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Abs Europe News

09 Apr 2019

OSVs: Restarting that Idled Vessel

© Iain Cameron

Owners of offshore support vessels (OSV) are beginning to examine the possibility of reactivating some of their fleet even as the consistent volatility of oil prices and a healthy stream of ships projected from global shipyards keeps their enthusiasm in check.According to Clarksons, demand for the versatile ships, which support offshore exploration and production activities around the world, edged up 3% in 2018, with marginally higher day rates tempting some units out of lay-up.Most of the idle OSV fleet is unlikely to become active this year…

10 Nov 2017

ABS Conducts First Hellenic Technical Committee Meeting

ABS has hosted the inaugural meeting of the Hellenic Technical Committee (HTC) at its state-of-the-art Global Ship Systems Center (GSSC). “The Hellenic shipping community possesses a wealth of engineering knowledge and we are honored to assemble such a credentialed Technical Committee,” said ABS Europe Division Senior Vice President Vassilios Kroustallis. The HTC includes more than 20 key technical professionals across the maritime industry representing owners, operators and owner associations. The Committee brings together ABS and industry leaders to discuss key technical issues and developments as they pertain to ABS Rules. The HTC also analyzes technology trends, such as digitalization and cyber security, which are impacting the marine industry and vessel complexity.

04 Nov 2016

Three Maritime Leaders Receive United Seamen's Awards

Arthur E. Imperatore, Founder and President of New York Waterways; Captain Donald Marcus, International President of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Christopher Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO of the American Bureau of Shipping, were recipients of the maritime industry's most prestigious Admiral of the Ocean Sea awards presented at the 47th annual United Seamen's Service gala industry dinner and dance October 28, 2016. The event was held at the at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City. Recognition was also given to American seafarers for specific acts of bravery and heroism while at sea. (See separate news release).

06 May 2016

ABS’ Wiernicki Addresses SUNY Maritime Grads

Christopher J. Wiernicki (Photo: ABS)

ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO of ABS, addressed State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College graduates, their families, faculty members and guests at the college’s commencement ceremony on May 6. “I am honored to share real leadership lessons that these bright graduates may apply beyond the boardroom,” Wiernicki said at the ceremony, which saw approximately 300 students graduate inside Fort Schuyler. “Success in life and leadership go hand-in-hand.

13 Apr 2016

SUNY Maritime to Honor ABS’ Wiernicki

Christopher Wiernicki (Photo: ABS)

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) chairman and CEO Chris Wiernicki will receive an honorary doctoral degree from SUNY Maritime College. Wiernicki, CEO of the classification society since 2007 and its chairman since 2011, will receive the degree and speak at SUNY Maritime’s spring commencement ceremony May 6. “Over the years, ABS has been a valued friend to the college in its support of our students and faculty,” said Rear Adm. Michael Alfultis, president of SUNY Maritime. ABS supports two endowed faculty positions…

09 Feb 2016

ABS' Tikka Elected Foreign Member of NAE

Kirsi Tikka (Photo: ABS)

ABS, a provider of classification services to the global marine and offshore industries, announced the election of ABS Europe and Africa Division President Dr. Kirsi Tikka as a Foreign Member of the United States National Academy of Engineering (NAE). The invitation to become a Foreign Member of the NAE is a result of Tikka’s contributions leading to internationally recognized standards for ship structural design, construction and maritime safety. “Industry needs professional organizations like NAE to provide leadership for the engineering profession and to promote technological advancement…

25 Jan 2016

Realignment at ABS Americas

ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the global marine and offshore industries, announces the realignment of its Americas Division operations to create two new regions – Canada and Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. This realignment strengthens localized leadership to help ABS members and clients take advantage of expanding opportunities. “ABS recognizes that the expansion of the Panama Canal, increased Arctic operations and growth in LNG markets present pivotal opportunities for our members and clients, and we are proactively realigning operations to strengthen our world-class service delivery to support them,” says ABS Americas President and COO James Watson. “Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean are areas of tremendous potential.

05 Jun 2015

ABS' Tikka Gives Commencement Speech at UC Berkeley

Dr. Kirsi Tikka (Photo: ABS)

Dr. Kirsi Tikka says diversity at alma mater played a pivotal role on the path towards a 'truly global career' in the shipping industry. Dr. Kirsi Tikka, President and COO of the ABS Europe Division, provided the 2015 Engineering Master's and Doctoral Commencement address at the College of Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, on Monday 18 May. The ceremony was held in the Hearst Greek Theatre at the UC Berkeley campus for over 550 M.T.M., M.Eng., M.S. and Ph.D. graduates, their families and faculty members.

