ABS has signed a memorandum of understanding with leading research institutions in South Korea and the United States to support technical innovation and cooperation across the shipbuilding and maritime sectors, in connection with the opening of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC).

The agreement brings together ABS, the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO), the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and Texas A&M University (TAMU). The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation in next-generation technologies, joint research, knowledge sharing and collaboration between industry and academia.

KUSPC is intended to function as a hub for bilateral cooperation, linking industry, academic organizations and research institutions to advance shared innovation priorities in shipbuilding and maritime technology. The model reflects the role that applied research, workforce development and standards alignment can play in moving maritime technologies from laboratories and design offices into shipyard and fleet applications.

Officials and representatives named in connection with the initiative included Kim Jung-Kwan, Republic of Korea Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy; Yoonjong Chun, President of the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology; Jin Kim, Vice President of the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering; Rodney Bowersox, Senior Associate Dean for Research at the College of Engineering, Texas A&M University; Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer; and Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

“Strengthening the connection between leading institutions in Korea and the United States is an important step in advancing the next generation of shipbuilding and maritime technology. Innovation succeeds when research, industry insight and practical application come together. By bringing together world-class partners across research and technology, this initiative creates a strong foundation for collaboration that can support safer, smarter shipbuilding in both countries,” said John McDonald, ABS Chairman and CEO.

Under the MOU, KRISO will contribute its research and development expertise in ship and ocean engineering. KIAT will support industrial technology innovation and international cooperation, while Texas A&M University will provide research and education capabilities. ABS will contribute its expertise in classification, certification, verification, maritime safety and international regulatory frameworks.

That classification and verification role is relevant because new vessel designs, production methods and maritime systems typically require clear safety and compliance pathways before they can be adopted at scale. In joint research programs, early engagement with regulatory and class requirements can help identify technical gaps and reduce duplication between research, design and approval processes.

The parties said the collaboration is aimed at strengthening Korea-U.S. shipbuilding research and development capabilities and supporting long-term industrial competitiveness.

ABS said its decades of engagement with the Korean shipbuilding industry, along with its role in efforts to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding, place it in a position to support the bilateral initiative. Through cooperation with industry, academia and research organizations, ABS said it continues to help develop the technologies, standards and safety frameworks required for the future of the maritime industry.

Source: ABS