American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) - Experts & Thought Leaders

ABS has issued an approval in principle (AIP) to Light Structures for its new hull monitoring concept, ARGUS-VM. The ARGUS-VM concept received a SMART (SHM) Tier 1 AIP from ABS, which provides industry recognition that the product complies with the functional and system requirements listed in the ABS Guide for Smart Functions for Marine Vessels and Offshore Units. Range of shipowners ARGUS-VM provides virtual sizes of hull responses using vessel data from existing onboard systems Unlike traditional hull monitoring systems that require physical strain sensors, ARGUS-VM provides virtual measurements of hull responses using vessel data from existing onboard systems. This makes it a scalable alternative for a wider range of shipowners and shipbuilders looking to monitor structural performance without additional onboard instrumentation. Insights for vessel owners and operators “Our AIP for Light Structures is a continuation of the ABS activities to approve in principle new technologies that provide informed and actionable insights to vessel owners and operators on the structural health condition of their vessels." "These insights, underpinned by real operational data, provide crew and support personnel with key information to aid in decision making,” said Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering. Reliable structural health indicators ABS Guide for Smart Functions for Marine Vessels and Offshore Units provides guidance to the industry “We are proud to be the first company to receive a SMART (SHM) Tier 1 approval in principle from ABS, which validates the core concept behind ARGUS-VM,” said Niklas Hallgren, CEO of Light Structures. “This recognition affirms our role as pioneers in the field of structural health monitoring and reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of what SHM can offer. ARGUS-VM demonstrates that reliable structural health indicators can be derived through software-based approaches that leverage existing vessel operational data." Sensor-driven implementations Hallgren added: "While sensorless systems like ARGUS-VM do not deliver the high-fidelity insight of fully sensor-equipped SHM solutions, they provide a powerful and scalable entry point for owners to integrate structural health awareness into their operations, and a natural step toward deeper structural insights provided by sensor-driven implementations.” The ABS Guide for Smart Functions for Marine Vessels and Offshore Units provides guidance to the industry on the effective implementation of smart functions on vessels.

ABS and the Hydrogen Ship Technology Centre at Pusan National University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint research and technology development of liquid hydrogen carriers and cryogenic engineering. The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for both organisations to share resources and expertise to help develop a liquid hydrogen carrier and hydrogen propulsion systems. Application of hydrogen technology “ABS and Pusan National University's Hydrogen Ship Technology Centre each bring significant technical strength and deep industry experience. By working together, we are confident we can deliver advances in the application of hydrogen technology at sea, including liquid hydrogen carriers,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. Future hydrogen economy Pusan National University’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Centre has been selected as the lead institution “The cooperation between our university and ABS will be an important turning point for further advancement in the utilisation of liquid hydrogen, a key field of the future hydrogen economy, through differentiated international exchange activities based on world-class, ultra-low temperature technology,” said Dr. Lee Jae-Myung, Director of the Hydrogen Ship Technology Centre. Dr. Lee Jae-Myung adds, “We will make joint efforts to create synergy in the development of ultra-low temperature research, an unexplored field of human society.” Largest liquid hydrogen carrier Pusan National University’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Centre has been selected as the lead institution for the “Development of Basic Technology for Commercialisation of Liquid Hydrogen Carriers” project, which is a key component of the “K-Shipbuilding Super Gap Vision 2040” and is pioneering the development of building the world's largest liquid hydrogen carrier. Mass transportation of liquefied hydrogen Mass transportation of liquefied hydrogen, which is stored at minus 253 degrees Celsius, is a cutting-edge technology that has not yet been successfully commercialised due to its high technical difficulty. ABS is a pioneering classification society for gas carriers with more than 50 years of experience surveying and classing gas carriers of every type and size.

