The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is doubling down on digital training, acquiring MetaSHIP’s simulation software to beef up its fleet of virtual training tools. The deal, pending Turkish regulatory approval, isn’t just about snapping up tech—it’s a strategic bet on the future of maritime workforce development.
MetaSHIP’s simulation-based training lets crews practice ship operations virtually, from the bridge to the engine room, using ABS’s digital vessel fleet. The platform’s gamified assessment tools measure performance, while the ODENES platform tracks progress and generates reports. The Navigational Skill and Behavioural Assessment module adds another layer, offering insights into operational skills and behaviours.
This isn’t just about upgrading training modules. ABS is building a digital training ecosystem that can be accessed anywhere—on vessels, in ports, or remotely. With learning centres in Qatar, Greece, and Singapore, ABS is positioning itself as a global hub for maritime upskilling.
ABS chairman and CEO Christopher Wiernicki frames this as more than a tech upgrade. “The global maritime workforce must be equipped not only to understand new operating technologies, but to manage the transition itself,” he says. “Investment in advanced training that delivers true competence rather than minimum standards is not optional; it is a strategic imperative for fleet safety and resilience, environmental compliance and global maritime competitiveness.”
To steer this expansion, ABS has tapped Campbell Smith as senior vice president of ABS Training Solutions. Smith, joining from Maersk Training, brings a background in maritime operations, curriculum development, and sales strategy. ABS president and COO John McDonald highlights Smith’s appointment as a signal of ABS’s commitment to training solutions that address the industry’s urgent needs. “ABS sits at the intersection of regulation, technology and operational safety and is well equipped to support the industry with the tools and insight to operate safely in an increasingly complex environment.”
This acquisition comes on the heels of ABS’s recent opening of a maritime technology centre in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, focused on smart systems, robotics, AI, and digital tools. The move underscores ABS’s broader push into digital transformation, positioning the organisation as a key player in shaping the future of maritime training and operations.
The bigger question is how this will ripple through the industry. As digital tools become more sophisticated, will training standards evolve to keep pace? And as crews become more tech-savvy, how will that reshape operations, safety, and compliance? ABS’s bet on MetaSHIP suggests it’s not just about keeping up with change—it’s about leading it.