The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at promoting the international standardization of smart ship and shipyard technologies. The partnership will focus on advancing innovation and ensuring regulatory compliance across shipbuilding, maintenance, repair, and overhaul processes.
Strengthening Cooperation on Smart Maritime Standards
Under the new MOU, ABS and KATS will organize a series of joint workshops and seminars to facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge and enhance global standardization efforts. The collaboration will also streamline certification procedures for Korean equipment manufacturers, helping them align more efficiently with international maritime regulations and technological benchmarks.
Enhancing Compliance Through Conformity Assessment
A key component of the partnership involves developing a conformity assessment framework to verify that equipment meets international requirements. This initiative supports the maritime industry’s transition toward digitalization and smart operations, promoting safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible shipbuilding and maintenance practices.
Commenting on the partnership, ABS President and COO John McDonald said, “It’s important to have an open dialogue with valued colleagues to address technical, operational and regulatory topics. We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with KATS and are looking forward to finding efficiencies related to smart technologies and equipment compliance.”
Through this collaboration, ABS and KATS aim to accelerate innovation in smart maritime systems while ensuring global consistency and reliability in shipbuilding standards.
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Source: ABS
