone of ABSâs activities. The process includes:
- Review and approval of design plans
- Surveys during and after construction to confirm adherence to standards
- Periodic inspections throughout the lifecycle of the asset
Certification
ABS provides certification services for various regulations and standards, ensuring that marine assets meet international and national safety requirements. This includes:
- Safety Management Systems (SMS) under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code
- International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
- Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) compliance
Technical Advisory and Consultancy
ABS offers advisory services to help clients enhance the performance and operational efficiency of their assets. This includes:
- Risk assessment and management
- Environmental compliance
- Energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives
- Data-driven decision-making using digital technologies and analytics
Research and Development
ABS invests significantly in research and development to stay at the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements. This helps them to offer forward-thinking solutions for emerging challenges in the marine and offshore sectors.
Industry Focus
ABS serves a wide range of sectors including:
- Commercial shipping (tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, etc.)
- Offshore energy (oil and gas platforms, wind farms, etc.)
- Government and military vessels
- Yachts and leisure craft
Digital Solutions
In recent years, ABS has incorporated digital technologies to provide smart solutions for asset management. This includes:
- Remote survey and inspection capabilities
- Condition-based monitoring and maintenance
- Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time data collection and analytics
Global Presence
ABS operates globally, with a network of offices and surveyors in major port cities around the world. This allows them to provide timely and localized services to their clients.
Commitment to Safety and Environmental Stewardship
A core part of ABSâs mission is to promote safety at sea and the environmental sustainability of marine and offshore operations. They collaborate with industry stakeholders to develop and refine standards that protect human life, property, and the environment.
Affiliations and Subsidiaries
ABS is part of the ABS Group of Companies, which provides risk management and technical services to a wide range of sectors beyond marine and offshore, including power and energy, manufacturing, and government services.
Leadership and Reputation
With a history of over 160 years, ABS has a well-established reputation for quality, reliability, and continuous improvement. Its leadership in the field is backed by its rigorous approach to technical standards and its proactive stance on innovation and sustainability.
For more information, you can visit their official website at www.eagle.org.
Ships and so on
- Phone: Li
- Web: www.eagle.com
- Fax: 281-877-6795
Locations
American Bureau Of Shipping News
ABS Issues AiP for Pengrui and COSCO Gangway Design
![Rendering of the gangway and its planned installation on the BOE DEMPSEY (Credit: Pengrui, COSCO)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/rendering-of-the-gangway-and-151611.jpg)
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued an approval in principle (AIP) to Nantong Pengrui Offshore Technology and COSCO Shipping Shipyard (Nantong) for its novel design of an offshore access gangway.The motion compensated, active and passive, gangway design offers a solution for the growing demand for efficient access for service operation vessels (SOVs) supporting wind turbines and offshore platforms.ABSâŚ
ABS Joins EUâs Liquid Hydrogen for Commercial Vessels Research Project
![(Credit: ABS)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/credit-abs-150738.jpg)
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has joined the LH2CRAFT project, a research initiative funded by European Union with the goal of revolutionizing liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage on a massive scale, catering to commercial vessels and emerging applications.Administered by Hydrus Engineering and Technische Universitat Dresden, the research consortium is comprised of 14 members from nine different countries.The consortium is working to design a membrane-type containment systemâŚ
Four Industry Players Join Forces to Design Ammonia-Fueled Tanker
![(Credit: WinGD)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/credit-wingd-150700.jpg)
Swiss marine power company WinGD, Swedish marine technology leader Alfa Laval and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) will work with Korean shipbuilder K Shipbuilding (KSB) on the development of an ammonia-fueled MR tanker design.Two agreement follows the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in April. The design will feature a 6X52DFâA engine from WinGD.WinGD will work with KSB to deliver fuel gas system specifications suitable for the vessel application and the selected engineâŚ
HD Hyundai Mipo Gets ABSâ Nod of Approval for Ammonia-Powered Tanker
![(Credit: ABS)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/credit-abs-150696.jpg)
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a 50K DWT ammonia-powered tanker design from HD Hyundai Mipo.The vessel will feature an ammonia engine designed by WinGD and manufactured by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries â Engine & Machinery Division (HHI-EMD).Also, it will boast ammonia fuel supply system designed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) andâŚ
ABS and Lloydâs Register Greenlight 3500 TEU Ammonia Container Ship Design
![(Credit: MÌrsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/credit-mrsk-mckinney-mller-center-150582.jpg)
The two classification societies American Bureau Of Shipping (ABS) and Lloydâs Register (LR) have issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a new ship design of an ammonia-fueled 3500 TEU container vessel.A cross-industry taskforce including A. P. Moller-Maersk, MAN Energy Solutions, Deltamarin, Eltronic FuelTech, ABS and LR led by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping is behind the new design.The vessels is 212 meters long, with a breadth of 35 meters.
Future Fuels: Momentum Builds for Ammonia
![Ammonia Value Chain.
