OFFSHORE SPACEPORTS

Offshore Space Support

Staying at the Forefront:

The global space sector is witnessing remarkable growth, marked by a surge of interest in offshore launches, landings and recoveries. Industry pioneers like SpaceX and Blue Origin, among others, have begun investing in and utilizing offshore vessels and assets to conduct these operations, establishing new benchmarks in space exploration. 

At ABS, we are proud to be at the forefront of this dynamic industry, offering unparalleled classification, risk management, and compliance support for offshore spaceport projects globally.

What is a Spaceport?

An offshore spaceport is a marine or offshore unit designed for the launch, recovery, or testing of high altitude and space crafts. These spaceports come in various forms, each tailored to specific operational needs: 

  • Launch Vessels: Offshore vessels, often OSVs, specifically designed for launch operations.

  • Barge-Type Units: Floating platforms commonly used for rocket landings.

  • Column-Stabilized Units: Semi-submersible platforms providing stability in open, shallow waters. 

  • Self-Elevating Units (Jackups): Platforms that elevate above the water for enhanced launch stability.

  • Offshore Installations: Fixed or moored offshore structures for long-term operations.

  • Classification of Marine and Offshore Spaceports and Space Support Vessels

  • Classification of Autonomous and Remote-Control Systems

  • Safety Management System Audits

  • Design Review in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard Requirements and Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) 

  • Design Review in accordance with Class requirements for Spaceports and Autonomous / Remote Control Functions 

  • Qualification of New Technologies (NTQ) in accordance with established Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 

  • Approval in Principle (AIP)

  • United States Coast Guard (USCG) Regulatory Advising for Design Basis Agreements

  • Regulatory Gap Analysis

  • Marine and Offshore Asset Reactivation Support

  • HazMat Guidance (Hydrogen, LOX Methane)

  • Downrange Safety Studies 

  • Explosion and Blast Safety Analysis

  • Risk Assessment Surveys 

  • Threat Vulnerability Assessment Guidance (Cyber, Infrastructure, Counter-terrorism)

Industry-Leading Guidance and Support

In recognizing the continued increase in global demand for safer offshore spacecraft support, the ABS Requirements for Building and Classing Offshore Spaceports provides the first international requirements for the design and construction of marine and offshore assets that conduct spacecraft launch or recovery.

This publication provides clear support for organizations that are engaging with regulatory agencies to build and reactivate assets such as offshore support vessels, barges and liftboats to support safer space operations.

Global Reach, Local Support

At ABS, our global presence and local support allow us to provide tailored support to offshore space projects worldwide. As the sector continues to expand, ABS remains dedicated to supporting innovation and sustainability. By offering technical services and impartial guidance, ABS helps operators navigate the challenges of offshore space projects.

Project Experience:

ABS and SpaceX:
ABS signed a JDP with SpaceX to review the remotely controlled functions of autonomous rocket recovery droneships used for booster rocket recovery at sea. Under the JDP, ABS will review the design of one of SpaceX’s three droneships for compliance with the ABS Guide for Autonomous and Remote Control Functions.