ABS Establishes China Offshore Technology Center
(Houston, TX---) ABS, the leading provider of classification services to the global offshore industry, announces the establishment of the ABS China Offshore Technology Center (COTC) in partnership with Shanghai’s Jiaotong University (SJTU).
The focus of the center will be on new technology research for offshore facilities. While the research efforts will support development activities in the Greater China region, applied research will also be conducted on a wide range of oil and gas development issues.
Heading up the COTC will be George Wang, ABS Manager, Advanced Analysis Department, Shanghai. Wang and his team will be located within the ABS Shanghai office and plans are already underway for expansion of the COTC.
“This partnership builds upon our existing relationship with the University and its well-respected naval architecture program,” says ABS Chief Technology Officer Todd Grove. “The complexity and demands of offshore exploration and production mean we must continue to be proactive in assisting industry develop economical, safe and environmentally sensitive ways to address field development challenges. Research centers like this are an effective way to partner with academia and industry on a regional basis to conduct leading edge research which becomes the foundation for technical guidance and Rules.”
The COTC will be ABS’ fourth offshore focused research center strategically positioned around the world to support clients’ activities. The other facilities are: the ABS Harsh Environment Technology Center (HETC) on the campus of Memorial University in St. John’s Newfoundland; the ABS Brazil Offshore Technology Center (BOTC) in Rio de Janeiro; and the ABS Singapore Offshore Technology Center (SOTC). The SOTC, now in its fifth year, has become a key research and development facility in Southeast Asia supporting the latest offshore developments.
ABS has established these research centers as an extension of the society’s Corporate Technology Research & Development Group. This network of offshore research centers compliments work carried out within ABS and its close association with leading universities around the world.
“COTC will further enhance ABS’ presence in China as it has rapidly diversified into the gas and offshore sectors for both domestic and international markets,” says Grove. “The activity level within China that supports the development of a wide range of offshore exploration and production projects is increasing at a rapid pace. The COTC will serve as a premiere R&D center in the Greater China region in terms of new approaches and technology solutions as the industry continues its expansion into more challenging offshore environments.”
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.
Source: www.eagle.org
