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ABS helps material manufacturers, equipment suppliers, shipyards and owners meet applicable classification requirements through engineering review, material surveys and certification services.

From the manufacturing facility to vessel delivery, ABS provides a clear, documented path for materials intended for ABS-classed vessels and offshore facilities.

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Material Approval and Survey Process

Material manufacturers supply products essential to marine and offshore construction. ABS approval may be granted for ABS grade and non-ABS grade materials produced to EN, ASTM, proprietary specifications or other recognized industry standards for use in structures, machinery and equipment governed by ABS classification requirements.

Manufacturers seeking approval are required to maintain ISO or equivalent certification.

Approval Process

1. Submit Manufacturing Information

ABS Engineering reviews manufacturing processes, production details and qualification test plans when required.

2. Complete Plant Audit and Qualification Testing

An ABS surveyor audits the facility and witnesses qualification testing as applicable.

3. Receive Technical Review and Approval

ABS Engineering evaluates qualification test results and issues an approval certificate when requirements are satisfied.

Material Approval Details

ABS approval can cover products including:

Slabs

Ingots

Plates

Sections

Structural pipes (hollow tubulars)

Castings, forgings (for hull structure and machinery applications)

Welding consumables

Rolled bars for machinery applications

Ship anchor and offshore mooring chain

Accessory manufacturers along with the bar manufacturers, casting and forging semi-product suppliers

Manufacturers are approved when required by the applicable ABS Rules, in accordance with one of the following categories:

Steel, aluminum and structural pipe mills

Forge facility

Foundry

Tailshaft repair and cladding facility

Ship anchor chain or accessory manufacturer

Offshore mooring chain or accessory manufacturer

Heat treatment facility

Rolled bar facility approval (intended for machinery application)

Welding consumable manufacturer

Additive manufacturing facility

When a manufacturer receives an order requiring ABS certification, a request is submitted to the local ABS survey office. An ABS surveyor attends the manufacturing facility to witness key stages of production,testing and inspection. These surveys help verify that the specific product meets applicable requirements before it is delivered for installation.

Manufacturers may request extensions to add materials or products to approved listings. Approval certificates are valid for up to five years and may require annual endorsement. Renewals require satisfactory engineering review and plant survey.

ABS approved mills may enroll in the ABS Quality Assurance Program. The program supports product certification without surveyor attendance at every manufacturing stage through periodic confirmatory quality audits.