Marine Link
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Robert D Somerville News

25 Apr 2013

ABS Elects New Council and Committee Members

At the 151st Annual Meeting of the Members of ABS, and the subsequent meeting of the ABS Council, industry leaders were elected to serve on a number of bodies that contribute to the operation of the classification society as it fulfills its mission of promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment. "ABS' strength as a global classification society is drawn from its membership and the many regional, national and technical committees that contribute to the process of developing practical, impartial and authoritative standards," said ABS Chairman Robert D. Somerville. •    Robert G. •    James G. •    Maria F. •    Chow Yew Yuen, Keppel Offshore & Marine USA Inc. •    Dr. Jen-Hwa Chen, Chevron Shipping Co. •    Dr.

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.

23 Apr 2013

ABS Reports Continued Growth in 2012

ABS President And CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki. Photo: ABS

ABS hosted its Annual Meeting in New York on April 23, 2013. ABS Chairman, Robert D. In 2012, the ABS-classed fleet reached 193.5 million gross tons, a growth rate of more than 4% year-on-year. ABS also maintained its leading position in the global orderbook with 21% of all vessels on order designated for ABS class. With nearly 70% of all vessels aged ten years or less, ABS has one of the youngest fleets showing a strong foundation for a successful future of the organization.

04 Mar 2013

Somerville Announces Retirement from ABS

Robert D. Somerville, long serving Chairman of leading classification society ABS, has announced his retirement effective April 30, 2013. Under a carefully planned, two year long, leadership transition strategy, current President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher J. Wiernicki has been selected to assume the Chairmanship of ABS subject to final election by the Board of Directors at their next meeting on April 22, 2013. “It is imperative that an organization of the size and complexity of ABS has a well-defined succession plan in place for all its senior executives and particularly so for the roles of Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer,” said Somerville in announcing his decision to step down after 43 years of service with the society.

23 Oct 2012

A Class Act Robert D. Somerville, ABS Chairman

As Robert D. Somerville, ABS Chairman, winds down his career with the American Bureau of Shipping, he shares with Maritime Reporter more than four decades of insight and perspective on the evolution and future of class. Earlier this month you were honored by the US Coast Guard Foundation at a black tie event in NY City. You have received many honors over your career: in your mind what makes the recognition from the Coast Guard Foundation special or unique? ABS works with the maritime administrations of more than 125 countries…

09 Oct 2012

Annual Event Honors Coast Guard Heroes

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced the 2012 Coast Guard Foundation Award for Heroism will be presented to Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, for its rescue of eleven people in January 2012, at the 32nd Annual Salute to the United States Coast Guard event on Thursday, October 11, 2012 in New York City. On January 24, 2012, Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak was called into action to assist mariners of the 58-foot fishing vessel, Kimberly, in distress in treacherous weather conditions on Portage Bay. The boat reported being grounded in ice and hypothermic conditions as the results of category 3 hurricane level winds, 20-foot seas and heavy snow.

01 May 2012

ABS Reports Increase in Fleet Size

Speaking at the 150th Annual Members Meeting of the classification society on 24 April 2012, in New York, ABS Chairman Robert D. Somerville reported that every sector of the ABS enterprise “contributed to another year of record performance in terms of the size of the ABS-classed fleet and strong orderbook.” ABS will continue to use its experience and knowledge “to create the innovations that will shape the maritime classification,” said Somerville. ABS President and CEO Christopher J.

27 Apr 2012

ABS Elects Tony Nassif as Executive Vice President

In response to its continued global expansion, leading international classification society ABS has strengthened its executive leadership team with the election of Tony Nassif as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the society. The election was made by the ABS Board of Directors at its meeting this week. Nassif moves to ABS from his position as President and CEO of the society’s wholly owned affiliate, ABS Group of Companies Inc. Current ABS President, CEO and COO Christopher J.

