ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI) to create a new facility dedicated to improving the safety of LNG as fuel.

ABS and KOMERI will collaborate on research at the shoreside facility, which will allow shipowners to safely test fuel gas and bunkering systems, under actual loading conditions, prior to installation onboard.

Located in Busan, the facility will enable ship builders to optimize their onboard commissioning processes and provide enhanced opportunities for research and development of new technologies.

The MOU, signed at KOMERI Busan headquarters, allows the increase in the testing facility scope as relevant technologies and regulations develop in the coming years.

Recognizing the changing landscape and increased industry focus on gas, ABS established a Global Gas Solutions team in 2013 to support industry in developing gas-related projects. ABS offers guidance in liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating structures and systems, gas fuel systems and equipment, gas carriers, and regulatory and statutory requirements.