ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a prominent classification society with a substantial role in the maritime and offshore industries. Established in 1862, ABS has a long history and is headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA. Its primary mission is to promote the security of life, property, and the natural environment, primarily through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction, and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.


Core Functions:



  1. Classification Services:



    • Ship Classification: ABS assesses the design and construction of ships to ensure compliance with established safety standards and regulations. This involves a rigorous process of plan approval and surveys during construction.

    • Offshore Facilities: ABS classifies offshore structures like oil rigs, drilling units, and production platforms, evaluating their safety and structural integrity.



  2. Certification and Regulatory Compliance:



    • ABS provides certification services for a variety of maritime and offshore equipment and systems, ensuring they meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

    • By working closely with international maritime regulators like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and various national administrations, ABS helps shipowners and operators comply with global safety and environmental standards.



  3. Engineering and Technical Services:



    • ABS offers engineering support, including risk and reliability assessment, failure analysis, and other technical services to improve the safety and efficiency of marine and offshore operations.



  4. Research and Development:



    • ABS invests in research and development to innovate and improve maritime safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. They address emerging challenges and incorporate new technologies, such as advanced materials, digitalization, and alternative fuels.



  5. Sustainability Initiatives:



    • ABS is increasingly involved in promoting sustainable practices within the maritime industry, addressing issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and supporting the adoption of renewable energy sources in maritime and offshore operations.




Global Presence:


ABS operates worldwide, with offices and surveyors stationed in key maritime hubs. This global network allows them to provide timely and localized services to shipowners, operators, shipyards, and regulatory bodies.


Innovation and Technology:


In recent years, ABS has embraced advanced technologies like big data analytics, machine learning, and digital twins to enhance their services. They are also active in supporting the development of smart ships and autonomous vessels, striving to improve operational efficiency and safety through cutting-edge technology.


Overall, the American Bureau of Shipping plays a crucial role in maintaining and advancing maritime and offshore safety standards globally, balancing industry needs with regulatory requirements and technological advancement.


Products

Classification, Certification and Statutory Services including ISM and ISPS

Houston USA

16855 Northchase Drive
Houston TX 77060
USA

Ships

USNS HENSON

Special Purpose Vessel | Flag: United States of America | Port: NORFOLK, VA

Maritime News

Trump Administration Drops Gauntlet on UN Fuel Rules, Threatens Tariffs

Trump Administration Drops Gauntlet on UN Fuel Rules, Threatens Tariffs

9 hours ago
The United States has told countries to reject a United Nations' marine fuel emissions-cutting deal or face tariffs, visa restrictions and port levies, U.S. and European officials and sources told Reuters.The Trump administration is looking to boost U.S. economic might, including by taking a bigger role in global shipping, and has used tariffs as a weapon to extract better terms from Washington’s trade partners.In April, countries struck a draft agreement through the U.N.'s International Maritime Organization (IMO) that would impose a fee on ships that breach global carbon emissions standards.
Second-hand Containership Prices Soar in the Face of Soft Shipping Rates

Second-hand Containership Prices Soar in the Face of Soft Shipping Rates

10 hours ago
Despite significantly weaker freight rates, the average price for five-year-old container ships has increased 17% year-on-year and 6% since the beginning of 2025,” says Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.The average per TEU price of a basket of seven five-year-old container ships was $9,761/TEU in late August 2024. Since then, the price has risen to $10,758/TEU at the beginning of 2025 and to $11,413/TEU in late August.Feeder ships smaller than 3,000 TEU have seen the highest price increase at an average of 26% year-on-year.
“2 Days, 50 Ports”: New Wave Media Acquires Port of the Future Conference & Exhibition

“2 Days, 50 Ports”: New Wave Media Acquires Port of the Future Conference & Exhibition

yesterday
New Wave Media, a leading B2B media company serving the global maritime, offshore energy, subsea and logistics sectors, acquired the Port of the Future Conference & Exhibition, a premier international symposium known for its focus on advancing port infrastructure, technology, and policy.Under the continued leadership of its founder, Kevin Clement, the event will retain its iconic tagline — “2 Days, 50 Ports” — and continue to convene top-tier port and terminal executives from around the world.The 2026 Port of the Future Conference is scheduled to be held March 23-25, 2026, at the Hilton University of Houston.
HD Hyundai Philippines Cuts Steel on First Vessel

HD Hyundai Philippines Cuts Steel on First Vessel

yesterday
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has conducted a steel cutting ceremony for a 115,000-ton product tanker at the HD Hyundai Philippines Shipyard in Subic Bay, Philippines.The vessel is the first ship built by HD Hyundai Philippines and is the first in a series of four vessels ordered from an Asian shipping company in December last year.Last May, HD KSOE signed a lease agreement with Cerberus Capital for a portion of the Philippine shipyard site, marking the launch of this second HD KSOE overseas shipyard.
U.S. Coast Guard Spends its First One Big Beautiful Bill Act Funds

U.S. Coast Guard Spends its First One Big Beautiful Bill Act Funds

2 days ago
The U.S. Coast Guard’s Facilities Design and Construction Center completed a contract modification with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Aug. 25 to remove up to 100 submerged concrete piles under the old Pier November at Base Charleston in North Charleston, South Carolina.  The modification, with a potential value of approximately $14.8 million, includes work that is necessary to complete construction of new, modernized piers to provide support and logistics for up to five major cutters homeported at the base.