American Bureau of Shipping is a nonprofit ship classification body, founded in 1862, that develops and verifies standards for marine and offshore design, construction and maintenance, with offices in 70 countries.
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is one of the world's leading ship classification organisations. Founded in 1862, it develops and verifies standards for the design, construction and maintenance of marine-related facilities, with the stated aim of promoting safety, security and environmental protection. Its work covers ship classification services as well as standards development and verification for marine and offshore design, construction and maintenance.
The organisation operates in a technical environment spanning marine engineering, offshore engineering, ship classification, standards development, regulatory compliance, marine safety and design verification. Its remit sits across the marine, offshore, shipping and maritime sectors, and it works alongside partners on technical, operational and regulatory challenges.
ABS maintains more than 200 offices in 70 countries, giving it a broad international footprint across engineering, survey and compliance work. It is a nonprofit organisation and describes its mission as the promotion of the security of life, property and the marine environment, with an emphasis on practical and innovative solutions and on operating safely, securely and responsibly.
