ABS signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with several Korean entities to advance local research and development (R&D) efforts. On October 219, 012, ABS President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki signed an MOU with the Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) to join in international projects through equity participation in overseas LNG projects. The scope of the agreement includes technological cooperation, training, and co-hosting seminars related to R&D in offshore LNG development, including LNG cargo containment systems, LNG floating storage and regasification units, floating storage and offloading units, LNG fuelled ships, bunkering and subsea exploration and production.
“ABS has been a pioneer in advancing LNG technologies,” Wiernicki said. “and partnering with KOGAS – a company with a strong history of LNG development – will provide both the expertise and resources to continue extending the boundaries of what is possible.”
KOGAS Executive Vice President and CTO Dr. Young-Myung Yang also sees great potential for collaboration between KOGAS and ABS. “I am sure that we can establish a good partnership for mutual growth,” he said.
In addition to the KOGAS MOU, ABS signed MOUs for academic collaboration with Pusan National University on 18 October 2012 and with Seoul National University on 19 October 2012, where Wiernicki presented a lecture titled “Future Challenges for Ship and Offshore Engineering.”