ABS, the leading provider of classification services to the global marine and offshore industries, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with CSBC Corp., Taiwan (CSBC) on 16 October 2012.
Through this agreement, ABS agrees to support CSBC in vessel and offshore asset construction. The agreement creates an opportunity to form joint development projects in such areas as design optimization, energy efficiency management and design and fabrication of offshore support vessels, bulk carriers, oil tankers, ice-classed vessels and floating production units, and positions ABS as the preferred classification society for CSBC.
“Our organizations share the same commitment to the marine and offshore markets,” says Rick Pride, ABS Greater China Division President and COO . “This cooperation agreement will bring together the core competencies of ABS and CSBC and allow us to work together on designs that are suitable for both target markets.”
“Our long-term relationship will keep growing tighter and stronger through this multi-variant cooperation, and I believe it will make CSBC more competitive for the current challenging situation,” says Lie-Lin Chen, CSBC President .
The two organizations will work together to develop a systematic training program for professionals involved in design, construction and operation of ships based on ABS training courses. And an exchange program will be developed for ABS and CSBC engineers to improve communication between the organizations and foster better understanding of the individual business models.
“This agreement covers areas that are vital for the advancement of both ABS and CSBC,” Pride says. “Together, we’ll enhance our project coordination, advance our information exchange and pioneer a new level of technical developments for the marine and offshore industries.”
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ABS, November 20, 2012; Image: CSBC Corp