Pacific International Lines (PIL), a leading container shipping line company, and ABS, a global leader in classification services, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Singapore Maritime Week, marking the beginning of a collaborative partnership aimed at advancing maritime operations, technology, sustainability, and safety management systems. The agreement sets a framework for both organizations to work together on a range of initiatives to drive innovation and improve the performance of PIL’s fleet.
Strategic Collaboration to Drive Industry Progress
Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO of ABS, emphasized the importance of such industry collaborations in an era of rapid change, stating, “To make meaningful progress in this era of rapid change, we need strategic industry collaborations like this one with PIL. We look forward to capitalizing on our unique strengths and capabilities in maritime compliance and cutting-edge technologies to advance safety, emissions reduction, and operational efficiency.”
The MOU establishes a partnership that will allow both companies to exchange technical knowledge and jointly explore innovative maritime technologies. ABS, a leader in classification services, will support PIL’s new vessel constructions and existing vessel retrofits through its Technology and Singapore Innovation Research Center, which will provide advanced modeling and simulation capabilities.
Focusing on Sustainability and Emissions Reduction
One of the primary goals of the MOU is to enhance sustainability in maritime operations. ABS’s sustainability specialists will collaborate with PIL to develop an energy-efficiency strategy that includes techno-economic studies and the implementation of decarbonization measures. These efforts are intended to improve PIL’s environmental performance and help the company meet international regulatory standards for emissions reduction.
In addition to sustainability, safety management is a central aspect of the agreement. ABS will offer guidance on Port State Control improvement and work with PIL to align their safety standards with global best practices, ensuring that PIL maintains the highest safety and operational standards across its fleet.
Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, expressed the significance of the partnership, saying, “This MOU reinforces our commitment and supports our plans to future-proof our fleet. Partnering with ABS allows us to leverage world-class expertise to drive innovation, advance decarbonization, and enhance safety management. This long-term collaboration is a testament to our dedication to driving progress, ensuring that we stay ahead of regulatory changes while maintaining operational excellence and environmental responsibility.”
Technological Advancements and Fleet Expansion
The MOU is expected to help PIL strengthen its fleet’s resilience and competitiveness through the exploration of innovative solutions and the assessment of emerging technologies. PIL has recently taken delivery of four new state-of-the-art container vessels, with another 14 currently on order. These new vessels will benefit from the collaboration with ABS, with opportunities for applying cutting-edge technologies and decarbonization solutions.
ABS’s ongoing research and insights will support the maritime and offshore industries in advancing technology. Through this collaboration, PIL is poised to enhance the overall efficiency, safety, and sustainability of its operations, helping the company remain at the forefront of the global shipping industry.
About ABS
ABS is a global leader in classification services, focused on delivering a safer and cleaner future for the marine and offshore industries. For over 160 years, ABS has been setting safety standards and continues to lead innovation in clean technology, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. With a global network of surveyors, engineers, and technology specialists, ABS works alongside industry leaders to improve safety, efficiency, and performance through innovative solutions for the entire lifecycle of marine and offshore assets.
About Pacific International Lines (PIL)
Pacific International Lines (PIL), established in Singapore in 1967, is one of the top 12 container shipping lines globally and the largest homegrown carrier in Southeast Asia. With a fleet of around 100 container vessels, PIL offers shipping services to more than 90 countries, focusing on regions such as Asia, China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands. Through its global network of owned agencies and intermodal corridors, PIL strives to provide efficient and sustainable transportation solutions, underpinned by a people-centric approach that places customers at the heart of its operations.
Source PIL Shipping