Maritime industry leaders came together to discuss the latest advances in sustainability and digital classification, regulatory developments and market trends at the annual ABS Japan National Committee Meeting.

“ABS is pioneering new sustainability strategies and services to support our clients and members through their decarbonization journey. Thanks to our longstanding and valuable relationships in Japan, our committee includes the diverse expertise of many knowledgeable stakeholders, which is a powerful resource to focus on regulatory and technological challenges,” said John McDonald, ABS Executive Vice President and COO.

McDonald delivered a strong report card of ABS fleet safety performance underscoring ABS’ focus on safety and its mission. The members also heard how the ABS-classed fleet had grown to 277 million gross tons and secured the number one position in global orderbook share.

In his opening speech, Koichi Muto, Chairman of the ABS Japan National Committee and Corporate Advisor for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., highlighted that shipping companies face the great challenge of decarbonization and that the Japanese shipping and shipbuilding industries are required to work together to advance the development of new technologies. He noted that ABS has accumulated a large amount of data and knowledge and if we continue to research new technologies together, we can continue contributing to the development of shipping and shipbuilding in the new era.

Committee members were briefed on the latest developments in the dynamic regulatory environment and given a detailed breakdown of the industry’s sustainability challenges and ABS’ services for the industry.

They were given a glimpse of current market trends and the future of classification, with presentations on the latest ABS technology advancements and pioneering developments in the field of digital class along with how ABS is advancing its industry-leading approach to continuous learning and development to prepare its workforce now and for the future.

The Committee meetings are a forum for ABS members, including owners, operators, charterers, and industry representatives from flag Administrations, owner associations, and the shipbuilding and insurance sectors, to come together with ABS leaders and discuss industry issues and developments.  These forums are an important part of an ongoing dialogue with the industry to address technical, operational and regulatory challenges.