ABS is strengthening its ties to the Korean maritime industry by establishing the ABS Korea Energy Technology Center (KETC) in Busan in early 2012. This is ABS’ first energy center and will focus on applied research to a broad range of current and future technology challenges. In a related move, the society is creating the role of Vice President of Global Korean Technology Development. Dr. Hoseong Lee, a veteran of ABS and respected professional in the Korean maritime industry is being appointed to this new position. As part of his new responsibilities, Dr. Lee will provide guidance and oversight for the KETC. In combination, these strategic developments will better leverage the technology resources of ABS in servicing the Korean market and its clients across the globe.
Under Dr. Lee’s stewardship, the KETC will work in partnership with local universities, shipyards and other organizations to undertake research activities drawing upon the knowledge and experience of ABS engineering and survey staff worldwide. Priority areas for the center include offshore exploration and production technology, subsea applications, LNG technology, ship energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Dr. Lee will also act as the corporate liaison for Korean businesses that work with ABS. He will assume the new role effective 1 November 2011. Although Dr. Lee will be based in Houston, he will spend a considerable amount of his time in Korea working closely with the ABS staff as well as coordinating Korea-related business development worldwide.
KETC and the new Vice President position serve to compliment ABS’ strong national presence, which is led by Andre Han, Country Manager for Korea. Han will also take on the role of Senior Advisor as he will maintain responsibility for managing the strategic in-country operations with shipyards, vendors, government officials and other key stakeholders. Han is entrusted with ensuring clients receive the quality service delivery that ABS is recognized for throughout the industry.
Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS President and CEO explains that these moves will allow ABS to better anticipate the needs of its Korean customers and expedite service delivery. “Korean shipbuilders are global organizations and this renewed focus will be instrumental in providing the most effective classification service delivery that we offer,” says Wiernicki.
KETC will become an integral component for ABS global energy-related research. The center is a further extension of the global reach of ABS’ Technology Research and Development group. The industry has long acknowledged ABS’ leadership in the area of research and development (R&D) for both the shipping and offshore market sectors. The R&D program has always been paramount to the organization’s mission of promoting safety and environmental protection throughout the maritime industry.