American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) News

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...

ABS awarded approval in principle (AIP) to CLS Wind for its innovative wind turbine assembly system.  The patented elevator-style assembly system promises easier, safer and faster wind turbine and nacelle installation and maintenance, without the use of large cranes and heavy-lift barges or vessels. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements. “This is an exciting milestone for CLS Wind and domestic renewable energy production. ABS is committed to supportin...

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the United States Coast Guard Research and Development Centre (USCG-RDC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that opens the door to collaborative research and development on top-of-mind technologies impacting the maritime industry. ABS and the USCG-RDC each have robust portfolios of maritime innovation projects that will benefit from cooperative efforts in areas of mutual interest. Fuels in the maritime domain Activity under the MOU can include dev...

ABS and the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) are working together to advance commercial small modular reactor (SMR)-powered ships and floating SMR power generation platforms. Technology and framework ABS will provide an analysis of applicable regulatory guidelines and international standards for the design of SMR-powered ships. KRISO will develop core technologies for SMR-powered ships, including conceptual designs for the vessel and propulsion systems as well a...

Seatrium announced that it has awarded the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) a Classification contract for the newbuild floating production storage and offloading vessels (FPSO) platforms P-84 and P-85 with the final delivery expected in 2029. These are the first FPSOs to be awarded following ABS and Seatrium’s Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA), which aims to promote increased decarbonisation, digitalisation and innovation in the offshore industry. Efficient power generation Both...

ABS has issued approval in principle (AIP) to Nantong Pengrui Offshore Technology Co., Ltd and COSCO Shipping Shipyard (Nantong) Co., Ltd. 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. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements. New design from Pengrui &ld...

Demand for ammonia is being transformed by the energy transition. Until recently used as an input for fertiliser and chemical products, new markets for green and blue ammonia are emerging, replacing fossil energy in power generation, steel production and marine fuel. Today some 200m tonnes per annum of ammonia is produced worldwide with 20m tpa transported in LPG carriers. The scale of the emerging and potential demand will see these figures rise; how quickly this can be achieved will determine...

ABS and FibreMax signed a pioneering agreement to collaborate on stiffness-driven mooring tendons for the offshore wind market. The collaboration, which is principally focused on floating offshore wind assets, will see ABS provide qualification of FibreMax’s fibre and small rope testing. ABS will evaluate test methods for accuracy in predicting the parameters needed to perform representative analysis, focusing on stiffness. FibreMax will provide expertise on stiffness, based on its p...

MAN CEON, the digital platform of MAN Energy Solutions, received the ABS Cyber Security Product Design Assessment (PDA) certificate. MAN CEON connects machinery to Amazon Web Services (AWS), the Amazon-based cloud storage platform. The data transmitted is used to provide up-to-date information including the efficiency of components and systems, availability of those systems and real-time monitoring from shore. ABS CyberSafety® Program The PDA is part of the ABS CyberSafety® Program th...

ABS has published a new notation that enables containership operators to load an additional tier of containers on deck with reduced risk of loss due to parametric rolling. CLP-V(PARR) combines the ABS Computer Lashing Program notation with mandatory Parametric Roll guidance to allow operators to optimise stowage and lashing of containers without loss of safety margin. Flexible loading configurations “Optimising container loading is key to efficient vessel operations but also has a found...

As part of a pioneering joint development project (JDP), ABS approved a range of ship repair and retrofit work processes for remote survey at Qatar Shipyard and Technology Solutions. ABS tested, validated, and approved remote survey techniques at Qatar Shipyard and Technology Solutions for several survey tasks, which included rudder clearance inspection; stern tube wear-down inspection; and rudder plug opening inspection. Optimise scheduling The framework established in these activities...