The regional offshore industry is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events of the year: the 3rd Offshore Support Vessels (OSV) Conference, taking place on 20–21 May 2025 at the iconic Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi. The event will serve as a crucial platform for strategic dialogue, commercial engagement, and technological exchange across the offshore marine logistics and energy sectors. Organised under the theme “Charting New Frontiers in Offshore Innovation and Excellence,” the 2025 edition builds on the momentum of its previous iterations, bringing together senior decision-makers, technical experts, and commercial stakeholders from across the MENA region and beyond. Insightful sessions on various subjects As offshore exploration and development gain traction amidst global energy transitions, the conference aims to spotlight innovation, operational resilience, and sustainable growth in offshore support services. Attendees can look forward to insightful sessions exploring: Regional fleet modernization and shipbuilding growth Digitalization, AI, and automation in OSV operations The energy mix: decarbonisation, electrification, and hybrid propulsion Human capital development and safety excellence Regulatory updates and classification developments The speaker lineup includes high-level representatives from ADNOC Logistics & Services, Saudi Aramco, Zamil Offshore, Bourbon, International Maritime Industries, ABS, and Wärtsilä, among others. The program is curated to deliver a comprehensive overview of market trends, investment priorities, and innovation pathways. Exhibition zone to showcase offshore solutions In addition to the strategic conference sessions, a boutique exhibition zone will showcase the latest offshore solutions, vessel technologies, and operational services. Attendees will also benefit from facilitated networking, one-on-one business matchmaking, and industry roundtables. With over 400 industry professionals expected to attend, the 3rd Offshore Support Vessels Conference is poised to help chart the course for the next phase of offshore and maritime development in the region.

Given the diverse stakeholders in the maritime industry, it is understandable that collaboration is a challenge. However, the interconnected ecosystem of maritime makes collaboration essential. From ship owners and operators to port authorities, from shippers to shipbuilders, from classification societies to marine service providers and others, there are vast opportunities to work together and cooperate. To gain insight, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can the maritime industry increase collaboration, and what are the benefits?

Achieving optimal return on investment (ROI) for a maritime company involves a strategic combination of operational efficiency, revenue enhancement, cost control, careful financial management, attention to sustainability and regulatory compliance, and other factors. Given all the variables in play, profitability can be elusive, but our Expert Panel Roundtable has some ideas. We asked: How can maritime companies maximise return on investment (ROI)?

Ammonia is gaining traction as a future fuel in the maritime industry, primarily due to its potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A key driver for ammonia's interest is that it can be carbon-free when combusted, which aligns with the maritime industry's increasing pressure to meet emissions regulations. However, most ammonia production currently relies on fossil fuels. Transitioning to "green ammonia" production is crucial for sustainability. If "green ammonia" is produced using renewable energy sources, it offers a pathway to near-zero emissions shipping. Safety measures and regulations Ammonia’s volumetric energy density – higher than hydrogen – makes it more practical for onboard storage. However, ammonia is toxic, which requires stringent safety measures and regulations for handling and storage. The combustion of ammonia can produce nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. Therefore, mitigation technologies are needed. Building the necessary infrastructure for ammonia bunkering and supply will be a significant undertaking. Developing guidelines for safe use Ammonia is poised to play a significant role in the maritime industry's transition to a future The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is developing guidelines for the safe use of ammonia as a marine fuel. Increasing numbers of companies are investing in the development of ammonia-fueled vessels and technologies.   