Illustration Courtesy ABS](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/ia-value-chainillustration-courtesy-abs-150061.jpg)
Strong demand is driving development but emissions issues remain, writes René Sejer Laursen, ABS Director â Fuels & Technology, Global SustainabilityThe interest in ammonia stems both from its zero emissions when used as fuel and because its production isnât dependent on biogenic carbon sources.To realize large-scale production of green ammonia to serve new markets, its production capacity, along with that of renewable electricity and green hydrogenâŚ
Classification and Building the New Fuels Pathway
![CCS issued the first AIP certificate for the marine liquid hydrogen fuel supply system which is developed by Weishi Energy Technology Hebei Co., Ltd.
Image courtesy CCS](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/ccs-issued-the-first-aip-149946.jpg)
Long-term initiatives led by classification societies are building the foundation for future fuels uptake.About this time last year, ABS CEO Chris Wiernicki said: âWhen you look at where we are and the steepness of the curve ahead, the biggest risk is the unintended safety consequences of change.â Class, he says, is built for the intersection between technology, safety and regulations and must be prepared.Work is underway.
Simulators Track our Changing Relationship with Technology
![Kongsberg Digital has integrated NORBITâs oil spill detection system with its K-Pos DP system for simulation-based training of offshore professionals at Equinor.
Image courtesy Kongsberg Digital](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/ongsberg-digital-has-integrated-norbits-149517.jpg)
Simulation-based training has its whole-of-ship/whole-of-team scenarios, but zooming in, the industry is now working on more specific targets.We have a close relationship with technology, evidenced by, for example, the phones we are estimated to unlock around 50-80 times a day. It has changed us. Half the people surveyed in a 2022 Kingâs College London study said that they feel like their attention span is shorter than it used to be.
One-on-One: Rob Langford, VP, Global Offshore Wind, ABS
![âWe are engaged with multiple US OSW wind developments and seeing an up-tick for CVA, technology review and risk reduction services in early development phases. With new lease rounds coming and new opportunities, we do not see a big slowdown for OSW developments apart from the obvious project delays and re-bids.â
Rob Langford, VP, Global Offshore Wind, ABS](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/we-are-engaged-with-multiple-149488.jpg)
As the U.S. offshore wind industry endures a predictable number of stops and starts during its adolescence, common mantras are âlearn from the established European modelâ and âembrace technology transfer from the offshore oil and gas sector.â In Robert Langford, the American Bureau of Shipping has all of that and more bundled in one neat package.Rob Langford has worked in the offshore industry for more than three decadesâŚ
Simulators Track our Changing Relationship with Technology
![Kongsberg Digital has integrated NORBITâs oil spill detection system with its K-Pos DP system for simu-lation-based training of offshore professionals at Equinor.
Image courtesy Kongsberg Digital](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/ongsberg-digital-has-integrated-norbits-149409.jpg)
Simulation-based training has its whole-of-ship/whole-of-team scenarios, but zooming in, the industry is now working on more specific targets.We have a close relationship with technology, evidenced by, for example, the phones we are estimated to unlock around 50-80 times a day. It has changed us. Half the people surveyed in a 2022 Kingâs College London study said that they feel like their attention span is shorter than it used to be.
ABS Embarks Project to Advance Offshore Electrical Power Bunkering
![(Credit: ABS)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/credit-abs-148889.jpeg)
American Bureau Of Shipping (ABS) has joined the BlueBARGE project, a program funded by the Horizon Europe program and involving 14 partners from 10 European countries to develop a comprehensive solution for offshore electrical power bunkering.ABS is leading the 36-month, $11.9 million (âŹ11 million) project and will support the consortium in safety, classification and regulatory compliance.To limit local pollution and greenhouse gas emissionsâŚ
Preparing for Change, ABS Enhances the Marine Vessels Rules Book
![Copyright KengVit14/AdobeStock](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/copyright-kengvit14adobestock-148055.jpg)
As maritime faces transcendent changes in regards to decarbonization, digitalization and automation, innovators from inside and outside of the industry will be challenged to deliver new applications and technologies with increased speed and frequency. Sitting at the center of the innovation storm are classification societies, and earlier this year the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) became the first classification society to incorporate goal-based standards throughout major rule setsâŚ
Three Questions: Matt Tremblay, VP, Global Offshore Markets, ABS
![Matt Tremblay, ABSâ Vice President of Global Offshore Markets. Image courtesy ABS](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/matt-tremblay-abs-vice-president-147958.jpg)
The American Bureau of Shipping dominates the global market in the classification of Floating Production. Offshore Engineer recently sat with Matt Tremblay, ABSâ Vice President of Global Offshore Markets, at American Bureau of Shipping HQ in Houston for his insights on market drivers and technical trends in this dynamic market.Matt, big picture, how do you see the Floating Production market developing in the coming years?At a macro levelâŚ
ABS' Wiernicki Tells COP28: Safety is a Catalyst for Decarbonization Innovation
![âSafety is not merely a box to check but a dynamic force shaping the trajectory of our industry. It acts as both a boundary condition, defining the limits within which we operate, and a catalyst for change, propelling us toward innovative solutions and practices that align with our commitment to a greener future,â said ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki @ COP28. Image courtesy ABS](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/safety-is-not-merely-a-146092.jpg)
âSafety is not merely a box to check but a dynamic force shaping the trajectory of our industry. It acts as both a boundary condition, defining the limits within which we operate, and a catalyst for change, propelling us toward innovative solutions and practices that align with our commitment to a greener future.âThat was the message to shipping industry leaders at COP28 from ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J.
