ABS has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Korean maritime organisations to advance the development of international standards for the next-generation of hydrogen-fuelled vessels, smart ships and shipyards.

The Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI), the Korean Offshore & Shipbuilding Association (KOSHIPA) and the Research Institute of Medium & Small Shipbuilding (RIMS) have entered into a five-year framework with ABS aimed at developing global benchmarks for vessels and shipyards incorporating digital technology, smart manufacturing and advanced maritime systems.

Under a related agreement, ABS is already supporting the development of preliminary standards in two specific areas: digital production and traceability requirements for additively manufactured shipboard components, and a vent mast design for hydrogen-fuelled ships.

Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, said: "Next-generation shipbuilding is advancing rapidly, and the international standards that govern smart ships, smart shipyards and advanced manufacturing are still taking shape. ABS has deep, long-running relationships with Korea's shipbuilding sector, and this agreement puts that experience to work in developing the standards the industry needs. It is a further reflection of why Korean yards look to ABS to help advance these technologies safely."

The MoU builds on an earlier agreement between ABS and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) to advance international standardisation of smart ship and shipyard technologies, which forms part of Korea's national strategy to lead in high-value-added vessel development.

Joo-Hyoung Choi, Managing Director of KOMERI, commented: "International standards are more than technical criteria — they are the gateway to market entry and a core element of global competitiveness. Working with ABS allows us to combine Korea's standardisation capabilities with ABS' classification experience, and we expect this to produce practical results that lower the barriers for Korean equipment manufacturers entering overseas markets."