European Union (EU) legislation, such as the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the FuelEU initiative to support decarbonisation, are pushing the maritime industry towards the use of alternative fuels, which is increasing the potential of ammonia. While challenges remain, ammonia is poised to play a significant role in the maritime industry's transition to a more sustainable future. Ongoing research and development   Ongoing research and development are focused on improving safety, reducing emissions, and scaling up production. In essence, ammonia offers a promising pathway for the maritime industry to reduce its carbon footprint, but its widespread adoption depends on overcoming technical and logistical challenges. Working toward the future of ammonia Progress is already happening as the maritime industry works toward a future that includes the use of ammonia as a fuel. For example, one project underway aims to be a pioneer in establishing a comprehensive and competitive supply chain to provide clean ammonia ship-to-ship bunkering in the U.S. West Coast. Progress is already occurring as the maritime industry works toward a future A feasibility study is being conducted at the Port of Oakland, Benicia, and nearby major ports on the U.S. West Coast. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between American Bureau of Shipping, CALAMCO, Fleet Management Limited, Sumitomo Corp. and TOTE Services LLC is jointly conducting the feasibility study. "We are proud to share our industry-pioneering expertise in ammonia as a marine fuel to support this study on the U.S. West Coast,” said Panos Koutsourakis, Vice President of Global Sustainability at the American Bureau of Shipping. “Our expertise in developing safety guidelines will support the consortium to address the ammonia-specific set of safety and technology challenges.” More global ammonia developments In another development, three LPG/ammonia carrier ships have been ordered at the South Korean shipyard HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI). Danish investment fund European Maritime Finance (EMF) and international shipping company Atlas Maritime have confirmed the order. HD HHI’s parent company, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), revealed the order for $372 million in March 2024. The three 88,000 cubic-metre LPG dual-fuel carriers, capable of carrying and running on ammonia, are scheduled for delivery in December 2027. The vessels will be named EMF Viking I, II, and III. Also, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Guangzhou Shipyard International have signed a joint development project to design the world’s largest very large ammonia carrier (VLAC). The design of the 100,000-cubic-metre vessel has been assessed in line with LR’s Structural Design Assessment and prescriptive analysis. The gas carrier will have an independent IMO Type B tank for safe carriage of the chemical. Zero-emissions operations The cargo ship, which will be 7,800 dwt, is designed to transport timber from Norway to Europe “As major economies look to co-fire ammonia in their coal power stations to reduce the CO2 footprint of their national energy mix, shipping will play a key role in distributing clean hydrogen-based commodities such as ammonia, thereby supporting nations to meet their Paris Agreement commitments," says LR's Chief Executive Nick Brown. Furthermore, a partnership of companies from Norway has ordered a pioneering short-sea cargo ship that will advance the industry’s ability to provide zero-emissions operations. The cargo ship, which will be 7,800 dwt, is designed to transport timber from Norway to Europe and will be the first to operate on ammonia and electricity. Amogy’s ammonia-to-electrical power system A start-up company focusing on ammonia-to-power technology, Amogy, demonstrated the first tugboat powered by its cracking technology just short of the fourth anniversary of the company’s launch. The trip of a 67-year-old tug along a tributary of New York State’s Hudson River is part of the company’s works to develop and commercialise its technology to decarbonise the most difficult industries. Amogy’s ammonia-to-electrical power system splits, or “cracks,” liquid ammonia into its base elements of hydrogen and nitrogen. The hydrogen is then funnelled into a fuel cell, generating the power for the vessel. Research points to the risks of ammonia The chemical, made of hydrogen and nitrogen, can also be burned as a zero-carbon fuel Today and in the future, ammonia, a main component of many fertilisers, can play a key role in a carbon-free fuel system as a convenient way to transport and store clean hydrogen. The chemical, made of hydrogen and nitrogen, can also be burned as a zero-carbon fuel. However, new research led by Princeton University scientists illustrates that even though it may not be a source of carbon pollution, ammonia's widespread use in the energy sector could pose a grave risk to the nitrogen cycle and climate without proper engineering precautions. Use of ammonia U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)-supported research found that a mismanaged ammonia economy could ramp up emissions of nitrous oxide, a long-lived greenhouse gas around 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide and a major contributor to the thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer. The use of ammonia could lead to substantial emissions of nitrogen oxides, a class of pollutants that contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain. And it could directly leak fugitive ammonia emissions into the environment, forming air pollutants, impacting water quality and stressing ecosystems by disturbing the global nitrogen cycle. Negative impacts of an