American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) News

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....

“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-classe...

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 Wavesig...

Maritime industry pioneers from the U.S. and Canada traveled to ABS’ World Headquarters to discuss the latest marine market trends in emerging ammonia, hydrogen, and carbon economies, offshore renewables, and nuclear energy. Cutting-edge academic research, technology, and sustainability initiatives were also highlighted at the annual ABS North America Regional Committee. Safety and high performance "We believe there is a high correlation between organisations who embrace safety and high...

ABS released its latest report into the potential of advanced nuclear technology for maritime applications, with a study of a small modular reactor on a standard liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. Feasibility and safety The transformational impact of a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) on the design, operation, and emissions of a 145,000 m3 LNG carrier design was modeled by ABS and Herbert Engineering Corporation (HEC). The study is designed to help the industry better understand...

ABS helped bring together industry and government pioneers for a U.S. Maritime Strategy Workshop to help stakeholders align on key policy and commercial priorities. This was the third in a series of workshops organised to inform a U.S. national maritime strategy and was done in collaboration with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the Office of Senator Mark Kelly, and the Office of U.S. Representative Michael Waltz. Challenges and recommendations The U.S. maritime industry faces seve...

ABS has completed an industry-renowned safety evaluation of ammonia dispersion on board an ammonia-fuelled gas turbine LNG carrier design from Hanwha Ocean. ABS, in collaboration with Hanwha Ocean, conducted computational fluid dynamics simulations that modelled different ammonia release scenarios due to accidental leakages from the engine room, the pipeline and the bunkering stations on deck. The study is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, using multiple ammonia release scenarios....

ABS has secured a contract to provide and test a digital twin solution for real-time condition monitoring for a Petrobras floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit. The ABS solution will provide a digital twin of the asset, and as part of the project, ABS has selected Akselos S.A. to deploy the Akselos Structural Performance Management software that will be evaluated over the course of a year by monitoring one of the four FPSO units in the Cessão Onerosa oil field. Life ex...

The United States Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Office of Environment and Innovation has selected ABS to establish and maintain the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation (Center) under a five-year cooperative agreement. Decarbonisation and digitalisation Authorised by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation is intended to support the adoption of clean energy on U.S. vessels through a wide-ranging program of research and development and training support. ABS Chairman...

The industry’s first comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants have been unveiled by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) at a forum for nuclear industry pioneers held jointly with Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Held at ABS’ world headquarters in Texas, the event saw presentations on the latest reactor technologies from companies and the publication of a detailed study from ABS and Herbert Engineering modeling the design, operation, and emissions of a floating nuclear...

ABS presented an approval in principle (AIP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its new design of an ammonia floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit. Called Samsung Ammonia Blue, the concept features advanced safety components with an expected production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum of ammonia. Class and statutory requirements ABS completed design reviews on the topside process, interface system and layout based on class and statutory requirements. “With o...

ABS issued an approval in principle (AIP) to pioneering Japanese companies at Gastech 2024 for two liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier designs with Type-C cargo tanks that do not require performing post-weld-heat-treatment based on the demonstration of an engineering critical assessment (ECA). ABS reviewed the drawings based on class and statutory requirements for the two designs, a 50K cubic metre carrier and a 23K cubic metre carrier, featuring Type-C cylindrical tanks made of carbon ma...

ABS and Hanwha Ocean Co., LTD, have agreed to explore cutting-edge technology projects together with the signing of an Offshore Technology Collaboration Agreement (OTCA) at Gastech 2024. The agreement is the foundation for collaboration on a succession of state-of-the-art projects leveraging each company’s core competencies under three broad themes: sustainability, digitalisation and artificial intelligence and operational technology cybersecurity. Clean energy solutions The agreement a...

An ammonia fuel supply system that can be retrofitted to existing vessels or installed on new builds has earned approval in principle (AIP) from ABS. The ammonia fuel supply system from Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases, part of Nikkiso Co., Ltd.’s Industrial Division, features high-efficiency pumps and an integrated fuel management system. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements. New fuel supply system “The ability to retrofit is significa...

At Gastech 2024, ABS awarded approval in principle for two new autonomous technologies from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). Unmanned Ammonia Engine Room for Ammonia-Fueled Ship Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Package for Unmanned Engine Room for Ammonia-Fueled Ship Autonomous navigation technology AIPs are the culmination of a joint development project, part of a wide MOU between ABS and HD Hyundai The AIPs are t...

A new design for a 268-metre floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility from Wison New Energies received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS. The unit is designed to perform offshore and at-shore with an expected production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements. Standardised design and scalability  “ABS offers world-class engineering services and is proud to be able to support innovative designs...

Representatives from ABS and IMODCO Terminals SA, a division of SBM Offshore, met at Gastech 2024 where ABS issued approvals in principle (AIPs) for a range of jetty-less New Energy Terminal concepts to move frequent, large-volume ammonia transfers away from shore. IMODCO is applying a proven jetty-less system for moving crude oil to support the supply chain for new fuels such as ammonia. Mitigating ammonia leaks ABS reviewed the designs for IMODCO’s Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) b...