05 Nov 2014

Howard Fireman Awarded David W. Taylor Medal

Howard Fireman (Photo courtesy of ABS)

The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) awarded its highest technical honor, the David W. Taylor Medal for notable achievement in naval architecture or marine engineering, to Howard Fireman, ABS Senior Vice President, Asset Performance Management (APM). "Howard is recognized as a technical leader in naval architecture," said ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. "His insight and guidance in design and energy efficiency are valued by the industry in great part because of his ability to provide real-world practical solutions.

10 Sep 2014

ABS to Class LNG-fueled Nordic Hamburg Containerships

Leading provider of classification services to the maritime and offshore industries, ABB, says it has  been chosen to class two LNG-fueled containerships to be built in China for German owner GNS Shipping/Nordic Hamburg. The 1,400 teu vessels will feature dual-fuel propulsion enabling them to burn LNG and conventional bunker fuel. They will be built at Yangzhou Guoyu Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, for GNS Shipping/Nordic Hamburg for long-term charter to Containerships Ltd Oy, of Finland. ABS will review the design, survey the construction and class the ships for operation on delivery in the course of 2016. The order includes options for a further two vessels.

23 Oct 2013

Riva to Serve as ABS Chief Surveyor

Joe Riva

ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki announced the appointment of Joseph "Joe" Riva to the position of ABS Vice President and Chief Surveyor. This role is responsible for guiding and overseeing all ABS survey activities, applying a strong knowledge of ABS Rules and Guides and international regulations to create consistency and quality in service delivery. Riva will succeed Linwood "Lenny" Pendexter, who has held the position for ten years. Riva brings tremendous experience to this role, having previously served as Assistant Chief Surveyor for the ABS Americas and ABS Europe Divisions.

29 Apr 2013

Wiernicki Named ABS Chairman

Photo: ABS

ABS announced a change in leadership with the election of Christopher J. Wiernicki, currently President and Chief Executive Officer of ABS, to the position of Chairman of ABS. This decision was made by the ABS Board of Directors, who voted at their April meeting to transfer the additional duties of Chairman to Wiernicki. With the expanding scope of classification in recent years, it is clear that the role of class will continue to change at an accelerated pace, and Wiernicki is optimistic about the organization's ability to meet this challenge.

06 Feb 2013

ABS Relocates from London to Hamburg

Classification society ABS to relocate its Northern European regional marine operations office from London to Hamburg, Germany. “This relocation is part of ABS’ ongoing effort to place our frontline decision makers closer to our clients and be more responsive to their needs,” says ABS President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. Wolfgang Buttgereit, Regional Vice President of Northern Europe, will lead the Hamburg team, focusing local efforts on challenges unique to the area and drawing on the extensive network of ABS resources around the globe to provide prompt and comprehensive solutions. Buttgereit, a 21-year veteran of ABS, is returning to Germany – where he previously served as Manager of ABS Germany – from his most recent assignment as Regional Vice President of Southern China.

17 Oct 2012

New Evergreen Container Ship Flies Red Ensign

'Ever Leading' UK Welcoming: Photo credit Evergreen Line

'Ever Leading' welcomed at container terminal Felixstowe, UK, on maiden voyage, the third Evergreen L-Type on UK shipping registery. The new container ship is owned by Evergreen Marine (UK) Ltd. is 334 meters in length, 45.8 meters wide, with 942 reefer plugs and a draft of 14.2 meters. The L-type vessel can cruise at a speed up to 24.5 knots. The latest L-class containerships meet the standards of international regulations for environmental protection and can reduce CO2 emission by 15 percent compared to the carrier's earlier award-winning S-class eco-ships.

19 Apr 2012

ABS Realigns Divisional Structure

Houston, Texas - Due to increasing commercial relationship between Dubai, India and Singapore, leading classification society ABS is reorganizing its Divisional responsibilities to improve service delivery. The Middle East Region, headquartered in Dubai and responsible for the society’s activities in the area, will now fall under the ABS Pacific Division, headquartered in Singapore, rather than ABS Europe, headquartered in London. “Given the manner in which the operational, financial and trading patterns are emerging between the entire Middle East region, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore and Malaysia…

18 Feb 2011

Neilson Appointed Academic Dean at Webb

Webb Institute announced the appointment of Mr. Richard P. Neilson as its next Academic Dean. Neilson will assume responsibility for the academic program on July 1 of this year, succeeding Dr. Roger H. Compton, Dean since 1998. Mr. Neilson, a 1970 graduate of Webb, returns to his alma mater after a long and distinguished career in the marine industry. Immediately after graduation he worked for the United States Coast Guard in Washington, D.C., in the Design Branch of their Naval Engineering Division. From 1974 to 1979 he was with Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company and then with Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock as a naval architect in the Tanker Product Group and as Supervisor of Structural Engineering. In 1979 Mr.

