CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
The maritime industry is experiencing a fundamental shift driven by technology. Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, digital systems and advanced analytics are being deployed at scale and are altering core engineering and operational practices. This is not about isolated innovations. It is about the rapid convergence of technologies into integrated systems that change how ships function across their entire life cycle.
Across the fleet and the shipyard, we are seeing the physical and the digital begin to merge. Sensors are delivering continuous insight into asset conditions. Digital twins are providing dynamic, system level understanding. Machine learning and computer vision are enabling pattern recognition, fault prediction and informed decision-making at speeds and levels of consistency not previously possible. Individually these tools offer incremental benefit. Together, they are changing the economics, reliability and safety performance of maritime operations.
This Annual Review highlights how ABS spent 2025 harnessing the potential of these changes for the benefit of our clients and members. Our focus is, as it has always been, on translating technological innovation into practical, verifiable improvements in safety, reliability and performance. As systems become more complex and more connected, the need for independent technical assurance, rigorous engineering judgment and trusted guidance has never been greater.
ABS SAFETY PERFORMANCE
ABS is a global Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental (HSQE) leader, driven by a strong commitment to safety in every aspect of its operations. That commitment comes to life through regular engagement at every level, as personnel in the field conduct weekly safety meetings while office personnel gather monthly to address location-specific safety issues and explore elements of the annual safety theme.
INDUSTRY LEADING PERFORMANCE
Global Marine
Innovation in the global marine sector is moving faster than ever, and ABS is helping set the pace. From groundbreaking vessel concepts and nuclear-powered designs to new safety tools and training, ABS works closely with industry leaders to bring the next generation of safer, smarter vessel designs to life. This leadership helped make ABS the world’s top class society by gross tonnage in 2025.
Sustainability and Technology
ABS is working alongside the maritime industry at a moment of rapid change, helping owners and operators manage growing complexity in operations, technology and regulation. Today, the focus is on turning emerging digital tools and new energy technologies into practical solutions that support regulatory compliance, emissions reduction and operational efficiency.
Global Offshore
In 2025, ABS worked at the cutting edge of offshore energy, helping advance new concepts in floating production, floating nuclear power, offshore spaceports, the carbon capture value chain and renewable energy. Across these emerging technologies, ABS focused on helping the industry convert innovative ideas into safer, more practical solutions that can be deployed at scale.
Global Government
From frontline naval fleets to public service vessels, governments around the world engage ABS for marine classification, technical support and a wide range of analysis and advisory services that strengthen the safety, security, efficiency and sustainment of their marine transportation systems.
ABS Group
In 2025, ABS Group of Companies, Inc. (ABS Group) entered a new era of visionary leadership. ABS Group continued to exemplify reputational and operational excellence, providing risk management solutions and safety leadership to clients worldwide. Core offerings include certification and verification, advisory and program support, engineering analysis, cybersecurity, digital transformation and training.
ABS WavesightTM
ABS Wavesight is the ABS affiliate maritime software-as-a-service (SaaS) company dedicated to helping shipowners and operators streamline compliance while maintaining competitive, more efficient and sustainable operations. With products installed on more than 5,500 vessels worldwide, it has become an industry leader, building on a unique mission to develop world-class software products that help drive safer, more sustainable and higher performing fleets.