ABS has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with leading Korean maritime organizations, including KOMERI, KOSHIPA, and RIMS, to develop international standards for smart ships and advanced shipyards. The framework focuses on creating global benchmarks for cutting-edge technologies, with initial projects targeting traceability requirements for additively manufactured components and vent mast designs for hydrogen-fueled vessels. By combining Korean manufacturing expertise with ABS classification experience, the partnership aims to lower market entry barriers for domestic equipment manufacturers and guide the safe deployment of next-generation marine systems.
Houston | September 14, 2026 – In a major strategic pact aimed at future-proofing global maritime manufacturing, ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) has signed a landmark five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with three prominent Korean maritime organizations. The partnership brings together ABS and its Korean counterparts to spearhead the creation of international standards for next-generation smart vessels and advanced shipyard operations.
The collaboration unites ABS with the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI), the Korean Offshore & Shipbuilding Association (KOSHIPA), and the Research Institute of Medium & Small Shipbuilding (RIMS). Together, the alliance will build robust global benchmarks integrating digital technology, smart manufacturing, and advanced marine systems.
From Additive Manufacturing to Hydrogen Fuel
The five-year framework moves past abstract cooperation into concrete technical execution. Under related project agreements already underway, ABS is actively collaborating to develop preliminary industry standards in two critical frontier areas:
- Digital Production & Traceability: Establishing strict quality and tracking frameworks for additively manufactured (3D printed) shipboard components.
- Hydrogen Fuel Safety: Engineering and standardizing vent mast designs for next-generation hydrogen-fueled ships.
These initiatives align seamlessly with Korea’s national strategy to dominate high-value-added vessel development, building directly upon a prior agreement between ABS and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), as well as ongoing cooperation through the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center.
Bridging Technical Innovation with Global Compliance
As digital technologies and alternative fuels transition from concept drawings to real-world deployment, establishing proactive safety frameworks is paramount.
“Next-generation shipbuilding is advancing rapidly, and the international standards that govern smart ships, smart shipyards and advanced manufacturing are still taking shape,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “ABS has deep, long-running relationships with Korea’s shipbuilding sector, and this agreement puts that experience to work in developing the standards the industry needs. It is a further reflection of why Korean yards look to ABS to help advance these technologies safely.”
From the Korean perspective, the partnership serves as a vital bridge for domestic equipment manufacturers breaking into international markets.
“International standards are more than technical criteria, they are the gateway to market entry and a core element of global competitiveness,” noted Joo-Hyoung Choi, Managing Director of KOMERI. “Working with ABS allows us to combine Korea’s standardization capabilities with ABS’ classification experience, and we expect this to produce practical results that lower the barriers for Korean equipment manufacturers entering overseas markets.”
About the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a leading international classification society dedicated to promoting the security of life, property, and the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction, and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets. Founded in 1862 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, ABS supports the global maritime industry with cutting-edge technical services, regulatory compliance guidance, and innovative solutions that drive sustainability, safety, and performance.
With a strong presence in over 70 countries, ABS works closely with shipowners, operators, shipyards, equipment manufacturers, and regulators to deliver practical insights into evolving technologies and environmental standards. As a trusted advisor, ABS plays a pivotal role in enabling the transition to low- and zero-emission shipping through research, classification, and advisory services on alternative fuels, digitalization, and decarbonization pathways.
Source: ABS