Tag: ABS

 ABS has published the ABS Guide for SOx Scrubber Ready Vessels to support operators in preparing newbuilds for future outfitting with a SOx exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS). New class notation recognizes vessels designed with SOx Scrubber ready features to facilitate cost-effective and time-efficient retrofit.Supporting the world’s first classification notation for SOx Scrubber Ready Vessels, the ABS Guide formalizes the process for clients who wish to plan for retrofit of a SOx scrubber at a future date by providing a detailed review and approval and an associated notation. The SOx Scrubber Ready notation is in addition to ABS EGCS notations that may be assigned for vessels fitted with an exhaust emission abatement system, including SOx scrubbers, selective catalytic reduction systems and exhaust gas recirculation arrangements for NOx emission control, in accordance with the ABS Guide for Exhaust Emission Abatement. “The decision to build a new ship or retrofit an existing one is not simple due to uncertainty with the entry into force of the 0.5% global sulfur limit and cleaner fuel alternatives such as LNG,” says ABS Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President Howard Fireman.“The new ABS SOx Scrubber Ready notation provides a unique approach to future-proof assets, to implement cost-effective retrofits and ...

  A  Jensen Maritime -designed, liquefied natural gas (LNG)-bunkering articulated tug-barge (ATB) has been granted “approval in principle” by classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The designation establishes that Jensen’s vessel concept, which is classed as an A1 Liquefied Gas Tank Barge, is compliant in principle with ABS rules and guides. Ideal for mobile bunkering, Jensen’s ATB is also oceans rated, meaning that it is not limited to the intracoastal waterways, like many other similar types of LNG ATBs. This flexible design feature allows the vessel to facilitate the transfer and use of small-scale LNG in places with limited infrastructure, including offshore locations. The ATB will be built with four 1,000- m3 Type C LNG tanks (seven bar working pressure), enough LNG to fill up a large containership twice before having to replenish its own supply. This capacity, combined with flexible operational areas, makes it an ideal solution for a customer who has significant LNG needs at one or more ports not located near an LNG terminal. “This vessel is exciting for so many reasons, but perhaps most notably because it offers a solution for the maritime industry, which struggles with whether to develop LNG infrastructure or vessels first,” said ...

  In this article, Debra DiCianna, Senior Environmental Solutions Engineer, ABS, discusses the issues to be addressed by IMO as it works towards ratification of the BWM Convention, specifically the concept of no penalty for early adopters, as well as providing further insight into the US Coast Guard approvals process. Despite positive signals from several states that they are preparing ratification instruments for the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, the conclusion of 68th session of the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee left shipowners and system vendors with no firmer timeline on when the Convention will come into force. It also became clear during the committee meeting held in May that the decision to revise the G8 Guidelines addressing approval of ballast water management systems, while important to the Convention’s future, will be a lengthy process covering many different issues.  No penalty for early movers One of the key concerns of shipowners in addressing the requirements of the BWM Convention, before ratification and entry into force, is the risk that early adopters could find themselves out of compliance if their system of choice does not subsequently meet the required standards. While no new ratifications to the Convention were announced at ...

ABS has been selected to class 11 ultra-large containerships (ULCs) for Maersk Line A/S of Denmark

  ABS has been selected by Baoham Offshore (HK) Ltd. to class a drilling semisubmersible and a liftboat. “This award is a reflection of the solid reputation ABS has built as a classification society over more than 30 years in China,” says ABS Executive Vice President of Energy Project Development Ken Richardson. “We are particularly excited about working with Baoham Offshore as an emerging Chinese company.” According to Baoham Offshore General Manager Xu Jun, the company’s goal is to be a first mover in China. “We are not building on speculation. On top of our first 300-ft harsh-environment ABS-classed liftboat (GM-J1000) already under construction, the addition of these units extends our ambition of building a flexible fleet,” he says. “We believe partnering with ABS will strengthen the foundation we are creating to build our fleet development program.” The GM-4E mid-water semisubmersible drilling unit will have both an eight-point mooring system and Class 3 dynamic positioning and will feature a variable deck load that exceeds 4,000 metric tons. The GM-J1450 has a water depth capability of 80 m (~260 ft) and will be equipped with a 400-metric-ton deck crane. “We are pleased to continue our working partnership with Baoham Offshore,” says Global ...

3-12 June 2015 ABS has issued a brief overview including all highlights of IMO's Maritime Safety Committee, Session 95th, which met from 3 to 12 June 2015 in London. A number of amendmentsto SOLAS were adopted, as was a new Code for Gas Fueled Ships, which will enter into force on 1 January 2017Adopted SOLAS AmendmentsThe following amendments to SOLAS were adopted and will enter into force on 1 January 2017.Cargo tank venting arrangements in SOLAS Chapter II-2 (MSC.392(95)) have been revised for new oil tankers constructed on/after 1 January 2017 that will require secondary means of venting to allow full flow relief of cargo or inert gas vapors at all times including in the event of damage to, or inadvertent closing of, the primary means of venting. More specifically:Isolating valves - fitted in cargo tank venting arrangements that are combined with other cargo tanks are to be so arranged to permit the passage of large volumes of vapor, air or inert gas mixtures during cargo loading and ballasting, or during discharging.Secondary means for pressure/vacuum relief - in the event of damage to, or inadvertent closing of, the required tank isolation valve arrangement noted above, either:a secondary means of venting ...

Topaz Selects ABS Fleets Management Software

  ABS has published a new Advisory about LNG Bunkering in response to the industry's growing interest in gas propulsion. Owners, operators, designers and shipyards around the world are considering the advantages that operating on natural gas may provide. However, when considering any new or evolving technology, it is important to have a clear understanding of not only the benefi ts, but the challenges that may be involved. This Advisory has been developed in order to respond to the need for better understanding by members of the maritime industry of the issues involved with bunkering vessels with natural gas. It is intended to provide guidance on the technical and operational challenges of LNG bunkering operations both from the bunker vessel’s perspective (or land-side source) and from the receiving vessel’s perspective. Some of the key areas that are addressed in this Advisory are critical design issues, methods of analysis, and current thinking on possible solutions to the requirements of regulations and safe practice, as well as important areas of operational process, training and safeguards.  The LNG Bunkering: Technical and Operational Advisory explores the benefits, challenges, and solutions associated with fuelling vessels equipped with LNG power systems. "Ship owners, operators, designers and ...

  ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to a new gas containment system concept designed in Norway by Brevik Technology. The containment system uses a series of independent, cylindrical IMO Type-B tanks and for the AIP was designed for application in a gas carrier of 30,000 cbm. In granting the AIP, ABS assessed the concept against the requirements of the International Gas Code, ABS Rules and the ABS Guide for Liquefied Gas Carriers with Independent Tanks. Since the tank design is a novel concept, a HAZID study was also performed. "Once again, ABS is showing leadership in gas handling and transport, a field where we have half a century's experience supporting innovation," says ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. "Designers are increasingly looking to extend the gas carrier concept into new trades, serving new markets and ABS Approval in Principle is a stepping stone in making this possible." The AIP marks the initial approval for the tank concept and could be followed by a general design approval upon completion of a vessel's detailed design. Final approval would involve a vessel-specific shipbuilding project. "ABS has completed more than a dozen assessments on new concepts in gas containment in ...