Strong global growth in all areas, industry-leading sustainability projects, development of a diverse talent pipeline and pioneering advances in digital and condition-based technologies were highlighted for members from around the world at the 162^nd ABS Annual Members Meeting.

Members heard that continued focus on industry fundamentals had propelled the ABS fleet to 289 million gross tons and strengthened its number one position in global new order share at 24.2 percent, holding leading positions with both shipbuilders and shipowners. Among shipbuilders, ABS is number one for new order share in Brazil, China, Singapore, South Korea and the United States, and with shipowners, ABS is number one for new order share in Brazil, Denmark, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

Members also heard how ABS has maintained its leadership position across the entire global offshore market and continues to lead the existing fleet for tankers, while maintaining strong order book positions with container ships and bulk carriers. ABS also extended its lead in sustainability and digital services and expanded its support for governments.

“At ABS, we believe there’s a direct correlation between safety and performance and 2023 will be remembered as a year when our safety centric and mission driven strategy, our north star, guided our industry-leading performance,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO. “2023 will also be remembered as the year our industry began its transition to a multi-dimensional world, where fuels, technology and data unite to provide the hybrid solutions required to achieve net zero. And in these challenging times, ABS excelled again, delivering another year of strong growth and solid performance in all areas.”

Rear Admiral Nancy Hann, Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, gave an overview of NOAA’s ongoing efforts in support of safety at sea and a specific update on their role providing high resolution aerial imagery assisting recovery operations of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland.

Vice Admiral Peter Gautier, U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations, gave an update to members on Coast Guard Operations, discussing the Baltimore bridge collapse as well. He highlighted recent events in the Middle East and the Red Sea and the connections between maritime security, economic security and national security.

Vice Admiral Gautier said: “As mission driven organizations, ABS and the U.S. Coast Guard enjoy a close alignment in their approach and a strong relationship. This is more important than ever as the National Security Establishment is increasingly aware of the imperative of a strong commercial U.S. maritime industry.”

Members heard about ABS’ pioneering work to advance condition-based and digital twin technologies and how artificial intelligence was being used to simplify the complex regulatory and operational landscape for owners. They were also told about ABS’ wide range of joint development projects with key industry partners to support safe adoption of alternative fuels. For example, ABS supported development of projects at key points in the ammonia value chain – production, transportation and propulsion – including an offshore hydrogen and ammonia production platform, a dual-fuel very large ammonia carrier and an ammonia-fueled containership. The launch of a global ABS Electrification Center in Singapore to support maritime decarbonization projects is another example of ABS investing to support the maritime energy transition.