The Future of Maritime Talent, the Power of Simulation Technology and the Evolution of Safety Highlighted at ABS Annual Members Meeting

ABS members from around the world heard about ABS’ fleet growth, its application of advanced technologies and industry leading decarbonization services at the 161st Annual Members Meeting.

Members were informed that the ABS-classed fleet had grown to 280 million gross tons and ABS had further strengthened its number one position in global orderbook share at 25.3 percent, holding leading positions with both ship owners and shipbuilders. In shipbuilders, ABS is number one for new order share in China, Singapore, the U.S., Taiwan and South Korea, and with owners, ABS is number one for new order share in Greece, Denmark, Brazil, the U.S., Singapore and Hong Kong.

Members also heard how ABS has maintained its leadership position across the entire global offshore market and continues to lead the existing fleet for tankers, while strengthening its orderbook leadership positions with container ships, gas carriers and bulk carriers. At the same time, ABS added further advanced digital services and expanded its work with governments. They also heard how ABS continued to guide the industry in safety in 2022, retaining its position as the top performing Recognized Organization since 2017 in the three most active Port State regimes.

“We have seen rapid evolution on virtually all fronts in shipping in recent years. Now, with the clean energy transition and end-to-end digitalization, our industry stands on the cusp of a decade or more of truly disruptive change. Against this uncertain backdrop, ABS has continued to deliver on its safety mission, identifying the unintended safety consequences generated by the application of advanced digital technologies and decarbonization strategies. Awareness of this risk is a critical building block for the future of our industry, and this is exactly what ABS is built for. As an independent organization guided by a time-tested, safety-centric approach, we are well-positioned to guide the industry with a focus on personal, industrial and operational safety,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO.

The event also saw U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Vice Commandant Admiral Steven Poulin provide an update to the members on the USCG’s current activities and initiatives, emphasizing that: “Our Coast Guard and ABS partnership has never been more important.”

Members were given a glimpse into the potential of advanced simulation technology, pioneered by ABS, to support decarbonizing maritime operations. They heard about ABS’ support for the creation of hydrogen hubs and clean fuel development projects, carbon capture hubs and green shipping corridor initiatives around the world, including a digital twin simulation of these corridors. They were also introduced to the future of maritime skills and learning, with a fleet of ABS MetaSHIPs bringing a radical new approach to immersive learning.

Highlights of ABS’ performance in 2022 included leveraging domain expertise in LNG with the announcement of the unique, state-of-the-art ABS Global LNG Academy in Qatar. Another was the launch of the Rules 2025 initiative, a key step forward in the future of class, enhancing clarity, access and the capability to address complex systems.

Members also heard about a series of pioneering joint development projects in fields such as carbon capture utilization and storage, alternative fuels, vessel design, digital technologies and decarbonization services that are helping advance the industry with a focus on safety.

Download a copy of Safety Leadership in A Decade of Change, the ABS 2022 Annual Review here.

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