American Bureau of Shipping

American Bureau of Shipping

Maritime classification, certification, and advisory services

Overview

ABS is a maritime classification society that provides classification, certification, and technical advisory services for ships and offshore assets to ensure safety and compliance. It sets safety and environmental standards, conducts surveys and inspections, and issues approvals and certificates for vessels, manufacturers, and service suppliers across the asset lifecycle. A global team from 200+ offices in 70 countries performs asset performance, energy and environmental reviews, and lifecycle management, while collaborating with governments and industry on guidance and decarbonization efforts. Its 160-year history, non-profit mandate within IACS, and emphasis on safety and environmental protection distinguish it from many competitors, guiding customers toward safe, efficient, and low-emission operations.

About American Bureau of Shipping

Simplify's Rating
Why American Bureau of Shipping is rated
B
Rated A on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Data & Analytics

Consulting

Industrial & Manufacturing

Energy

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Spring, Texas

Founded

1862

Get referred to American Bureau of Shipping

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Alternative-fuel approvals expand demand for class and technical advisory work.
  • Cyber-risk consulting is a growing service line for maritime operators.
  • Decarbonization research creates recurring opportunities in vessel design and emissions reporting.

What critics are saying

  • Lloyd's Register and DNV pressure pricing and threaten key shipowner budgets.
  • A major classification failure would trigger regulator scrutiny and client defections.
  • Alternative-fuel approvals expose ABS to reputational damage if projects stall or fail.

What makes American Bureau of Shipping unique

  • Founded in 1862, ABS is one of the oldest maritime classification societies.
  • ABS operates as a non-profit focused on safety, environmental protection, and standards.
  • Its global network spans more than 200 offices across 70 countries.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

1%

2 year growth

8%
Cision
Jun 6th, 2025
Abs Approves Ammonia Cracking Technology For Ships From Pherousa

ABS Approves Ammonia Cracking Technology for Ships from Pherousa

Cision
May 28th, 2025
Maritime Needs Decisive Action On Cyber Risk Says Abs Consulting Cyber Expert

Maritime Needs Decisive Action on Cyber Risk Says ABS Consulting Cyber Expert

Cision
May 15th, 2025
Abs Publishes Industry-Leading Safety Insights For Ammonia As A Marine Fuel

ABS Publishes Industry-Leading Safety Insights for Ammonia as a Marine Fuel

Cision
May 1st, 2025
Abs Publishes Industry-Leading Advisory On Dual-Fuel Propulsion

ABS Publishes Industry-Leading Advisory on Dual-Fuel Propulsion

Cision
Mar 27th, 2025
Abs Announces Industry Leading New Singapore Maritime Safety Center

ABS Announces Industry Leading New Singapore Maritime Safety Center

Recently Posted Jobs

Sign up to get curated job recommendations

American Bureau of Shipping is Hiring for 83 Jobs on Simplify!

Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today

Don't see your dream role? Check out thousands of other roles on Simplify. Browse all jobs →