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ABS News
Industry, Government Leaders Convene for Innovation Café on Small Modular Reactors
The U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation (USCMI), with the Maritime Administration and facilitated by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), convened maritime, energy, and public-sector leaders for its Innovation Café focused on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies for maritime applications, advancing dialogue on next-generation propulsion and energy solutions for the U.S. maritime sector.As Secretariat of USCMI…
Samsung Heavy Industries Receives AIP Certificate for Floating Data Center from ABS
ABS issued approval in principle (AIP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its design of a 50-megawatt floating data center.SHI’s design utilizes a standardized shipbuilding process, integrating design, manufacturing, and equipment installation concurrently to optimize efficiency. SHI states that this approach enables shorter lead times and incorporates a proprietary power generation system, thereby minimizing reliance on onshore electricity.
ABS and HHI to Advance Energy Solutions
ABS and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on a range of initiatives supporting sustainability, digital innovation and operational resilience in the maritime and offshore sectors, with a particular emphasis on accelerating the development of next-generation energy solutions.The scope of cooperation includes offshore wind development, offshore substations…
ABS, HD KSOE Collaborate for Digital Shipbuilding, Vessel Intelligence
ABS and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on digital technologies to strengthen safety and performance in shipbuilding.The agreement establishes a framework for the organizations to collaborate on Digital Threads, secure and integrated flows of data, across the entire vessel value chain. Areas of focus will include digital engineering…
ABS, HD Hyundai and Anduril Industries to Advance Autonomous Surface Vessels
ABS, HD Hyundai and Anduril Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore autonomous maritime capabilities.The MoU establishes a framework for the organizations to enable end-to-end solutions encompassing vessel design, production, autonomy and classification for autonomous surface vessels.The collaboration brings together HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding capabilities with ABS’ classification…
ABS Acquires RMC Global to Strengthen Cybersecurity, Risk Management Capabilities
ABS, through its affiliate ABSG Consulting Inc. (ABS Consulting), has announced the acquisition of RMC Global (RMC), a provider of industrial cybersecurity, risk management and resiliency solutions.The acquisition strengthens ABS Consulting’s capabilities and market position, bringing together two organizations with complementary expertise, shared values and a common mission. Combining RMC’s capabilities with ABS Consulting’s scale…
ABS, Seatrium to Collaborate on Maritime, Offshore Innovation
ABS and Seatrium Technology and Innovation Pte. Ltd, a technology subsidiary of global offshore, marine and energy engineering solutions specialist Seatrium Limited, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance innovation, regulatory alignment and sustainable technologies across the maritime and offshore energy sectors.The agreement establishes a framework for knowledge exchange and technical collaboration to support Seatrium's technology team…
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Harbor Craft Pilot Study Launched in Singapore
ABS, Marinteknik Shipbuilders (S), SeaTech Solutions International (S), and VINSSEN have signed a research collaboration agreement to advance the development of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered harbor craft in Singapore.The consortium will conduct desktop studies covering the feasibility of implementing hydrogen-powered harbor craft in Singapore, including vessel concept design, design evaluation and optimization…
ABS, UNITED WATERWAYS Collaborate on Coastal, Inland Maritime Training
ABS and UNITED WATERWAYS (UW) have signed a letter of intent to establish a joint venture with River Academy, UW’s training and education subsidiary, to support crew competence and qualification across the European inland barge, river cruise and coastal vessel sectors.The collaboration will enhance workforce readiness as European operators navigate evolving safety and decarbonization requirements in cruise, freight, and ferry shipping.
ABS, Alfred Maritime Sign MoU for Cruise Safety, Fleet Operations
ABS and Alfred Maritime GmbH have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore technical projects that benefit cruise operators, vessels, crews and passengers.The MOU establishes a framework for both organizations to collaborate across three key areas: fleet performance and health monitoring; maintenance optimization; and safety and emergency systems.The collaboration brings together Alfred…
ABS Reflects on Technology, Innovation Growth in Southeast Asia
At the annual meeting of the ABS Southeast Asia Regional Committee, ABS Chairman and CEO John McDonald offered a message to maritime and offshore industry leaders from Singapore and across Southeast Asia.“Rapid technology innovation and autonomous systems are transforming shipping into a highly connected, data-driven industry. ABS is responding by investing in our technology capabilities and expanding the value we can bring across the entire maritime ecosystem…
IMO Progresses Lifeboat Air Supply Requirements
The IMO Sub-Committee on the Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) held its 12th session from March 9 to 13, 2026. ABS has issued guidance on the significant issues progressed at the session including the proposed amendments to the LSA Code.The amendments introduce a new paragraph in Chapter IV requiring that partially enclosed lifeboats installed on or after 1 January 2032 be equipped with a means of supplying sufficient air to maintain CO₂ concentrations below 5…
ABS Publishes New Technical Standard for Subsea Power Cables
Responding to the surge in global subsea cable investment driven by cloud computing and artificial intelligence, ABS has published its Technical Standard for Subsea Power Cables.Subsea power cable design, installation and operation pose unique challenges due to harsh marine environments, significant water depths and extended cable lengths. The new ABS standard provides a comprehensive set of requirements and specifications to help the offshore industry mitigate risk…
ABS Opens U.S. Cruise Center of Excellence
ABS has opened the ABS Cruise Center of Excellence, its dedicated global hub for the cruise sector, located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The center expands ABS’ local presence and provides cruise operators with direct access to industry-leading classification, risk management, compliance and performance software and engineering services.The new center brings together local experts specializing in classification…
ABS Delivers New Report for EMSA on Ammonia Safety
Commissioned and published by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), a new report focused on the safety of ammonia as a marine fuel was developed by an ABS-led consortium that included the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and the Fundación Valenciaport.Based on the insights gained from the study, the report includes recommendations that expand upon existing interim guidelines from the International Maritime Organization for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel.
U.S. Coast Guard Issues Immersion Suit Safety Alert
The U.S. Coast Guard Safety Alert 03-26, issued on January 16, highlights critical findings related to immersion suit maintenance, inspection practices, and material integrity.ABS reports that U.S. Coast Guard inspectors have increasingly identified adhesive failures between immersion suit zippers and suit bodies, as well as other seam related defects. These deficiencies compromise watertight integrity…
ABS and Fleetzero Partner on Marine Battery Containers
ABS and Fleetzero have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the technical requirements for containerized marine battery systems.The MoU establishes a framework for both organizations to consider designs and arrangements as well as develop testing mechanisms and quality control procedures to help ensure safety with new commercial approaches.“ABS provides industry‑leading guidance to support the adoption of marine battery systems.
HD Hyundai Gets ABS Clearance for Next-Gen Floating Offshore Substation
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued approval in principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) for its new design of a floating offshore substation to support deepwater wind farms.The substation concept received a SMART (SHM) Tier 3 AiP from ABS. The approval acknowledges the proposed structural health management system’s alignment with the Tier 3 requirements in the ABS Guide for…
ABS Grants Approval for Seatrium’s Next-Gen Offshore Substations
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued approval in principle (AIP) to Seatrium for its next-generation offshore substation (OSS) design.Seatrium’s design features 500 MW OSS modules, engineered for scalability and aligned with the highest international standards, according to the company.The OSS-500 A substation design is said to offer flexibility across a wide range of water depths, grid configurations…
ABS Approves MISC and China Offshore’s Ammonia FPSO Design
MISC and China Offshore Engineering & Technology Company have received the Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for their design of an ammonia floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.This innovative floater solution adapts proven onshore production technology for offshore operations, transforming unutilized hydrocarbon gas from nearby offshore facilities into high-value blue ammonia…
