ABS gathers maritime companies in Greece for discussion on technology advancements and sustainability strategies

At the 2022 ABS Hellenic Technical Committee meeting, a wide range of industry leaders convened to talk about the very latest developments in marine technology. The annual meeting included discussions on nuclear power, ammonia, air lubrication and remote survey services.

“Innovation in the maritime industry is cyclical, and we’re on the verge of a new wave of technologies and change,” said Patrick Ryan, senior vice president, global engineering and technology, ABS. “Guided by close collaboration with industry leaders here in Athens and beyond, and our own understanding of the market, ABS is able to share where we think these technologies are going.”

While at the meeting, Patrick Ryan spoke to industry members about how nuclear power can support the maritime sector.

“ABS classed the first US flag commercial nuclear vessel 60 years ago. Today, nuclear power is being studied as a possible low-to-zero emission power source for vessels, and ABS is supporting this technology with a sharp focus on safety,” added Ryan. “The possible applications in today’s environment are fascinating.”

Other discussions included guest speaker María Mercedes De Juan Muñoyerro from the innovation and port cluster development technical team at the Port of Valencia speaking on the opportunities and challenges which the industry will face when targeting decarbonization.

Further presentations included Lambros Nakos, executive director at Hydrus Engineering SA, and ABS’s own Konstantinos Voutzoulidis discussing information from the NH3CRAFT Consortium. The consortium consists of 12 partners from six countries within the EU who aim to develop next-generation sustainable and safe technology which will enable the high-volume storage and transportation of ammonia as a fuel on board vessels.

“Close collaboration with industry leaders is key to understanding the market, and committee meetings such as these are very important for ABS to connect and continue the dialog about trending technologies. I am thankful to all the attendees and guest speakers for providing another robust session,” said Dr Chris Leontopoulos, ABS committee chair and director of the Global Ship Systems Center.

“It is always a pleasure to attend the ABS Hellenic Technical Committee meeting with a variety of the most interesting contemporary technical topics, varying from presentations on decarbonization and remote surveys to lively conversations about spare parts,” commented Miltos Zisis, committee member and managing director, Capital Gas Ship Management.

At the event, ABS also introduced its newest publication: Technology Trends: Exploring the Future of Maritime Innovation. In the publication, ABS provides a look at the future of advanced marine and offshore technologies, in addition to a roadmap which provides a vision and timeline for key technological advances as the industry treads a path towards net zero emissions and further digitalization.