Wabtec, Marinsa Win 20-Engine Deal for New Panama Canal Tugboats
![Wabtec Corporation and Latin American Channel Partner, Marinsa International, signed a contract to supply the primary power for 10 new hybrid tractor tugboats for the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). Wabtec will deliver two 8L250MDA marine engines for each tugboat. Image courtesy Wabtec](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/wabtec-corporation-and-latin-american-145819.jpg)
Wabtec Corporation and Latin American Channel Partner, Marinsa International, signed a contract to supply the primary power for 10 new hybrid tractor tugboats for the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). Wabtec will deliver two 8L250MDA marine engines for each tugboat.âWabtec is delighted to power the new hybrid Panama Canal tugs with the 8L250MDA marine engines,â said Tammy Gromacki, Wabtecâs Vice President of Marine, Stationary and Drill.
ABS Grants Approval for Bumi Armada FLNG Design
![(Left to Right): Kevin John Pereira, Bumi Armada, Vice President Engineering; Muhammad Aziz Alkatiri, Bumi Armada, General Manager Projects; Christina Sevajee, Bumi Armada, Vice President, Technology; Rostom Merzouki, ABS Director, Global Gas Solutions; Avik Roy, ABS Manager, Business Development - Credit: ABS](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/left-to-right-kevin-john-145565.jpg)
The American Bureau of Shipping has awarded an approval in principle (AIP) to Malaysian floating production firm Bumi Armada for a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) infrastructure design. The new concept incorporates a barge-based liquefaction unit and utilizes existing LNG carriers for storage. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements."We are pleased to support Bumi Armada in their ongoing efforts to offer safe and reliable LNG storage solutions.
ABS and Sea Forrest Collaborate on Maritime Electrification Tech
![Photo Caption (Front L to R): George Lee, CEO, Sea Forrest; Gareth Burton, ABS Vice President, Technology (Back Row L to R): Dr. Gu Hai, ABS Vice President and Head of Global Simulation Centre; Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive, Industry and Transformation, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore; Arnab Ghosh, ABS Vice President, Regional Business Development - Credit: ABS](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/photo-caption-front-l-to-145170.jpg)
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Sea Forrest Power Solutions (Sea Forrest), a subsidiary of BH Global, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to drive advancements in cutting-edge maritime electrification technologies.Supported by the new ABS Electrification Center in Singapore, the agreement will cover projects for electric vessels, shore charging infrastructure, along with related industry standards and marine classification requirementsâŚ
ABS AIP for Floating Offshore Nuclear Power Barge
![L to R: Dr. Young Tae Moon, Senior Director of Sustainable Growth Department, Nuclear PE, KEPCO E&C; Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer; and Dr. Sang Min Park, Research Director of Marine Energy Technology Lab, HD KSOE. Photo courtesy ABS](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/l-to-r-dr-young-144469.jpg)
A design for a floating offshore nuclear power barge from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and KEPCO Engineering and Construction Company, Inc. (KEPCO E&C) received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS.Project collaborators include ABS, HD KSOE, KEPCO E&C and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).The floating small modular reactor (SMR) barge is intended to serve as offshore power generation for remote communities and island electrification.
ABS AIP for an Offshore Hydrogen/Ammonia Production Platform
![Illustration courtesy of KRISO](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/illustration-courtesy-of-kriso-144133.jpg)
An offshore hydrogen and ammonia production platform design from the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) has received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS.Developed by KRISO, the unit is designed to produce green hydrogen using electricity generated by a wind farm. Among the features, the design consists of a desalination system that desalinates seawater and turns it into clean waterâŚ
Remote Survey is the New End-Game
![ScoutDI has performed initial tests of its droneâs SLAM capabilities in the cargo tank of the Altera shuttle tanker Beothuk Spirit.
Source: ScoutDI](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/scoutdi-has-performed-initial-tests-141223.jpg)
More than remote witnessing, more than remote data analysis, remote survey techniques are now going to aid the shift to full vessel autonomy.The technology that enables a robot to safely navigate an environment it has no prior knowledge of is called Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). âIt is the key to autonomy for any aspiring can-do inspection robot.â Thatâs according to ScoutDI, a participantâŚ