Italian, Swiss and Monaco-based charterers, owners, brokers, designers and shipbuilders joined ABS at the annual Italy National Committee to hear industry-leading analysis of shipping’s dynamic regulatory environment, including the impact of market-based measures and the cost of compliance along with the potential of carbon intensity reduction technologies.

John McDonald, ABS President and COO, outlined how ABS is built to serve the next-generation maritime industry with guidance on advanced vessel designs, fuels and infrastructure, digitalization and decarbonization strategies.

“Cleaner fuels, energy efficiency retrofits and data optimization to improve voyage performance are going to be key decarbonization strategies in the next phase of the global energy transition. With our deep expertise in regulatory compliance and advancing technological breakthroughs, we are focused on providing the industry with frictionless solutions to today’s challenges. ABS is well-positioned to support clients with safety, quality and technology innovations through this evolving maritime industry,” said McDonald.

Guest speaker Keith Dawe, Head of Decarbonization and Energy Transition from Cargill Ocean Transportation, joined the meeting and shared an update on decarbonization projects.

The ABS sustainability team provided members with updates on the latest capabilities and solutions for clients. For shipping to reach net-zero carbon emissions, vessels will need to employ energy efficiency technologies such as retrofits with lower friction coatings in combination with carbon capture technologies and the adoption of biofuels.

Committee members were also briefed by ABS leadership on the latest regulatory developments impacting the environment and maritime safety, with emphasis on the European Commission’s Fuel EU program and the European Union’s Fit for 55 plan and emissions trading system (EU ETS).

Cesare d’Amico, ABS Italy National Committee Chairman and CEO of D’Amico Società di Navigazione SpA, said: “The changes in our business are happening very fast, and the financial impact is significant, to be carefully considered such as with Fuel EU and EU ETS. It is essential to closely monitor regulations and to identify new fuel availability and supply. Digitalization is becoming central to our industry as well, and there are many new technologies that are coming that need to be tested and proved effective. ABS is a great partner, an essential and strategic stakeholder for all of us in this respect and voyage.”

The Committee meetings are a forum for ABS members, including owners, operators, designers, charterers 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.