Services

Classification Services

A World Leader in Maritime and Offshore Classification

For more than 150 years, ABS classification services have been at the forefront of maritime safety. Today the ABS Rules and Guides incorporate knowledge gathered through more than a century and a half of operation.

 

Explore Classification Services

A Global Leader in Classification

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services for the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.

Backed by our expertise, we support project control and provide assurance of the delivered result. For every type of newbuilding project, we set the standards at the forefront of technology and safety when it comes to design, materials and classification – at the side of both shipyards and shipowners.

What is Classification?

Classification is performed by a classification organization such as ABS, a non-governmental organization that provides services through the development of standards called Rules. These Rules form the basis for assessing the design and construction of new vessels and the integrity of existing vessels and marine structures.

How Does Classification Work?

Implementing the published Rules, the classification process consists of:

  • A technical review of the design plans for a new vessel to verify compliance with the Rules
  • Attendance by an ABS or other classification society surveyor:
    • At the construction shipyard
    • At the relevant production facilities that provide key components
    • At sea trials
  • When these inspections are completed satisfactorily in compliance with the Rules, we issue a certificate of classification.

Once in service, the owner must submit the vessel to periodical onboard class surveys to verify that the ship continues to meet the relevant Rule requirements.

Why Class with ABS?

  • Proven legacy of providing best-in-class service for more than 150 years
  • Recognition by more than 100 governments to provide statutory services
  • Continuous advanced research in the areas of strength, stability, machinery, safety equipment, pollution, energy efficiency and performance
  • 200 offices in 70 countries around the world - a global reach, with a local touch.
Newbuilding

Trust in ABS, a classification organization committed to setting global standards for safety and excellence in design and construction.

Transfer of Class

Gain operational advantages by transferring your vessels to ABS class from other IACS members.

3D Model-Based Class

Leverage 3D model-based engineering plan review and survey, for an end-to-end project model and time savings for designers.

Engineering Reviews

Submit drawings and documents for ABS technical review, approval or certification by ABS engineers with ABS Rules, Guides and other standards.

Remote Survey

Order eligible surveys remotely through our web-based platform, including annual classification, company and ship audits, statutory surveys, and occasional surveys.

Rapid Response Damage Assessment (RRDA)

Ensure 24/7 access to technical support for vessel casualties from our team of engineers, naval architects and master mariners.

A Global Leader in Classification

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services for the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.

Backed by our expertise, we support project control and provide assurance of the delivered result. For every type of newbuilding project, we set the standards at the forefront of technology and safety when it comes to design, materials and classification – at the side of both shipyards and shipowners.

What is Classification?

Classification is performed by a classification organization such as ABS, a non-governmental organization that provides services through the development of standards called Rules. These Rules form the basis for assessing the design and construction of new vessels and the integrity of existing vessels and marine structures.

How Does Classification Work?

Implementing the published Rules, the classification process consists of:

  • A technical review of the design plans for a new vessel to verify compliance with the Rules
  • Attendance by an ABS or other classification society surveyor:
    • At the construction shipyard
    • At the relevant production facilities that provide key components
    • At sea trials
  • When these inspections are completed satisfactorily in compliance with the Rules, we issue a certificate of classification.

Once in service, the owner must submit the vessel to periodical onboard class surveys to verify that the ship continues to meet the relevant Rule requirements.

Why Class with ABS?

  • Proven legacy of providing best-in-class service for more than 150 years
  • Recognition by more than 100 governments to provide statutory services
  • Continuous advanced research in the areas of strength, stability, machinery, safety equipment, pollution, energy efficiency and performance
  • 200 offices in 70 countries around the world - a global reach, with a local touch.

A Global Leader in Classification

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services for the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.

Backed by our expertise, we support project control and provide assurance of the delivered result. For every type of newbuilding project, we set the standards at the forefront of technology and safety when it comes to design, materials and classification – at the side of both shipyards and shipowners.

What is Classification?

Classification is performed by a classification organization such as ABS, a non-governmental organization that provides services through the development of standards called Rules. These Rules form the basis for assessing the design and construction of new vessels and the integrity of existing vessels and marine structures.

How Does Classification Work?

Implementing the published Rules, the classification process consists of:

  • A technical review of the design plans for a new vessel to verify compliance with the Rules
  • Attendance by an ABS or other classification society surveyor:
    • At the construction shipyard
    • At the relevant production facilities that provide key components
    • At sea trials
  • When these inspections are completed satisfactorily in compliance with the Rules, we issue a certificate of classification.

Once in service, the owner must submit the vessel to periodical onboard class surveys to verify that the ship continues to meet the relevant Rule requirements.

Why Class with ABS?

  • Proven legacy of providing best-in-class service for more than 150 years
  • Recognition by more than 100 governments to provide statutory services
  • Continuous advanced research in the areas of strength, stability, machinery, safety equipment, pollution, energy efficiency and performance
  • 200 offices in 70 countries around the world - a global reach, with a local touch.