Offshore staff
BUSAN, South Korea – ABS has awarded approval in principle (AIP) to Samsung Heavy Industries’ (SHI) design for a one-side spread mooring system for a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility.
The system is said to allow an FLNG to be safely spread moored on one side, enabling LNG carriers to berth and load on the opposite side free from obstructions.
Wang K. Lee, vice president of SHI’s Offshore Business Division, said: “The one-side spread mooring system is a patented technology that can replace complex turrets in a mild offshore environment. It will be the optimized solution for shipping companies looking for economical FLNG models.”
In addition, ABS has agreed to work with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) on a series of autonomous projects.
ABS specialists will work with HHI’s Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and its autonomous navigation subsidiary, Avikus, to integrate autonomous and remote-control functions into vessels. The work will be carried out in compliance with requirements outlined in the ABS Guide for Autonomous and Remote Control Functions.
The companies signed a strategic framework agreement at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which will lead to a series of joint development projects.
John McDonald, ABS executive vice president and COO, said: “Autonomous vessels will have a significant role to play in the future of maritime transportation, but they will need to be at least as safe as existing vessels. It will take extensive research and development activity, teamwork and sharing of expertise among the leading maritime players to get us there. That’s why this agreement is a game changer, as it unites ABS’ insight with HHI’s expertise to develop practical applications of the technology.”
Sung Joon KIM, CTO of KSOE, said: “It is very meaningful to work on long-term joint development of autonomous ships with ABS. This is a key topic in the future of shipbuilding and of the maritime industry. We look forward to comprehensive cooperation for the development of practical autonomous ships, including safety management, and remote control, along with the advancement of navigation automation technology, led by HHI group.”
01/10/2022
