Advancing Safer Subsea Mining Operations
As the global economy transitions to low-carbon solutions, the demand for critical metals such as copper, cobalt, nickel and manganese continues to rise. While these metals can be found on land, their extraction is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve sustainably. Subsea mining, a process that retrieves mineral resources from the seafloor, offers an alternative approach with access to abundant resources beneath the ocean's surface.
Classification and Certification for Subsea Mining Units, Equipment and Systems
Subsea mining introduces unique technological challenges, especially in developing reliable offshore mining units and equipment. ABS addresses these complexities through classification processes that verify the design, construction and installation of subsea mining units, equipment and systems for compliance with established industry rules and standards. These standards account for the diverse needs of regulatory bodies, financial institutions and broader stakeholder groups.
At the forefront of industry development, ABS provides the ABS Guide for Subsea Mining, offering clear class requirements for the design, construction, installation and survey of mobile offshore mining units. This guide focuses on key areas:
- Hull structures of ship-type and column-stabilized units.
- Anchoring and equipment, including onboard systems.
- Onboard machinery, equipment and subsea mining systems.
By addressing both onboard systems and submerged mining equipment, ABS is shaping the future of subsea mining technology and operations.
Why Choose ABS?
With 160 years of maritime heritage, ABS plays a key role in delivering classification, certification and verification services that drive innovation for specialized offshore units and assets. ABS partners with designers, builders and operators to provide tailored solutions that meet the challenges of subsea mining while supporting emerging technologies for the industry's future.
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