14 Feb 2011

Wiernicki to Become CEO of ABS

Photo courtesy ABS

ABS President and Chief Operating Officer Christopher J. Wiernicki will assume the duties of Chief Executive Officer of ABS following the classification society’s annual meeting in April 2011. Robert D. Somerville, currently Chairman and CEO of ABS, will relinquish the CEO responsibilities while remaining Chairman of both ABS and the ABS Group of Companies. Wiernicki, a member of the Board of Directors of ABS, has been working closely with Somerville for the last four years in his position as President and COO. The role of CEO will be in addition to Wiernicki’s existing responsibilities.

19 Jan 2011

Grove Appointed to Chief Technology Officer, ABS

ABS announced the appointment of Todd Grove to the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in a move that further underscores the strategic alignment of the classification society’s technology resources and Rule development initiatives with the operating divisions. Grove will report to ABS President and COO Christopher J. Wiernicki and be based in the society’s headquarters in Houston. Grove, a 28-year veteran of ABS, has served as President and COO of three ABS operating divisions – Europe, Pacific and Americas. He also has extensive experience in the offshore sector having served as Director, Energy Project Development and Manager, Offshore Engineering.

26 Oct 2010

Kazakhstan Recognizes ABS

ABS and The Republic of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport and Communication (MTC) have concluded an agreement granting ABS Recognized Organization (RO) status, able to act on behalf of the country’s maritime Administration. This designation allows ABS to perform statutory certification surveys and functions on board Republic of Kazakhstan flagged vessels and offshore units, and for companies which operate these ships and units. In this capacity, ABS determines the compliance of such vessels with applicable international convention requirements and national regulations for the issuance of relevant statutory certificates on behalf of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

13 Aug 2003

ABS Signs MOU With Gosgortechnadzor of the Azerbaijan Republic

and gas operations. relevant Rules and Guides of ABS. Azeri Technical Safety Law. on a major offshore project in Azerbaijan. Officer, ABS Europe. oil and gas industry in the Azerbaijan Republic. similar to the NPD in Norway, HSE in UK and MMS in the US. offshore operations concerns in the Azeri sector of the Caspian. of ABS Rules and Guides or other internationally recognized standards. established. between ABS and GGTN of the Azerbaijan Republic. drilling rig located in the Caspian Sea. setting standards,” says Lino Costa.

07 Nov 2001

Ship Repair Forum Changes to Reflect Current Events

Changes in the international political and economic climate will add new urgency to the theme of the Shiprepair & Conversion 2001 conference in London in November — gaining the edge in a competitive global industry. Marking the 10th anniversary of the event, the conference takes place alongside the industry's leading exhibition in the Grand Hall, Olympia, on November 28-29. A new pick-and-mix booking format offers cut-price entry to one or more of the four morning and afternoon sessions — giving delegates, exhibitors and visitors more scope to take part in both the conference and trade show, which will feature a record 360 exhibitors.

27 Apr 2009

Somerville Named MMA Person of the Year

Mr. Robert D. Somerville, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABS has been named as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy 2009 Maritime Person of the Year. Each year Massachusetts Maritime Academy selects a civilian or military leader who has distinguished him or herself through a career of excellence, innovation, and service to the maritime industries. The honoree is presented with the Captain Emery Rice Medal, named for an 1895 Academy graduate and hero of the First World War. The award will be presented to Mr. Somerville on November 6, 2009 at the 15th Annual Admiral’s Ball, being held at the InterContinental Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. The Admiral’s Ball is the Academy’s largest annual fundraiser.

27 May 2009

ABS New Management in Europe, Asia

Effective 1 July, ABS will introduce new senior management in its Europe and Pacific divisions. At that time, William J. Sember, currently President and COO, ABS Europe Ltd, based in London, will return to Houston as Vice President Global Marketing, responsible for further developing client relations in all sectors. Todd Grove, President and COO of the Pacific Division of ABS will move from Singapore to London, assuming the position of President and COO, ABS Europe Ltd. “Europe remains the center of our shipowner client activity,” said ABS Chairman and CEO Robert D. Somerville. Grove has previously served as President of the Americas Division of ABS and, prior to that, as Vice President Western Europe, based in London.