The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has launched the ABS SeaTech Innovation Exchange, an initiative consisting of two technology centres in Athens, Greece, and Houston, Texas. The project is focused on supporting applied research, and partnerships with academic institutions on both sides of the Atlantic.
The initiative aims to create a continuous pipeline of innovation from concept to application shaped to respond to the evolving operational requirements of shipping.
“The Exchange concentrates on swiftly moving technology from development into day-to-day operations, working in direct partnership with the Greek maritime community while building new collaboration with US maritime institutions, technology startups, and government funded research,” said John McDonald, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABS.
The Houston centre serves as a hub for research and technology development of capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, digital engineering, simulation, and new approaches to certification. The facility works with technology startups, tier-one research universities, international government researchers, and US maritime academies.
The new Athens centre will focus on operationalisation, translating innovation into applied training and fleet-informed development.
“This is not a single facility, a one-time programme, or a traditional research project. It is a living exchange, designed to connect research to real world application, innovation to operations and technology to the next generation of maritime professionals,” said Patrick Ryan, Chief Technology Officer of ABS.
“The Exchange reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, applied innovation and responsible deployment of new technologies, supporting safer, more resilient and more competitive maritime operations globally.”
