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Rules and Guides

For the design, construction and periodic survey of marine vessels and offshore structures.

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Global Marine

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SIM-based Energy Efficiency Evaluation

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Setting Course: An ABS Podcast

Learn about the latest trends and developments in the maritime industry in this podcast by ABS.

An Approach to Green Shipping Corridor Modeling and Optimization

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Intermodal Containers

Container Certification & Inspection Services

ABS offers certification services through the ABS Rules for Certification of Cargo Containers and international standards and regulations which allow freight transported in intermodal containers to freely move between multiple modes of transportation including road, rail and ship. ABS provides independent, third-party certification of the structural integrity of cargo containers, including those transporting dangerous goods.

Additional related certification services offered through the ABS Rules include:

Refrigeration machinery certification
Corner casting certification
Chassis certification

Benefits of ABS Certification

ABS has been involved in the standardization and certification of the intermodal container since its inception. Drawing on experience gained in setting technical standards for the maritime industry, ABS has developed Rules in accordance with industry regulations and recognized standards including those from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), United Nations (UN) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Those who choose ABS as their service provider will enjoy many benefits such as:

Worldwide inspection staff located in nearly 200 offices in 70 countries.
One-stop certification to the applicable regulations, codes or standards necessary for the worldwide operation of containers
Verification of the container’s structural integrity in compliance to applicable Rules and regulations
Reduces cargo handling
Improves security
Reduces damage and loss
Indication of due diligence and recognized by underwriters and financial institutions, as required, in lease or financial transactions

Container Forms

Intermodal Container Certification Request Form

Offshore Container Certification Request Form

Certification - Carbon Steel Corner Castings

Certification - Refrigeration Machinery

Certification - Container Chassis

Certification - Repair Facilities

Container Guides

Rules for Certification of Cargo Containers

Guide for Portable Accommodation Modules

Guide for Certification of Offshore Containers

Guide for Certification of Container Securing Systems