ABS granted approval in principle (AIP) to HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) for its design of a liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier. Presented at Gastech 2024, the AIP represented the culmination of a joint development project between ABS and HMD. HMD developed a cargo containment system optimised for a 35,000 cbm LCO2 carrier using new cargo tank materials. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements for liquefied gas carriers. Development of liquefied CO2 carrier “...

Enhancing their collaboration on cutting-edge marine and technology projects, ABS and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to advance the development and certification of innovative systems for next-generation, zero-carbon ships. Representatives from both companies met at Gastech 2024 for the signing ceremony. 3 areas of integration Entitled 'Cooperation on the Advanced Zero-Carbon Ships', the MOU focuses on integrating advanced...

Data, digital twins and artificial intelligence are going to reshape everything in maritime from regulation to operating procedures challenging the industry to respond to a new safety protection frontier. That was the message from Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO in a wide-ranging keynote address at the Capital Link Shipping and Marine Services Forum in London. Unintended safety consequences Christopher J. Wiernicki said, "AI’s ability to generate real-time insights, risk...

bp selected ABS to support the deepwater Kaskida project in the Gulf of Mexico. ABS will provide classification and engineering verification services for the new semisubmersible production unit. “ABS is the recognised Class leader in offshore exploration and in the Gulf of Mexico; we have decades of experience classing complex semisubmersible production platforms. But this project goes beyond classification. We are also providing numerous other services related to engineering review and v...

In a biannual tradition accompanying the SMM maritime conference, ABS celebrated the AMVER Awards by sponsoring a ceremony recognising the contribution of German owners to the unique AMVER reporting system that supports search and rescue efforts for distress calls at sea. Held at the Übersee-Club in Hamburg, the ceremony celebrated 308 vessels from 54 German-managed companies, who were awarded coloured pennants for their role in maintaining maritime safety and in recognition of the owners&...

A 360-degree analysis of hydrogen as a marine fuel and wind-assisted propulsion are the latest in a series of reports studying alternative fuels and decarbonisation technologies for the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) delivered by an ABS-led consortium, including CE Delft and Arcsilea. EMSA is committed to supporting the European Commission, the Member States, the shipping sector and European ports in the transition to carbon-neutral shipping. In this context, EMSA has launched a call fo...

As the shipping industry transitions to cleaner fuels, ammonia as a marine fuel is gaining momentum. Alfa Laval is at the forefront of enabling this shift. Through research, product development, and strategic partnerships, the company is building the expertise and solutions needed for a safe and efficient transition to alternative fuels. Addressing challenges Alfa Laval is now accelerating the development of new technologies for ammonia The unique properties of ammonia, including its low fla...

With Fuel EU Maritime already impacting shipowners, energy efficiency and fleet-wide pooling is critical to short-term sustainability success according to leading industry figures at the annual ABS Sustainability Summit, which kicked off the SMM Exhibition in Hamburg. In a wide-ranging keynote, Navigator Gas CEO Mads Peter Zacho was positive about the progress of the transition, describing it as a business opportunity and said he welcomes the prospect of a carbon levy. Green shipping He said,...

ABS is expanding its footprint in Western Australia, establishing a physical presence in Port Hedland, a key trading zone for dry bulk minerals in the Eastern Hemisphere. The new site joins other ABS locations in Perth, Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Port Hedland Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export port, is located in northwest Australia's Pilbara region. The area is making substantial investments to support the energy transition to meet net-zero emissions goals....

Genesis North America (GNA), as a major subcontractor of Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. (COOEC), has engaged ABS to support the RUYA Project, a production capacity improvement plan for the Al Shaheen field in Qatar operated by North Oil Company (NOC). An ABS advanced analysis team will lead a safety engineering program providing risk mitigation and asset integrity support. ABS will also perform a number of critical studies including dropped object analysis for subsea pipelines and cables....

ABS awarded approval in principle (AIP) to two new developments from Jiangnan Shipyard: a new insulation system and a modern design for an ultra-large ethane carrier (ULEC). The ULEC design is first equipped with the next-generation BrilliancE® II Type-B cargo containment system, a modern cryogenic liquefied gas containment system designed to optimise ship performance. The second AIP was awarded for Jiangnan’s patented insulation system, PnFCOMBi, which can be used for type B tan...

ABS and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) are working together to develop a model-based additive manufacturing (AM) qualification framework for the maritime industry to reduce lead time and cost for AM part approvals. Model-based approach Traditional manufacturing processes rely on physical tests for verification and validation of their mechanical performance, including test coupons, specimens, and prototype components. Additive manufacturing, while also currently dependent...

ABS has released guidance focused on ammonia bunkering, the first such advisory for the industry. The ABS Ammonia Bunkering: Technical and Operational Advisory considers the aspects of bunkering ammonia as a fuel, providing the maritime industry with a better understanding of the challenges involved and how best to address them. Ammonia as a fuel Due to its greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential, ammonia is widely considered a major alternative fuel candidate. However, given its to...