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

US Will Have Access to Australia’s Nuclear Submarine Shipyard

US Will Have Access to Australia’s Nuclear Submarine Shipyard

yesterday
The United States will be able to use planned defence facilities in Western Australia that are to help deliver nuclear-powered submarines under the trilateral AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Sunday.Australia will spend A$12 billion ($8 billion) to upgrade facilities at the Henderson shipyard near Perth, as part of a 20-year plan to transform it into the maintenance hub for its AUKUS submarine fleet, the government said on Saturday.The AUKUS pact, sealed by Australia, Britain and the U.S. in 2021, aims to provide Australia with attack submarines from the next decade to counter China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Davie Details $1B US Shipbuilding Investment Plan in “American Icebreaker Factory”

Davie Details $1B US Shipbuilding Investment Plan in “American Icebreaker Factory”

4 days ago
Davie Defense Inc. gives a first glimpse today of the “American Icebreaker Factory” – a planned $1 billion transformation of the historic Gulf Copper shipyard in Galveston, Texas.The American Icebreaker Factory concept was created in collaboration with Florida-based Pearlson, which has led major projects for leading American shipbuilders, including BAE Systems, Austal USA and Fincantieri Marinette.The American Icebreaker Factory project embodies the Trump Administration’s priorities, including the Executive Order on American Maritime Dominance, the SHIPS for America Act, and the creation of the Office of Shipbuilding.
NTSB Issues Safety Alert for Land-Based Firefighters After Multiple Deaths

NTSB Issues Safety Alert for Land-Based Firefighters After Multiple Deaths

4 days ago
The National Transportation Safety Board issued a safety alert Wednesday urging greater awareness and training for land-based firefighters who may be called to fight fires aboard vessels in local ports.The safety alert follows several NTSB investigations into deaths and injuries to firefighters. The NTSB found land-based firefighters often lack the necessary training and familiarity with vessel layouts and fire protection systems to effectively fight in-port vessel fires. They also may be unaware of how to use the structural fire protection built into most commercial vessels.
Curtin Maritime to Build Eight Hybrid Tugboats for $160M

Curtin Maritime to Build Eight Hybrid Tugboats for $160M

5 days ago
While political winds in the U.S. have significantly tampered many ‘green’ projects, Curtin Maritime is domiciled in California, which is globally known for its strict environmental initiatives. To that end, Curtin Maritime inked a contract recently to invest $160m for eight new hybrid-electric tugboats, vessels being built by Snow & Co. and featuring vertically integrated electric powertrains from Arc with Schottel propulsion. Maritime Reporter TV interviewed Martin Curtin, CEO, Curtin Maritime & Mitch Lee, co-founder and CEO, Arc, on the eve of the announcement to discuss specifics.As shipbuilding continues to take center stage in the U.S.

MOL Looks to India for Shipbuilding Tie-Up

5 days ago
Japan's second-largest shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines wants to tie up with Indian companies to build tankers in India, aiding the South Asian nation's effort to boost local manufacturing, its chief executive, Takeshi Hashimoto said.New Delhi is modernizing its maritime laws to allow foreign participation in the sector, including ship-building, ports and shipyards, to reduce freight outgoings to foreign firms by at least a third by 2047."The Indian government has a strong preference to see the new vessels constructed in India. If possible, we want to be involved in the project," Hashimoto told reporters at the APPEC conference in Singapore on Tuesday.