ammonia economy The researchers found that the potential negative impacts of an ammonia economy "We have great hope that ingenuity and engineering can help reduce our use of carbon-based energy sources," said Richard Yuretich, a program director in NSF's Division of Earth Sciences. "But caution is advised because of unintended environmental spillover effects that may result from new technology." The researchers found that the potential negative impacts of an ammonia economy may be minimised with proactive engineering practices, but the possibility of risks should not be taken lightly. Addressing an inconvenient reality As interest in hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel has grown, so too has an inconvenient reality: It is notoriously difficult to store and transport over long distances, requiring storage at either temperatures below -253 degrees Celsius or at pressures as high as 700 times atmospheric pressure. Ammonia, on the other hand, is much easier to liquify, transport and store, and capable of being moved around similarly to tanks of propane. Nonetheless, the cycle of nitrogen is delicately balanced in Earth's critical zone, and extensive research must be undertaken to investigate the repercussions of ammonia combustion and to develop new methods to minimise the risks. Challenges of ammonia as a maritime fuel Here's a breakdown of the key challenges of using ammonia for maritime fuel:   Toxicity and Safety: For human health, ammonia is highly toxic, posing a serious risk to human health through inhalation or skin contact. This necessitates stringent safety protocols, advanced leak detection systems, and thorough crew training. Relating to the environment, leaks can also harm aquatic ecosystems, requiring robust containment and mitigation measures. Combustion Challenges: Ammonia's combustion characteristics are less favourable than traditional fuels, requiring modifications to engine design and potentially the use of pilot fuels. Emissions: Combustion can produce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and nitrous oxide (N2O), both of which are harmful pollutants. Mitigating these emissions is crucial. "Ammonia slip" is also a concern, in which unburnt ammonia is released. Infrastructure and Supply Chain: Establishing a global network of ammonia bunkering infrastructure is a massive undertaking, requiring significant investment and coordination. Scaling up "green ammonia" production, using renewable energy, is essential for its sustainability. This requires a robust and reliable supply chain. Storage: Ammonia has specific storage requirements, and onboard storage systems must be designed for safety and efficiency. International Standards Needed: Consistent and comprehensive international regulations and standards are needed for the safe handling, transportation, and use of ammonia as a marine fuel. While the IMO is developing Guidelines, complete and ratified rules are still needed. Economic challenges: "Green ammonia" is currently more expensive than traditional fuels, although costs are expected to decrease as production scales up. Significant investments are needed in research, development, and infrastructure to make ammonia a viable maritime fuel. Also, dedicated ammonia-fueled engines are still under heavy development, and do not have widespread availability. The path to commercialisation Overcoming the variety of technical and other obstacles will require collaboration among governments, industry stakeholders, and research institutions. The timeline for ammonia deployment in maritime applications is actively unfolding, with key milestones happening now and soon. 2025 marks the first trials of two-stroke, ammonia dual-fuel engines on oceangoing ships. Engine manufacturers like MAN Energy Solutions and WinGD are progressing with their engine development, with initial deliveries soon. These pilot projects are crucial for gathering real-world data and building confidence in ammonia as a marine fuel.   Development of comprehensive regulations As the maritime industry faces, ammonia is hoped to play a growing role in the fuel mix Gradual commercialisation will follow in the late-2020s as the technology matures and the infrastructure develops. The focus will be on refining engine technology, improving safety protocols, and establishing bunkering facilities in key ports. Wider adoption will likely follow in the 2030s, depending on factors such as the cost of green ammonia, the development of comprehensive regulations, and the expansion of the global supply chain. As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonise, ammonia is expected to play a growing role in the fuel mix. Future of maritime It's likely that a combination of ammonia and other alternative fuels and technologies will be used in the future of maritime. Alternatives include methanol, liquid natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, biofuels, electric propulsion, and even nuclear power.  Ammonia is a strong contender, bit it faces stiff competition from other promising technologies. The maritime industry's transition to a sustainable future will likely involve a diverse mix of fuel solutions.