ABS North American Committee Look Ahead to 2030

Industry leaders from across North America met to discuss global challenges facing the maritime sector at the annual ABS North American Regional Committee.

The group heard strategies to meet the IMO’s 2020 Sulfur Cap, as well as a look ahead to 2030 when vessel data will play a significant role in compliance management.

“Thanks to our deep links with industry across North America, ABS continues to leverage technology to develop new ways of supporting our partners and members. As the leading classification organization in North America, ABS can bring together the diverse expertise of many knowledgeable stakeholders to address the industry’s complex challenges,” said Tony Nassif, ABS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

ABS presented its innovative work with industry partners on digital technologies, designed to improve delivery of classification services for clients. Further, the agenda included an update on ABS’ groundbreaking work in the Cyber Security arena and perspectives from guest speaker Admiral John Nadeau of the U.S. Coast Guard.

 “The level of engagement between ABS and the U.S. Coast Guard is incredible. ABS has really stepped-up and is working closely with the USCG, particularly in terms of flag-state oversight and inspections,” said Admiral John Nadeau of the U.S. Coast Guard. “We’re exploring how training and technology, areas the USCG is focusing on, informed by intelligent data can modernize our operations and continue to drive safety performance. We’re making great progress and we all – USCG, ABS, other third parties, and vessel owners and operators – must continue working to make needed improvements.”

“ABS’ strong relationship with the North American shipping community means the Committee draws on deep expertise from one of the world’s most dynamic maritime markets. This allows us to develop solutions and services that directly respond to the challenges the industry faces today,” said Mark Ross, Chairman of the ABS North American Regional Committee and President of Chevron Shipping Company.

The committee also heard about the industry-leading safety milestone ABS accomplished in 2017, reaching one year without a work-related lost-time incident, highlighting its global focus on safety and its mission.

ABS is the largest classification organization in North America, including Equatorial American countries, based on both existing tonnage and new construction orders.

ABS provides class services for the US Navy, US Coast Guard, US Army, US Maritime Administration, NOAA, National Science Foundation, Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard.