American Bureau of Shipping
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries. Established in 1862, it is one of the oldest classification societies in the world. ABS is headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA.
Primary Functions and Services
Classification
ABS classifies ships and offshore structures, ensuring they comply with specific standards related to design, construction, and operational maintenance. Classification is the cornerstone of ABS’s activities. The process includes:
- Review and approval of design plans
- Surveys during and after construction to confirm adherence to standards
- Periodic inspections throughout the lifecycle of the asset
Certification
ABS provides certification services for various regulations and standards, ensuring that marine assets meet international and national safety requirements. This includes:
- Safety Management Systems (SMS) under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code
- International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
- Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) compliance
Technical Advisory and Consultancy
ABS offers advisory services to help clients enhance the performance and operational efficiency of their assets. This includes:
- Risk assessment and management
- Environmental compliance
- Energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives
- Data-driven decision-making using digital technologies and analytics
Research and Development
ABS invests significantly in research and development to stay at the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements. This helps them to offer forward-thinking solutions for emerging challenges in the marine and offshore sectors.
Industry Focus
ABS serves a wide range of sectors including:
- Commercial shipping (tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, etc.)
- Offshore energy (oil and gas platforms, wind farms, etc.)
- Government and military vessels
- Yachts and leisure craft
Digital Solutions
In recent years, ABS has incorporated digital technologies to provide smart solutions for asset management. This includes:
- Remote survey and inspection capabilities
- Condition-based monitoring and maintenance
- Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time data collection and analytics
Global Presence
ABS operates globally, with a network of offices and surveyors in major port cities around the world. This allows them to provide timely and localized services to their clients.
Commitment to Safety and Environmental Stewardship
A core part of ABS’s mission is to promote safety at sea and the environmental sustainability of marine and offshore operations. They collaborate with industry stakeholders to develop and refine standards that protect human life, property, and the environment.
Affiliations and Subsidiaries
ABS is part of the ABS Group of Companies, which provides risk management and technical services to a wide range of sectors beyond marine and offshore, including power and energy, manufacturing, and government services.
Leadership and Reputation
With a history of over 160 years, ABS has a well-established reputation for quality, reliability, and continuous improvement. Its leadership in the field is backed by its rigorous approach to technical standards and its proactive stance on innovation and sustainability.
For more information, you can visit their official website at www.eagle.org.
Ships and so on
- Phone: Li
- Web: www.eagle.com
- Fax: 281-877-6795
Locations
American Bureau Of Shipping News
Marine News Boat of the Year: William E Moran, First in Class
The William E. Moran has entered service in New York, bringing enhanced capability and performance to Moran’s evolving fleet. As the first vessel in the company’s next-generation class, it is purpose-built to meet the demands of modern port operations, support evolving customer needs, and advance Moran’s goals for safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. These next-generation tugs will be among the largest in the fleet…
McDonald Appointed ABS Chairman, CEO
The ABS Board of Directors has elected John McDonald as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABS at a board meeting on November 11.In the culmination of a well-planned succession process, McDonald, the serving ABS President and Chief Operating Officer, will take over on January 1, 2026, when present ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki retires.“I am honored to lead this remarkable organization," said McDonald in a release announcing the appointment.
ABS Okays SHI’s Novel Fire and Gas Detection Systems Design
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has awarded an approval in principle (AIP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its novel design of a wireless fire and gas detection system that advances safety in maritime operations.Conventional detection systems use power cables to transmit signals to a control panel. The new design from SHI uses a vessel’s metal structure as the low-voltage power transmission medium.Similarly…
ABS Wavesight LISW Panel: Digitalization, Data and a Single Source of Truth
Where does true value lie in maritime digitalization? How are shipowners leveraging improvements in data quality and how can a single source of truth support and inform decision-making? To kick-off London International Shipping Week, ABS Wavesight assembled a panel of industry leaders to seek out the answers, with CEO Staci Satterwhite asking the questions.The panel - made up of Robert Gaina, SVP, Commercial at Ardmore Shipping…
Seatrium Secures ABS Backing for Deepwater FPSO Design
Seatrium has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its proprietary FLEXHull 1500K-M floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) design.The AiP underscores Seatrium’s ability to deliver advanced solutions for deepwater oil and gas production, the company said.The FLEXHull 1500K-M is designed to handle topside loads of up to 80,000 metric tons, with a hull that can be adjusted for different requirements.
