Simulators Track our Changing Relationship with Technology
;s oil spill detection system with its K-Pos DP system for simulation-based training of offshore professionals at Equinor. The tailored configuration will enable environmental conservation drills, oil spill detection and recovery simulations and all-encompassing safety and crisis management drills.The ABS Global LNG Academy in Qatar features MetaSHIPs simulators, powered by Orka, that are built to scale from vessel drawings. The academy program also includes gas handling operations and engine room simulation courses offered by GTT Training and the Thet Training Center.Tomorrow’s seafarer
ABS Head Delivers Commencement Address to Webb Institute Grads
“We will need your leadership vision, not to mention every ounce of your ingenuity and sweat, if our industry is to meet both the challenges and opportunities we face today.”That was the message from Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO to the graduating class of 2023 at the Webb Institute. He explained that Webb Institute alumni can expect to answer the call to leadership during their careers because of their education and training.“Remember, you have been expressly trained to become the maritime leaders of tomorrow. I have seen that everyone can be a leader
ABS Taps Koutsourakis to Head Its Sustainability Team
ABS has appointed Panos Koutsourakis to head its global sustainability team. Koutsourakis is an 18-year industry veteran who has key industry experience with shipping companies, classification, operations, design and new construction, decarbonization technologies and strategic planning.As Vice President, Global Sustainability, Koutsourakis heads-up a global network of sustainability centers in key maritime locations, including Singapore, Athens, Houston, Copenhagen and Shanghai. Reporting to Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development, Koutsourakis also leads delivery
MGBW Workers Complete In-house Welding Program
and spends an average of $900,000 each year on employee morale and incentive programs which provides OSHA-approved safety boots, lunches, celebrations, bonuses and rewards to its employees.The welding program offered several certifications, all of which were in accordance with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) welding certification standards for TIG and MIG welding of 5XXX, 6XXX groups of aluminum, and steel FCAW.More than 30 employees enrolled in the welding program were able to certify or re-certify for welder certifications. In addition, 22 employees that held entry level
VIDEO: Patrick Ryan Named CTO at ABS
As Patrick Ryan assumes the top tech exec spot at ABS, Maritime Reporter TV interviewed him on the eve of the announcement. While shipowners face multiple technology challenges ahead, Ryan said a top priority is the bridging of technology from the fundamental phase into operational solutions. ABS appointed Patrick Ryan as Chief Technology Officer to support continued development of ABS as a maritime technology leader.Having served as Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology since 2019, Ryan’s appointment to CTO reflects the increasingly pivotal role of technology in the
ABS Hires Hernandez to Head its Offshore Division
Classification society ABS announced it has appointed veteran offshore industry leader Miguel Hernandez to head its offshore division. The former MODEC general manager of sales and marketing is now ABS Senior Vice President of Offshore Business Development, leading global offshore including the FPSO, FPU and floating offshore wind sectors.“As the world’s leading offshore class, we are always looking to innovate and develop our services for clients. This is why we have appointed Miguel, who I am delighted to welcome to ABS where I am confident he will support our best-in-class team to
NFPA Certificated Marine Chemists – A Century of Fire Protection and Life Safety
occurred when ships were being converted from troop transport vessels to their original purpose as bulk carriers and cargo vessels. Vessel owners, shipyards and marine insurers all recognized that something had to change. Marine industry representatives including the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) asked NFPA for assistance in the development of a fire prevention standard specific to the hazards found on marine vessels while being repaired in shipyards. In 1922 the Regulations Governing Marine Fire Hazards, Appendix “A”, Having to Do with the Freeing of Tanks of Flammable and Explosive
ABS Names Fradelos VP of Regulatory Affairs
Classification society ABS announced it has appointed specialist Stamatis Fradelos as vice president of regulatory affairs.Fradelos, who returns to ABS’ Athens office, where he was previously business director and member of the IACS Environmental Panel, will spearhead ABS engagement with administrations and regulatory bodies and support the industry with compliance guidance.“ABS is engaged with maritime regulators and administrators all over the world and Stamatis will take our work in this area to the next level. He will also be available to offer the industry detailed insight and guidance
ABS Appoints Paul Sells to Drive the Next Generation of Digital Solutions
