ABS AIP for Pioneering Deep-sea Mining Riser and Lift System

(HOUSTON) ABS has appointed Jessica Mahaffey as Vice President, Marketing and Communications.

“Jessica is a strong leader for our marketing and communications team. I am confident she will spread the message about ABS and its important work right across the industry, inspiring our colleagues, clients, and members with the exciting developments we are delivering on a regular basis,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

Mahaffey joined ABS in 2019 as Senior Director of Corporate Affairs. Previously she was Vice President of External Affairs at Direct Energy, where she held several marketing, communications, and regulatory senior leadership positions. She graduated from Baylor University with a degree in journalism and public relations, and a secondary concentration in marketing and management.

“The ABS mission is more important today than ever before, playing a crucial role in advancing the cause of safety for the marine and offshore industries. Communications is critical to the success of our mission and I am proud to lead the team at this exciting time both for the business and the industry,” said Mahaffey

Latest ABS Support for Rapidly Developing Subsea Mineral Extraction Industry

And on another side  In an industry first, ABS has awarded China Merchants Industry (CMI) Approval in Principle (AIP) for its self-developed Deep-sea Mining Riser and Lift System.

The AIP follows ABS awarding AIP for CMI’s deep-sea mining system design, which was the first since ABS published the Guide for Subsea Mining, detailing class requirements for the design, construction, operation, and survey of mobile offshore mining units in 2020. This latest AIP also refers to the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Subsea Riser Systems.

The riser and lifting system designed by CMI is a key aspect of the deep-sea mineral extraction system, handling ore-seawater slurry and transporting it to the surface vessel.

“Deep-sea mineral extraction requires us to push the technological frontiers, going further and deeper and developing new capabilities. ABS is supporting the industry every step of the way. This technology is increasingly key to securing the minerals utilized in electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and other systems which enable the energy transition, and we are committed to supporting its safe adoption,” said Matt Tremblay, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore.

“China Merchants Industry is an important state-owned enterprise and has long been engaged in marine and offshore equipment research and manufacturing. We have carried out research and development in technology and equipment for deep-sea oil and gas and seabed mineral exploration (including hydrate and nonferrous metals); and through cooperation with other industrial partners, we hope to provide a valid technology solution as well as equipment design and supply for future deep-sea mining industrials,” said Jiancheng Liu, CMI Director of Science and Technology Development

ABS is an industry leader in developing support and guidance for the subsea mining industry and earlier this year marked another industry first with design review of Oil States Industries’ Merlin™ Deepsea Riser System, which is capable of reaching more than 6,000 meters beneath the waves

About ABS

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on the safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance, and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.