After careful consideration of the situation in the Ukraine and the Black Sea as well as the applicable sanctions, ABS decided to withdraw all Class services involving Russian vessels, assets and companies.
ABS notes that the decision follows the events developing in Ukraine and a thorough evaluation of the evolving regulatory and sanctions environment and its applicability to ABS operations.
As a U.S. company, ABS strictly follows both the letter and the spirit of U.S. sanctions’ law
said the company, adding that it is in the process of communicating with all affected clients and stakeholders to ensure a safe and orderly transition out of ABS Class.
ABS is also in contact with all employees in the region and working to ensure their safety.
Recently, the International Association of Classification Societies voted to expel the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping from their ranks.
In the meantime, IBIA joins others in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and decided to suspend all services to Russian members of the Association until further notice.
In the same direction, Lloyd’s Register announced its decision to disengage from the provision of all services to Russian owned, controlled or managed assets or companies.
Accordingly, DNV will not enter into new business with Russian companies nor into new business activities in Russia, while Shell stopped buying Russian crude, aiming to phase out its involvement in all Russian hydrocarbons from oil to natural gas over Ukraine.