Humanoid Robots in the Shipyard? ABS, Persona AI Ink MOU
ABS and Persona AI inked an MOU to develop inspection technologies for Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform deployment in shipyards. Humanoid robots are suited to operate in shipyards designed for human workers, offering flexibility and mobility in complex, confined, or ergonomically challenging spaces.Persona AI’s humanoid robots, based in part on NASA’s robotic hand technology, will be outfitted to conduct a range of shipyard tasks.Under the MOU…
Jana Marine’s Jack-Up Barges Get ABS’ Cyber Notation
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued the CR-Ex cyber resilience notation to three self-elevating units from Jana Marine Services, an industry first.The offshore units, JANA 505, 508 and 509, are the first offshore units to be awarded the notation that incorporates elements of IACS UR E26 Cyber Resilience (CR) requirements into existing (Ex) vessels to enhance cyber safety.The CR-Ex notation…
ABS, Partners Launch Electrification and Battery Safety Alliance
Representatives from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), University of Michigan, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Sea Forrest Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore batteries and electrification in maritime applications.The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for the organizations to collaborate on academic and scientific projects related to battery technologies and electrification capabilities…
ABS AIP for Electric Propulsion Container Ship
At Gastech 2025, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS for its concept design of a 16,000 TEU container ship with an electric propulsion system.ABS completed design reviews based on class requirements, analyzing the power system including key elements such as power generation, power conversion and propulsion motors.“ABS…
ABS Approves MODEC’s Offshore LCO2 Storage and Injection Unit
ABS has granted approval in principle to a liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) floating storage and injection unit (FSIU) designed by MODEC in collaboration with Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL).Tailored to the growing demands of the global carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) value chain, the design eliminates the need for onshore facilities, bringing LCO2 storage and injection offshore.With a design…
ABS Certifies World’s Largest Classed Unmanned Surface Vehicle
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued classification to the Surveyor, a fully autonomous deepwater unmanned surface vehicle (USV), developed by Saildrone.At 20 meters long and capable of unmanned operations across all of the world’s oceans, the Surveyor is the largest class of USVs from Saildrone, a provider of maritime security, ocean mapping, and meteorological and oceanographic data using unmanned autonomous assets.The USV is capable of long-endurance missions in the open ocean…
The Five Ws (and How) of the IMO Polar Code
Since coming into force, the IMO Polar Code has had a positive effect on maritime operations in polar waters, write Dan Oldford and Ed Moakler, ABS HETC, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.What is the Polar Code, When and Why did it come into force?Polar regions have many unique hazards compared to warmer waters around the world. Since the earliest explorers sought to explore the Arctic and Antarctic by ship…
ABS Certifies Electric Propulsion Solution from Korean Shipbuilders
ABS has issued a New Technology Qualification certificate to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) for their next-generation electric propulsion solution - the Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) power system for ships.The Breakerless-MVDC Power System builds on HD Hyundai’s modular propulsion drive system and is the first in the world to receive an ABS NTQ certificate…
Industry Consortium to Asses Floating Nuclear Plants for Mediterranean Sea
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), CORE POWER and Athlos Energy have formed a consortium to evaluate the potential of positioning the floating nuclear power (FNPP) platforms to meet the energy demands of islands, ports and coastal communities in the Mediterranean Sea.The group will research how FNPPs can potentially unlock a range of applications including the establishment of grid-scale electricity to remote locations…
Hanwha Ocean’s FPSO Cybersecurity Concept Gets ABS’ Nod
A new cybersecurity solution from Hanwha Ocean to protect critical infrastructure and operations on board floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units received approval in principle (AiP) from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).Hanwha Ocean, in conjunction with SIGA Data Security, developed an Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity solution that is specifically designed to protect critical OT systems from cyber threats…
ABS' Wiernicki Honored with Silver Bell Award
ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki was honored by The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), receiving the 2025 Silver Bell Award for lifelong service and outstanding leadership in the maritime industry.SCI is a nearly 200-year-old charity headquartered in New York that serves and protects the personal and professional lives of mariners and seafarers, both internationally and domestically, by…
Video: ATBs Unlock Stranded Iron Ore Down Under
Australia’s unique enclosed self-discharging transhippers ensure a dust-free supply chain for the Onslow Iron project.Onslow in north Western Australia is a desert. It receives less than 10 inches of rain a year, and for much of the year temperatures reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s known for dust storms that can turn the town red.It’s iron ore country, but the lack of a deepwater port meant that…
ABS Greenlights SHI’s Multi-Purpose Deepwater LNG Floating Unit
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued an approval in principle (AiP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its design of a multi-purpose liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating facility for deep water (MLF-O).Called MLF-O, the next-generation design from SHI optimizes the production facility for deepwater areas with a wave height of nine meters.According to SHI, the design has the advantage of providing faster delivery and cost-effective efficiency compared to onshore plants.
ABS, HD Hyundai to Collaborate on Naval Shipbuilding
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that opens the door for joint development projects to develop international naval ships.With the goal of achieving approval in principle, ABS will apply its goal-based and prescriptive requirements to three different types of naval ship designs from HHI, including HDA-24000: Auxiliary Logistic Support Ship…
ABS Advisory Provides Insight into Dual-Fuel Solutions for Newbuild Vessels
The maritime industry is under increasing regulatory pressure to decarbonize, driven by the International Maritime Organization’s emission reduction targets and the European Union’s maritime emissions regulations. In response, shipowners are exploring various dual-fuel propulsion options as a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to future-proof their assets against upcoming regulations.The…
