American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

ABS and the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI) signed an agreement at Offshore Korea that establishes a framework for strengthening technology research and development in the shipbuilding and marine industries. The two organisations will cooperate in the use of research facilities and equipment, as well as testing and certification. Further, they plan to provide mutual information exchanges and professional education through seminars, workshops and other network-building events. Unique strengths and capabilities “Maritime and offshore technologies are evolving rapidly. To make meaningful progress, we need pivotal industry collaborations like this one with KOMERI." "We look forward to capitalising on our unique strengths and capabilities to advance the safe delivery of the new technologies our industry needs,” said Matthew Tremblay, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore. Shipbuilding and offshore industry “The signing of this MOU between KOMERI and ABS will be a good opportunity to combine the technical know-how and research capabilities of both organisations to lead innovation in the global shipbuilding and offshore industry,” said Jung-Chul Bae, KOMERI President. ABS is guiding the industry with pioneering research and insights to support technology advancement in the marine and offshore industries. 

“Safety is more than just compliance. It is now synonymous with security, reliability, collective relationships and people. Safety is also becoming systems-based rather than rooted in prescriptive rules or specific component procedures." "Only by embracing a proactive, systems-oriented approach to safety, can the maritime industry navigate the path to a decarbonised future while ensuring the well-being of its seafarers and the protection of the marine environment.”  ABS-classed fleet Council members also heard how ABS has continued to hold the number one position That was the message from Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, to members at the annual ABS Advisory Council Meeting, which included presentations from the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). Council members also heard how ABS has continued to hold the number one position in global order book share and has grown the existing ABS-classed fleet to 298 million gross tons, with more than 11,500 assets. Range of emerging technologies ABS continues to be a pioneering voice in the industry with trusted insights into a range of emerging technologies while recording industry-pioneering port state and fleet safety performance. “Technology is advancing very quickly, and we are moving into an age where we need short-, mid- and long-term game plans. ABS is keeping one eye on today and one eye on tomorrow and making the right investments to support our safety mission and our clients,” said Wiernicki. Technological change and challenges Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, said: “Safety at sea requires a unified effort from all stakeholders. Leadership and partnership, particularly with the Coast Guard, ABS and MARAD, are serving us well in supporting U.S. maritime governance, safety and security.” Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, Rear Admiral U.S. Navy (Ret.), said: “With the increased pace of technological change and the challenges related to building our maritime workforce - collaboration is critical. MARAD continues our advocacy for a modern U.S. maritime transportation network with a particular focus on recruiting, training and retaining mariners - along with key investments for our ports, waterways and infrastructure." Next-generation vessel designs The comprehensive discussion included insights into next-generation vessel designs Phillips added: "We thank ABS and the Coast Guard for their continued leadership as we work together to enhance the safety, security and the overall health of the U.S. maritime industry and maritime commerce.” The comprehensive discussion included insights into next-generation vessel designs, clean energy initiatives, the role of retrofitted carbon capture and energy efficiency technologies, cybersecurity and the availability and scalability of fuels. Overview of digital solutions “We believe carbon capture, clean hydrogen, electrification, digital technologies such as machine learning and renewable power sources like nuclear are going to be key solutions impacting maritime going forward,” said Wiernicki. Council Members were also given an overview of digital solutions supporting compliance in the rapidly changing regulatory landscape and how ABS is using an efficient and streamlined class process that leverages condition-based data, reduces downtime, and minimises time on board. Additionally, the discussion focused on industry challenges and opportunities due to an increasing focus on technical investments, business automation, cybersecurity and risk management.

ABS Wavesight has partnered with Noble Corporation, an offshore drilling contractor, to revolutionise its recordkeeping practices by adopting ABS Wavesight eLogs™ electronic logbooks on its entire fleet of offshore assets. This collaboration marks a major milestone for the offshore adoption of ABS Wavesight eLogs, a secure digital solution that succeeds paper logbooks, bringing a new dimension to compliance management in the maritime and offshore sectors. ABS Wavesight eLogs ABS Wavesight eLogs offers a comprehensive and streamlined approach to recordkeeping for both the maritime and offshore industries. The secure digital platform replaces traditional paper logbooks, delivering a more efficient, reliable, and user-friendly solution for record management. ABS Wavesight eLogs enables accurate and real-time data capture and helps overcome risks By leveraging advanced technologies, such as cloud computing, ABS Wavesight eLogs enables accurate and real-time data capture and helps overcome risks associated with inaccurate and incomplete data and lost logbooks. Advanced digital solutions "We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in the offshore sector with the adoption of eLogs by Noble," said Staci Satterwhite, CEO of ABS Wavesight. Staci Satterwhite adds, "This collaboration underscores the growing demand and need for advanced digital solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and compliance, all while providing cost savings." Efficiency and accuracy "We are excited to adopt ABS Wavesight eLogs to help us further digitalise recordkeeping on our assets. This has been a welcomed change from the crews offshore with an increase in efficiency and accuracy," said Ben Sherwood, Supervisor of Marine Compliance and Inspection of Noble. Ben Sherwood adds, "We are estimating a possible reduction in error rate of 46 percent in just a single logbook using this platform." Performance and safety In addition to Noble’s adoption, ABS Wavesight eLogs has recently received flag State recognition from Brazil, further solidifying the company’s position and compliance with offshore regulations. This recognition underscores ABS Wavesight's commitment to working closely with regulatory authorities to support the highest standards of performance and safety in the industry.