The following is the text of a press release issued by the American Bureau of Shipping:
(HOUSTON) — ABS is now offering its clients powerful ship inspection and maintenance management software to be placed in the office and on board all newbuild vessels contracted to ABS class.
The offer is also being made retroactive to apply to any newly built vessels delivered since 1 January this year. Vessels that transfer into ABS class may also be eligible for the program. The offer includes the new ABS Hull Inspection program software, pre-populated with the specific information and ship model relating to each vessel, the Maintenance & Repair module of the well-established ABS Nautical Systems NS5 fleet management system and web access to an electronic file of the core vessel drawings.
“We believe this package of programs forms a valuable tool that will help our shipowners monitor the condition of their vessels. We also believe it can contribute towards improving the safety of the ship which is why we are offering the software, data entry and installation free of charge,†explained Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS President and COO.
The key component of the new initiative is the Hull Inspection program. It provides the owner and crew with a means to better control maintenance, repair and drydocking activities. The program helps the superintendent and crew to focus inspection efforts on structurally critical areas, to examine and grade the hull structure and record defects. By identifying potential problem areas, preventive measures can be taken.
The benefits of the program can be further enhanced when integrated with the well-established Maintenance & Repair module of the ABS Nautical Systems NS5 fleet management system which is also provided free of charge. The module is one of the industry’s leading planned maintenance programs.
“This new vessel maintenance management program is a further example of how we can bring together the power of our technical capabilities with the functionality of our Nautical Systems fleet management system to provide our clients with integrated programs that are simply not available from either other class societies or other fleet management software providers,†Wiernicki stressed.
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.
