ABS and lomarlabs have signed a Master Research Collaboration Agreement to accelerate early-stage, innovative technologies focused on reducing emissions, enhancing fuel efficiency, and automating operations in the maritime sector. The partnership establishes a framework to support startups through technical expertise, advisory services, and real-world testing. Their inaugural project kicks off with Blaze Energy to pilot a next-generation, engine-integrated fuel reformer designed to boost fuel flexibility and streamline regulatory compliance for commercial shipping.
Houston, Texas | September 22, 2026 – Classification society ABS and lomarlabs, the corporate venturing and innovation arm of Lomar Shipping, have signed a Master Research Collaboration Agreement (MRCA) to scout, test, and scale early-stage technologies aimed at decarbonizing and modernizing global shipping.
The new agreement creates a structured framework for both organizations to combine their advisory and technical capabilities. By working closely with maritime startups, the partnership aims to accelerate the research, development, and sea-trials of novel solutions designed to cut emissions, boost fuel efficiency, and drive operational automation.
Bridging Innovation and Regulation
With green technologies evolving at a pace that often outstrips traditional regulatory frameworks, industry leaders emphasize the necessity of proactive collaboration between innovators and classification societies.
“At ABS, we’ve built deep expertise in evaluating and qualifying novel technologies across the marine and offshore industries,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “Our systematic approach to technology qualification helps identify design improvements early in the development process. For early-stage technology companies, that’s an important advantage. We are excited to join lomarlabs in supporting the next generation of innovators, bringing ABS’ technical expertise directly into the startup ecosystem where it can make the greatest impact.”
Echoing this focus on regulatory adaptation, Stylianos Papageorgiou, lomarlabs Managing Director, noted “The maritime industry is entering a period where innovation is advancing faster than traditional regulatory frameworks can evolve. Historically, many classification and regulatory requirements were developed through decades of operational experience, but emerging technologies require a more proactive and collaborative approach. By working together, sharing lessons learned and iterating as technologies mature, we can develop robust standards that support innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety, environmental protection and operational integrity.”
First Project Targets Next-Gen Fuel Flexibility
Under the newly minted MRCA, the partners have already lined up their inaugural pilot project: teaming up with Blaze Energy to trial a compact, engine-integrated fuel reformer. The technology is engineered to accelerate the practical adoption of alternative fuels in commercial shipping by providing greater operational fuel flexibility.
“The most important step toward commercial deployment for maritime hardware technology is moving from lab-proven to vessel-proven, demonstrating performance under real operating conditions at sea,” said Rok Sitar, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Blaze Energy. “We are excited to partner with ABS and lomarlabs on a program that addresses exactly this challenge. It gives Blaze Energy a structured, accelerated path toward pilot vessel deployment and, ultimately, full regulatory approval. Through our Flex-Fuel Reformer, vessel operators can gain fuel flexibility and stronger regulatory compliance, with complete confidence in its safety and performance.”
Through ABS’ New Technology Qualification services, vendors and shipowners gain a clearly defined pathway to verify that emerging marine systems perform safely and reliably in real-world operating environments.
About American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a global leader in marine and offshore classification services, is dedicated to driving a safer and cleaner future for the maritime industry. For over 160 years, ABS has set rigorous standards for safety and operational excellence. The organization continues to pioneer innovation in clean technology, digitalization, and artificial intelligence, offering industry-leading technical advisory services. Backed by a global network of surveyors, engineers, and technology specialists, ABS collaborates with members and clients worldwide to enhance safety, environmental performance, and asset efficiency across the entire lifecycle of marine and offshore assets.
About lomarlabs
lomarlabs is a venture catalyst with a proven track record of advancing pioneering technologies across the maritime industry. Drawing on five decades of operational expertise from its parent company, Lomar Shipping, lomarlabs works closely with startups and innovators to develop, test, and scale solutions that support the decarbonisation, automation, and transformation of global shipping.
About Blaze Energy
Blaze Energy is a U.S.- and Norway-based hard-tech company pioneering fuel flexibility for the global maritime shipping sector. Its flagship technology, the Flex-Fuel Reformer, enables the low-cost, low-risk deployment of alternative fuels, including ammonia, methanol, and LNG, on both existing fleets and newbuild vessels. By matching each alternative fuel‘s combustion characteristics to those of conventional hydrocarbons, the system allows for seamless integration with existing engine platforms.
The company’s first commercial product, the Fuel Flexible Retrofit System (FFRS), delivers a phased retrofit solution that achieves emissions compliance while preserving fuel optionality and protecting shipowners from premature fuel lock-in. Built on more than 30 years of innovation in advanced fuel reforming technology, Blaze Energy brings together a team of engineering specialists and seasoned maritime leaders dedicated to accelerating the practical, scalable adoption of alternative fuels across the maritime industry.
Source: ABS