Classification society ABS announced it has appointed digital product veteran Paul Sells to lead its global digital solutions development.“Paul joins our team to continue building on ABS’ strong track record of digital innovation to support our clients in all aspects of their business: improved safety, operational excellence, and sustainability,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS chairman, president and CEO. “Paul’s visionary leadership will solidify our position as industry leaders by providing strategic direction to enhance and expand our existing digital and decarboniza
Rodriguez Appointed Interim Director of MITAGS
.A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Rodriguez sailed as a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P). He came ashore in 1995 at Nautical Technology Corporation (NTC), a small data management company that developed the forerunner to some of ABS Group’s Nautical Systems products.Rodriguez returned to the USMMA in 1997 as an academy training representative where he managed the shipboard training assignments for hundreds of midshipmen, taught courses, and supported the academy’s implementation of the International Convention for
ABS Names Lennon VP for Offshore Wind
ABS has appointed Greg Lennon Vice President of Global Offshore Wind.“Greg is a leader who will build on the numerous successes of our offshore wind team and accelerate our continued support of the burgeoning industry here in the U.S. and globally. He will position us to be ready and able to support the President’s ambition to install 30GWs of offshore wind by 2030 and to work with our global partners to deliver over 150GWs targeted for 2030 around the world,” said Peter Fitzpatrick, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore.“Our strong global team is participating in key
McDonald Named ABS Chief Operating Officer
John McDonald will become ABS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer as Tony Nassif has announced his plans to retire on December 31, 2021.As part of the company’s succession planning process, McDonald will assume the head operations role on July 26, 2021. Celebrating 25 years of service with ABS this year, McDonald joined ABS in 1996 as a surveyor and served in various frontline operational roles in Korea, the Northern Europe and Africa Region and the Central Region for the former Americas Division. He held the position of Vice President of Occupational Health and Safety for both
Bruhns Named President of Herbert Engineering
.Bruhns had been serving as an executive vice president and manager of business development for HEC since January 1, 2021, and he has served on the HEC board since 2009. A trained naval architect. Bruhns comes from an 11-year commitment as president of the HEC affiliate and maritime software firm, Herbert-ABS Software Solutions LLC. He started his professional career at MEC Marine Equipment & Consulting and later he joined the Stability Department of Germanischer Lloyd, heading the department from 2002-2008.Bruhns’ focus will be the continuation of HEC’s offerings in naval architecture
ABS' Wiernicki Says Talent is Key in 'New Normal'
ABS chairman, president and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki outlined the absolute value of talent in the new normal in a cross-industry lecture on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and digitalization.Wiernicki addressed fellow global business executives spanning multiple industries and top-ranked academia as part of George Washington University’s Frank Howard Distinguished Lecture Series.Wiernicki, who holds a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from George Washington University and was elected to the school’s Engineering Hall of Fame, delivered his insights in a lecture entitled:
New Model Aims to Help Businesses Get Back to Work After COVID-19
A new model aims to help commercial and public organizations resume operations safely as restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic begin to ease.Building on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ABS Consulting said its Restart Risk Model offers a way for organizations to systematically evaluate the risk of disease transmission to their sites, operations and work areas, and develop a plan to restart operations with enhanced working practices that address the ‘new normal’ business environment after the
ONE SEA Appoints Lehtovaara Chairman
Vice Chairman. His past experience at sea provides a unique understanding of the challenges set by new regulations, human resource management and technological developments, including the accelerating pace of shipboard automation.Previously head of ABB Marine & Ports’ Design House, Eero sits on ABS and Lloyd’s Register technical committees, is Chairman of CIMAC’s working group on azimuthing propulsion standards and is ABB’s delegate at the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Program, International Maritime Organization alliance.Continuation of the collaborative
Ardmore Appoints Dr. Tikka to Board of Directors
Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE: ASC) (“Ardmore”) has announced the appointment of Dr. Kirsi Tikka to the company’s Board of Directors.Dr. Tikka has over 30 years of shipping experience having recently retired from the American Bureau of Shipping (“ABS”) in July 2019. She joined ABS in 2001 and held various specialist and leadership positions within ABS including as ABS Executive Vice President Global Marine, Europe Division President, and as Vice President and Chief Engineer, Global. Her most recent ABS role was as Executive Vice President, Senior Maritime
