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

U.S. Threatens IMO Members

U.S. Threatens IMO Members

11 hours ago
The U.S. on Tuesday rejected the "Net-Zero Framework" proposal by the IMO, which is aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions from the international shipping sector, and threatened measures against countries that support it.The announcement, made in a joint statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, comes ahead of a vote at the United Nations' shipping agency to adopt the net-zero proposal in October.It also comes as the Trump administration uses tariffs as a tool to influence the behavior of leaders of other nations, including China, India and Brazil, and as the U.S.
Chinese Vessels Collide During Scarborough Shoal Interference

Chinese Vessels Collide During Scarborough Shoal Interference

yesterday
The Philippines expressed serious concern on Tuesday over what it described as "dangerous manoeuvres and unlawful interference" by Chinese vessels during a coast guard supply mission for Filipino fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal on Monday."Their actions not only posed a grave danger to Philippine personnel and vessels, but also resulted in the unfortunate collision between the two Chinese vessels," the Philippine foreign ministry said in a statement.A Chinese navy ship collided with a smaller coast guard vessel while the latter was chasing one of the Philippine Coast Guard ships involved in the mission, according to the PCG, which captured the incident on video.
Orsted Shares Plunge as it Seeks $9.4B to U.S. Wind Power Project

Orsted Shares Plunge as it Seeks $9.4B to U.S. Wind Power Project

2 days ago
Shares in Orsted  plunged to a record low on Monday as the wind farm developer asked shareholders for $9.4 billion to help fund a U.S. project, after potential partners were put off by U.S. President Donald Trump's hostility to wind power.The 60 billion crowns ($9.4 billion) rights issue is worth around half of the Danish company's market value as of Friday's close.Struggling in recent years with soaring inflation and logistical problems that sent costs soaring, the offshore wind industry faced a further setback when Trump suspended licensing on his first day back in office in January."Orsted and our industry are in an extraordinary situation with the adverse market development in the U.S.
Dominican Republic to Boost Cruise Tourism

Dominican Republic to Boost Cruise Tourism

2 days ago
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has strengthened its partnership with the Dominican Republic to enhance cruise tourism.During a series of high-level meetings between FCCA leadership and the Dominican Republic’s tourism and port authorities, both parties committed to a shared vision: to position the Dominican Republic as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean by delivering exceptional guest experiences, supporting local communities and driving sustainable growth.The collaboration includes plans for improving the quality and consistency of shore excursions, integrating more locally made products and cultural experiences into the cruise offering
Grimaldi Takes Delivery of Second Ammonia-Ready Car Carrier

Grimaldi Takes Delivery of Second Ammonia-Ready Car Carrier

4 days ago
Italian shipping firm Grimaldi Group has welcomed the second ammonia-ready pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), Grande Tianjin, from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC).The delivery of a 9,000-car capacity PTCT built for Grimaldi Group also marks SWS's 600th vessel or offshore platform since its inaugural delivery, the 150,000-ton Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit Hai Yang Shi You 111, in 2003.The Grande Tianjin is compatible with electric vehicles, conventional fuel cars, and heavy ro-ro cargo.