ABS and MOL informed that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on up to 14 new gas carriers. The agreement regards seven new-build Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLEC) and up to seven new-build Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers (LNGC) designed to carry gas from the US to China and other global markets.
ABS cooperated with MARIN on a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to conduct a research on transparent and validated methods to assess performance of wind-assisted shipping propulsion technologies.
The Italian shipyard VSY launched a motor yacht that incorporates environmental systems to allow navigation in marine protected areas. The 64 meter-long motor yacht Atomic is equipped with a dynamic positioning system designed to minimize the impact on the seabed when anchoring.
ABS published a new Advisory on Gas and Other Low Flashpoint Fuels, providing guidance on available technologies, regulatory requirements and installation and operational considerations for adopting gas or other low flash point fuels.
Harvey Gulf International Marine has chosen the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to class two Offshore Supply Vessels (OSV) being retrofitted with a dual fuel as well as battery system. The Harvey Energy will become the first US-flagged OSV equipped with a battery/converter system.
The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) held its 101st session from June 5 to 14, 2019. After its conclusion, the meeting decided on many important issues during this session. Among others, these include fuel quality and safety, maritime autonomous surface ships, and the approval and adoption of various instruments.
ABS published a Guide for ‘Enhanced Shaft Alignment’ to provide direction to owners and operators who are to perform a more detailed shaft alignment analysis and installation assessment. Mainly, the vessels that are designed, built and operated in compliance with the requirements of this guide, may be assigned to Class Notation ESA or ESA+.
During ABS’ event in Athens, representatives from the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Chevron Shipping Company and Clarkson Research Services, gathered to discuss the role technology plays in the shipping industry and the path to IMO 2050.
In line with IMO’s World Maritime Day theme for 2019 ‘Empowering Women in the Maritime Community’, ABS issued a video depicting few of the organization’s female leaders discussing career advice for women pursuing a career in the maritime industry.
ABS launched its ABS Low Carbon Shipping Outlook which defines ship technologies, operational efficiencies and alternative fuels and energy sources that are needed to achieve the 2030 and 2050 goals. To achieve cleaner and low carbon emissions, the shipping industry will need a better understanding of existing technologies and strategies while new technology, including fuels, will need to be developed.
