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ABS News
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…
Shipping Majors to Study Methanol Fuel Supply Chain on US Gulf Coast
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Japan’s ENEOS, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and SEACOR Holdings have launched a joint study to develop a commercial methanol marine fuel supply network along the U.S. Gulf Coast.The study aims to establish the first large-scale ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operations in the United States, as the global shipping industry looks for practical pathways…
ABS Approves Seagate Space’s Modular Offshore Launch Platform
ABS has granted approval in principle (AiP) to Seagate Space for their unmanned semi-submersible launch platform – the first offshore asset to receive AiP under the newly published ABS Requirements for Offshore Spaceports.The platform, designed specifically for remote offshore launch operations and referred to as the Gateway-S, introduces a new category of modular offshore spaceport infrastructure.
ABS Approves FPSO Remote Control Functions from Hanwha Ocean
ABS issued approval in principle (AIP) to Hanwha Ocean Co. Ltd. for remote control functions for FPSO units.ABS completed design reviews based on the ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote-Control Functions.The project is part of the Offshore Technology Collaboration Agreement (OTCA) between ABS and Hanwha Ocean, which enables the companies to collaborate on a series of cutting-edge projects leveraging each company’s core competencies under three broad themes: sustainability…
ABS Offers Best Practice for Energy Efficiency Retrofits
The latest analysis from ABS, Retrofits for Energy and Emissions Improvements, provides critical insights into the impact of retrofitting, including classification and statutory requirements, as well as best practices for implementation.The report builds upon the conclusions presented in the ABS 2025 Outlook, Beyond the Horizon: Vision Meets Reality. With an array of retrofit options available, each offering potential improvements dependent on a range of factors…
ABS Evaluates Condition-Based Maintenance System from SHI
ABS issued a product design assessment (PDA) certificate to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its condition-based maintenance system, SCBM.The system has earned a SMART (MHM) Tier 2 PDA from ABS, signifying that it meets the functional and system requirements listed in the ABS Guide for Smart Functions for Marine Vessels and Offshore Units.This achievement highlights the system’s compliance with ABS’…
ABS and Korean Agency to Advance Smart Ship Technologies
ABS and Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the international standardization of smart ship and shipyard technologies related to shipbuilding and ship maintenance, repair and overhaul.Through a series of joint workshops and seminars, the organizations will exchange information to strengthen international standardization capabilities and streamline certification procedures for Korean equipment manufacturers.
ABS, Persona AI Partner to Bring Humanoid Robotics to Shipyards
A collaboration to develop inspection technologies for Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform that enhances productivity and safety in shipyards was formalized with the signing of an MOU between ABS and Persona AI.The initiative will focus on adapting Persona AI’s humanoid robots, based in part on NASA’s robotic hand technology, for a range of shipyard tasks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, humanoid robots are uniquely suited to operate in shipyards designed for human workers…
ABS and Siemens to Advance Digitalization in Shipbuilding
ABS and Siemens Digital Industries Software (DISW) have signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate the digital transformation of maritime classification processes across ship design and construction.The collaboration will also advance product lifecycle management (PLM) technology to enhance efficiency, data integrity and regulatory compliance throughout the vessel life cycle.The MoU establishes…
ABS Meeting: Challenges and Opportunities in US Shipbuilding
Maritime industry leaders explored the opportunities and critical challenges in the revitalization of U.S. shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure at the ABS North America Regional Committee Meeting.The committee heard from ABS specialists on key regulatory, technology and market factors driving a wave of change for the global industry, making training to upskill seafarers in dynamic fuels, digital systems and energy efficiency technologies more important than ever.Christopher J.
ABS and KRISO Partner on Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
ABS and the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on the application of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the marine and offshore sectors.The agreement establishes a framework for both organizations to exchange information and engage in joint research projects related to concept designs for an SMR-powered ship and a floating SMR power generation platform.