15 Feb 2012

ABS Recognized for 150 Years of Service

ABS celebrated its 150th anniversary in Washington, DC on 31 January and was recognized by Members of Congress for the classification society’s proud history and unwavering commitment to the American and international maritime community. “I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating ABS on its 150th anniversary and in recognizing ABS’ significant service to the American marine and offshore industries and our sea services,” stated Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, in remarks entered into the Congressional Record. Congressman LoBiondo was joined by Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA)…

12 Jan 2012

ABS Group Concludes Acquisition of Safetec Nordic AS

ABS Group of Companies, Inc. concluded its acquisition of Safetec Nordic AS, with a signing ceremony attended by senior ABS, ABS Group and Safetec management in Trondheim, Norway, on January 5, 2012. ABS and ABS Group Chairman, Robert D. Somerville, ABS Vice President David Weinstein, ABS Group CEO and President Tony Nassif and ABS Consulting President David Walker joined Safetec CEO Jan Morten Ertsaas, Safetec Board Chairman Jon Daniel Nesje and Professor Jan Erik Vinnem to sign the agreement bringing Safetec into the ABS Consulting organization. The acquisition of Safetec will broaden the range of solutions and services provided to ABS Consulting’s offshore customers as well as strengthen its presence along the Norwegian Continental Shelf…

10 Nov 2011

Seafarer Heroism Honored at AOTOS Event

Presenters: Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, USN Commander of Military Sealift Command,The Honorable Helen Delich Bentley, David Matsuda, U.S. Maritime Administrator

Five separate episodes of heroism and bravery on the high seas were recognized at the 42nd annual United Seamen's Service Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) dinner. The AOTOS event itself honored James L. Henry, Chairman and President of the Transportation Institute; General Duncan J. McNabb, USAF, former Commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and Robert D. Somerville, Chairman of ABS (formerly the American Bureau of Shipping). The maritime industry's most prestigious awards since…

01 Nov 2011

2011 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards

James Henry, General Duncan McNabb and Robert Somerville Receive 2011 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards. United Seamen's Service 42nd award dinner held in N.Y. on October 28, 2011. The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2011 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) were presented to James L. Henry, Chairman and President of the Transportation Institute; General Duncan J. McNabb, USAF, former Commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and Robert D. Somerville, Chairman of ABS (formerly the American Bureau of Shipping). The maritime industry's most prestigious awards since 1969 were presented at a gala industry dinner and dance for more than 700 people at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City.

21 Jun 2011

Henry, General McNabb and SomervilleTo Receive 2011 AOTOS Awards

The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2011 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to James L. Henry, Chairman and President of the Transportation Institute; General Duncan J. McNabb, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and Robert D. Somerville, Chairman of ABS (formerly the American Bureau of Shipping). The maritime industry's most prestigious awards will be presented at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City, on October 28, 2011. A special AOTOS recognition plaque will be presented to Captain George Quick, former President of the Association of Maryland Pilots. "We are so proud to be able to honor labor, military and service providers who represent strong leadership in the maritime industry.

29 Apr 2011

ABS Selects Brunswick Landing to Establish Ship Modeling Center

Augusta, Maine – Maine Governor Paul LePage, members of the Maine Congressional Delegation and the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) announced today that the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) plans to establish a computer-based ship modeling center at Brunswick Landing: Maine’s Center for Innovation. The move will create nearly thirty jobs in the Brunswick area. “Our Administration has a laser focus on job creation. We are continually searching for opportunities to bring businesses to Maine that will boost our economy.

13 Apr 2011

ABS Milestone For Fleet Size & Total Gross Tonnage

Class society ABS achieved another record performance in fleet size during 2010, reported Chairman Robert D. Somerville at the annual meeting. An eight percent increase in gross tonnage from year-end 2009 resulted in the ABS-fleet reaching a new record of 173m gross tons (gt) representing 11,191 vessels. Somerville pointed out that ABS is in a strong position with regards to the world orderbook holding more than 20 percent of the newbuild market. With the ABS orderbook standing at 45.7m gt at the close of 2010, the backlog provides confidence that classification activity will remain solid for the foreseeable future. Attractive shipyard pricing led to a surprisingly robust flow of new orders to ABS class during the year, particularly for bulk carriers.

