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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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

European Ports Slow to Install Shore Power

4 hours ago

Most European ports are lagging in installing the shore-side electrical infrastructure needed for ships to switch from highly polluting marine fuel to cleaner electricity while docked, a new study showed on Tuesday.European Union environmental rules have set a 2030 deadline for maritime ports to install the infrastructure to provide what is known as onshore power supply (OPS).To assess their roll-out, Brussels-based NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) commissioned a study covering 31 European ports.Findings show that just one in five of the required power supply connections have been installed or contracted so far, with slow uptake across most ports.

Search Called Off for Crew Missing from Eternity C

2 days ago

Maritime agencies Diaplous and Ambrey said on Sunday they had ended their search for the remaining crew of the Eternity C cargo ship that was attacked by Yemen's Houthi militants last week.The decision was made at the request of the vessel's owner, both agencies said.The Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated Eternity C sank on Wednesday morning following attacks over two consecutive days, according to sources at security companies involved in the rescue operation.Ten of the ship's complement of 22 crew and three guards were rescued. The remaining 15 are considered missing, including five who are believed to be dead, maritime security sources said.

Vard, Inkfish Sign Shipbuilding Contract for New Research Vessel

4 days ago

Vard, the Norwegian subsidiary of the Group and one of the world's leading builders of specialized vessels, has signed a new contract with the US research organization Inkfish for the design and construction of an advanced research vessel. The deal is valued at over USD$233 million (€200 million).The custom-built research vessel, designated Project RV6000, is specifically designed for scientific exploration. It will join Inkfish's expanding fleet, alongside the RV Hydra and RV Dagon, to support global marine research. In close collaboration with host countries, the data collected will contribute to open-source repositories.

Six Crew Saved, 15 Remain Missing After Eternity C Cargo Ship Sinks in Red Sea

4 days ago

Rescuers pulled six crew members alive from the Red Sea after Houthi militants attacked and sank a second ship this week, while the fate of another 15 was unknown after the Iran-aligned group said they held some of the seafarers.The Houthis claimed responsibility for the assault that maritime officials say killed four of the 25 people aboard the Eternity C before the rest abandoned the cargo ship. Eternity C went down Wednesday morning after attacks on two previous days, sources at security companies involved in a rescue operation said.The six rescued seafarers spent more than 24 hours in the water, those firms said.

Four Dead, 15 Missing After Houthi Attack on the Eternity C

5 days ago

Rescuers pulled six crew members alive from the Red Sea on Wednesday and 15 were still missing from the second of two ships sunk in recent days in attacks claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militia after months of calm.Four of the 25 people aboard the Eternity C cargo ship were killed before the rest of the crew abandoned the vessel, which sank on Wednesday morning after being attacked on Monday and Tuesday, sources at security companies involved in a rescue operation said.The six seafarers who were rescued had spent more than 24 hours in the water, they said.The Houthis said on Wednesday they had sunk the Eternity C.