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ABS, a leading provider of global maritime classification services, has taken another step forward to meet industry needs with the formation of the ABS Global Gas Solutions Team to leverage the organization’s LNG and LPG capabilities. This group of experienced gas professionals will work alongside owners, shipyards and equipment manufacturers to provide an extensive range of services to this growing market.

“The discovery of new gas resources around the world and the exciting potential for wide-scale adoption of gas as a marine fuel are leading to a dynamic shift in the global marketplace,” says ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. “This team will comprise highly experienced technical professionals that will provide support throughout a project’s lifecycle to meet the specific needs of our marine, inland waterways and offshore energy clients.”

Patrick Janssens will lead this organization as Vice President for Global Gas Solutions. Janssens is currently the ABS Vice President for LNG with responsibility for projects in Europe and Asia. He previously was Senior Vice President of Technology at FLEX LNG where he focused on the development of floating LNG liquefaction projects. Janssens was also Chief Technical Officer at Exmar, where he was in charge of the development of the world's first LNG regasification vessels and many newbuilding projects with major shipyards worldwide.

Commenting on Janssens selection, Wiernicki noted, “Patrick is a recognized industry leader in all areas of LNG. His experience in economic and concept evaluation, project construction and operational analysis makes him the right choice to lead this team.”

In the near term, an important area of focus for the ABS Global Gas Solutions Team will be the growing gas market in the United States.

“With its diverse maritime market, increasing gas production and stricter emissions requirements, the US is becoming a catalyst for the next revolution in the global gas marketplace,” says Janssens. “To help clients navigate the unique characteristics and requirements of the US, our team of professionals brings together both the technical and market experience to help owners, shipyards and manufacturers successfully develop gas projects.”

Roy Bleiberg, currently Director of Engineering for ABS Americas, will assume the new role of Director of US Gas Development. He brings more than 24 years of global marine and offshore systems experience to the position as well as an in-depth knowledge of US Federal and state regulatory requirements. Bleiberg spearheads ABS class activities on several cutting edge US LNG projects, including the Harvey Gulf dual fuel offshore support vessels, TOTE’s dual fuel new construction and conversion projects, and various floating LNG export terminal projects in development.

In the area of client operations, Kurt Larsen will assume the new role of Director of US Gas Operations and Performance. Larsen currently serves as Assistant Chief Surveyor within the Corporate Classification Department where he oversees all global survey issues for new construction and in-service LNG vessels. He has more than 24 years of experience with an extensive working knowledge of in-service LNG vessels. Larsen also has led several IACS projects on LNG operational standards.

Joining Bleiberg and Larsen will be a US-based team of ABS gas specialists with extensive knowledge of LNG floating structures and systems, gas fuel systems and equipment, and regulatory and statutory requirements. Utilizing its global experience, the team also will assist clients with specification reviews, risk and hazard assessments, bunkering suitability reviews, new construction project management and training.