12 Apr 2011

ABS Elects New Council and Committee Members

•  Angeliki N. •  Michael Wyllie, Offshore Energy Development Corporation/SBM Offshore N.V. •  William T. •  Capt. •  Dr. Bo Cerup-Simonsen, A.P. •  Joseph J. •  Soli Engineer, Executive Director, Great Offshore Ltd. •  RADM Philip H. Greene, Jr., Superintendent, U.S. •  Hiroshi Kato, President, Toyo Shipping Line Co., Ltd. •  Naresh Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, Deepwater Drilling & Industries Ltd. •  Lee, Jai-Seong, President & CEO, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. •  VADM H. S. Malhi, AVSM, VSM, Chairman & Managing Director, Mazagon Dock Ltd. •  John “Jack” D. •  Ted C. •  Capt.

06 Apr 2011

ABS and Lloyd’s Register Release Common Software

(Houston and London) ABS and Lloyd’s Register (LR) announce the release of jointly-developed software that will be used to assess bulk carriers and oil tankers designed to comply with IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR). The common software draws upon the technical strengths of ABS and Lloyd's Register and will be used to evaluate new designs presented to either society. Recognizing the strengths of their collaborative efforts and to demonstrate commitment for consistency, ABS and LR also announce the establishment of Common Structural Rules Software…

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.

29 Nov 2010

ABS, CCS Expand Cooperation in Offshore Activities

Photo courtesy ABS

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.

09 Nov 2010

ABS Fleet Breaks 170m GT Mark

The ABS-classed fleet has broken through the 170m gross tons threshold. The latest statistics show the fleet as standing at 11,055 vessels aggregating 170.29m gt representing an increase of more than 9m gt to date in 2010. The ABS fleet has sustained consistent year-on-year growth for the last sixteen years and firmly positions the society as the third largest class society in terms of aggregate gross tonnage. The society believes it continues to be the largest society in terms of the number of vessels and offshore units in its class. ABS’ current orderbook is comprised of 2,384 vessels aggregating 50.95m gt. “The continued strength of the newbuilding market, given the current global economic uncertainty, is surprising,” said ABS Chairman and CEO Robert D. Somerville.

07 Oct 2010

ABS Forms Greater China Operating Division

ABS announced a major organizational change with the creation of a fifth operating division that will be responsible for the society’s activities in The People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan. The reorganization takes effect 15 October. The Divisional Headquarters will be located in Shanghai where ABS already maintains a large engineering, survey and administrative office. Adam Moilanen has been appointed President of the new ABS Greater China Division. The existing China, Hong Kong and Taiwan senior management teams remain in place and will form the nucleus of the new divisional executive team. The new division, which has been carved out of the existing ABS Pacific Division…

30 Apr 2010

2010 Offshore Industry Safety Awards Postponed

The Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) announced today that the 2010 Annual Industry SAFE Awards Luncheon scheduled for May 3, 2010 at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas has been postponed. The ongoing situation with the Transocean Deepwater Horizon drilling accident has caused the MMS to dedicate considerable resources to the successful resolution of this event, which will conflict with holding this ceremony next week. The MMS will announce how the agency will proceed with the 2010 SAFE Award program during the next several weeks. The MMS apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks the organizers of the OTC for their understanding of our current situation. Deliveries from what ABS Chairman and CEO Robert D.

19 Nov 2009

ABS Adds to Membership

At the recent ABS Council meeting in N.Y., 40 prominent members of the shipping and offshore industries were elected as new members of the international classification society. The ABS Council also elected two new members to the society’s Technical Committee. “ABS governance is vested in a membership comprised of distinguished individuals drawn from the international shipping, shipbuilding and offshore industries, from academia, the insurance sector and other related disciplines,” said ABS Chairman and CEO Robert D. Somerville. Akimitsu Ashida, President, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. Noel L. Captain Ali M. Belhag, Chairman, GNMTC – General National Maritime Transport Co. Joseph L. Takatoshi Funada, President, Funada Kaiun Co., Ltd. Kevin M.

Subscribe for
Maritime Reporter E-News

Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email five times per week