ABS and the China Classification Society (CCS) strengthened their collaborative efforts by entering into a new Cooperation Agreement on 24 November in Washington, DC. While the agreement is comprehensive, the offshore industry will be a priority area of focus for the two leading classification societies.
CCS and ABS will also expand their collaboration efforts in numerous other areas including research and development and software development for large and technologically-advanced ships. The societies will continue to host training and industry seminars in areas of mutual interest including deepwater activities.
“Over the past decade, China has significantly grown in its importance to the maritime industry,” said ABS Chairman and CEO Robert D. Somerville at the signing ceremony. “This agreement reaffirms the commitment of ABS and CCS to provide superior services and technologies to shipowners, shipyards and other stakeholders in the maritime and offshore sectors.”
The new agreement builds upon the relationship formally established in 1993 when CCS and ABS entered into their original cooperation agreements.
In addition to its increased cooperation with CCS, ABS has placed a larger focus on overall operations in China. In October, ABS announced the formation of its Greater China Operating Division. The division will have more than 500 employees operating from more than 30 offices across the country and in Hong Kong and Taiwan.