American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) News

The Dynamic Positioning Digital Survey (DPDS) from Kongsberg Marine has received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS. The DPDS application from Kongsberg continuously gathers data from a vessel’s dynamic positioning (DP) system, allowing annual DP surveys to move from in-person assessments on the vessel in a fixed timeframe to remote analysis onshore across a wider, more flexible timeframe. Evolution of digital solutions Per Kongsberg, the DPDS app contributes to reduced vessel downtim...

The impact of carbon capture and digital technologies as well as IMO Mid-Term Measures and FuelEU on the cost of compliance led the discussion at the ABS Middle East Regional Committee Meeting. The committee welcomed Khalid Alhammad, President of Bahri Ship Management, who started his term as chairman of the ABS Middle East Regional Committee. Environmental sustainability and excellence Alhammad said: “This forum has an important role in fostering collaboration among industry pione...

ABS approved the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) documents for a deep water floating offshore wind platform design from ECO TLP, Inc. and MOCEAN-Offshore BV. The unique design supports the largest wind turbines on the market and utilises slip-formed cylindrical concrete hulls and a variety of anchor types. Challenges to renewable energy ABS completed design reviews based on class and supporting offshore standards When combined with a hybrid spar tension-leg mooring system, the unit has a...

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has published the final two reports in a series of six, focused on alternative fuels and decarbonisation technologies. The reports were contracted from a consortium led by ABS, which includes CE Delft, Arcsilea and Texas A&M University. A 360-degree analysis of nuclear power and synthetic fuels, specifically the renewable e-fuels of e-diesel, e-methane and e-methanol, complete a project for EMSA designed to support the European Commission, the Memb...

New nuclear reactor technology represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for U.S. industrial policy. Vessels propelled by advanced small modular reactors (SMR) could act as a catalyst for the revitalisation of U.S. shipbuilding. That is the view of ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki, who believes the next step is the development of a marinised SMR demonstrator. New industrial policy “It is a key transformational technology. It changes the commercial model, the economics o...

More than almost any trend, decarbonisation is driving the future of maritime. That reality alone makes decarbonisation the perfect topic for our first-ever Expert Panel Roundtable column. Traditional maritime fuels, like heavy fuel oil, release harmful pollutants that contribute to air pollution and have adverse health effects. We have to do better, and discussions in the maritime industry centre on which combination of alternative fuels and other technologies can solve the shorter- and longer-...

A pioneering nuclear propelled containership designed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has received approval in principle from ABS. The groundbreaking design for a 15k TEU vessel uses a propulsion system comprised of a molten salt reactor (MSR) for heat and a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) system for power generation. Net zero by 2050 ABS completed design reviews based on class requirements. ABS published the industry’s first comprehensive requirements...

“New nuclear technology is a global decarbonisation solution and a commercial shipping disruptor. There is no net zero by 2050 without nuclear.” That was the view from ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki, speaking at the Core Power New Nuclear for Maritime Houston Summit. Operation of vessels “New nuclear is a transformational technology. It disrupts the commercial model, the economics of shipping, as well as the operation of vessels and of course their d...

ABS has stated the maturity of Aikido’s innovative floating wind platform design, the latest stage in new technology qualification. As part of the process, ABS witnessed a successful upending demonstration of the Aikido One unit, a 1:4-scale floating wind platform. The design can accelerate deployment and reduce costs for the rapidly growing offshore wind industry. Collapsed transportation configuration The test exhibited the platform’s ability to quickly deploy from its collapsed...

The only on-engine NOx reduction solution for marine two-stroke engines, designed by Swiss marine power company WinGD, will be deployed for the first time on commercial engines after securing type approval. The integrated Selective Catalytic Reduction (iSCR) solution was tested at Mitsui E&S DU (MESDU) Co’s factory in Aioi, Japan, where three WinGD 5X52-S2.0 engines are being built for bulk carriers under construction at a Japanese shipyard. Iteration features The type approval foll...

A new design for an ammonia floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit that features onboard carbon capture technology for blue ammonia production has received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS. The design comes from MODEC, Inc. (MODEC), in collaboration with Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO). ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements. Emissions of offshore operations It is produced by combining hydrogen, which is derived as a byproduct of carbon...

ABS is investing in the expansion of its services to build on its position and ensure it is well-placed to meet the growing needs of the marine and offshore industries. That was the message for maritime pioneers from across the region at the annual ABS Southeast Asia Regional Committee meeting. “Our safety-driven mission continues to serve us well, and we are building on this strong foundation by investing in widening and deepening the scope of our class services,” said Christo...

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has received ABS approval in principle (AIP) for a tank design that enables large-scale hydrogen transport and storage. Vacuum insulation system HD KSOE's vacuum insulation system is designed to reduce the time required to create a vacuum in large tanks, which is essential for transportation. The new technology allows maintaining a vacuum state at –253℃, which KSOE says enables safer and loss-free transport of large quantities o...

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released a new report offering key recommendations to consider as the industry looks to adopt onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) technology. The report highlights the regulatory and safety considerations for the adoption of onboard carbon capture while also recognising the importance of developing a secure and scalable downstream carbon value chain and increasing carbon capture system cost-effectiveness. Key recommendations Based on the finding...

ABS and Akselos have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance engineering and certification processes for floating offshore wind projects. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on solutions aimed at optimising design, reducing costs, and improving efficiency for the floating wind sector globally. Akselos' simulation technology The alliance utilises ABS's expertise in offshore credential and type with Akselos' technology The collaborati...

ABS will deliver audits of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) on behalf of the Italian Administration from January 1, 2025, following an agreement signed at Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport. ABS statutory activities As a Recognised Organisation of the Italian Administration, ABS will conduct statutory activities, including approval of Ship Security Plans, security verifications, and issuance of Interim International Ship Security Cert...

“Many of our sustainable transportation programs and initiatives tend to become mode-centric, but it is critically important to optimise the overall sustainable freight transportation across modes from origin to destination, which requires a system of systems focus.” That was the message to U.S. transportation industry and Government pioneers from ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki at the Sustainable Freight Workshop at the White House. Marine transportation mode Advant...

ABS has awarded Hanwha Ocean Approval in Principle (AIP) for its Pre-FEED Standard FPSO Design intended to create an asset optimised for deployment in the deep waters of West Africa. The FPSO design is 340 m long and capable of storing approximately 2.38 million barrels of crude oil, with a daily crude oil production capacity of 190,000 barrels. Developed to accommodate topsides for crude oil and or gas production facilities, the hull is designed to operate for up to 20 years without the need f...

ABS Wavesight™, the ABS-affiliated Software-as-a-Service company, is pleased to announce that UNI-FLEET SDN BHD, a specialised shipping company operating tanker vessels primarily focused on the transportation of ammonia across Asia, has chosen to implement Nautical Systems (NS) Maintenance Manager and Purchasing Manager modules to revolutionise their maintenance and inventory processes. Integration of NS Maintenance “We’re excited for the opportunity to support UNI-FLEET with...

ABS has introduced new Rules for Building and Classing Offshore Units (Offshore Rules) that bring multiple rule sets into a single, unified document with risk-based approaches for verifying new technologies along with easier navigation to support clients. The forward-looking initiative is part of a multi-year collaboration with industry, shipyards, owners, equipment manufacturers, designers and regulators to support the fast-moving technology advancements and innovations driven by digitali...

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...