ABS holds inaugural South America Regional Committee Meeting

Maritime and offshore energy leaders from Brazil, Argentina, Chile and throughout South America came together in Rio de Janeiro for the first meeting of the ABS South America Regional Committee.

ABS describes itself as the leading classification society among South American and Brazilian shipowners and the recognised class-of-choice for floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units in the region.

“ABS has a long, proud history of many decades serving clients in South America, and we are excited to bring together a committee of esteemed colleagues to exchange ideas and engage in constructive discussions to support innovative solutions and forward progress in the maritime and offshore industries,” said Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President of Global Business Development.  

Kroustallis reported that ABS has continued to hold the number one position in global orderbook share and has grown the fleet to 301 million gross tons, with more than 11,600 assets.  

Wilson Pereira de Lima Filho, VADM (Ret) Director of the National Waterway Transportation Agency and Chairman of the ABS South America Regional Committee, said: “I have been following the issues of the Brazilian maritime industry for over two decades. It is a great honour to serve as Chairman of the first ABS South America Committee.

“This meeting is timely, as favourable winds are blowing for the maritime industry in our country,” the Brazilian continued. “The future of our nations lies at sea, and the blue economy is increasingly assuming the prominence it deserves.”

Transpetro Chief Operating Officer, Captain Jones Soares, was the Guest of Honour, providing insight into the human factors related to navigation safety. 

ABS specialists briefed the committee on major market trends including the energy transition and digital transformation. There was an update on alternative fuels, including the latest research on advanced nuclear reactor technologies and the emergence and growth of methanol and ammonia. The members also heard the latest news from the IMO on greenhouse gas reduction targets as well as a primer on how fleet pooling can support compliance with FuelEU Maritime regulations.