The maritime industry is at a crossroads, and the U.S. shipbuilding sector is no exception. At the recent ABS North America Regional Committee Meeting, industry leaders gathered to dissect the opportunities and hurdles in revitalizing American shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure. The consensus? Change is coming fast, and the industry must adapt—or risk being left behind.
Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, set the tone: “We are entering a brave new world defined by rapid change, where artificial intelligence, digital twins, autonomy, advanced fuels, and digital ecosystems will impact global shipping and shipbuilding. In this new era, change and technology will dominate our conversations, our strategies, and our decisions.” Wiernicki’s words weren’t just hyperbole. They were a call to arms for an industry grappling with decarbonization, digitalization, and a looming skills gap.
The meeting wasn’t just about identifying challenges—it was about rolling up sleeves and finding solutions. ABS specialists laid out the regulatory, technological, and market forces reshaping the industry. From carbon capture to electrification, the tools to decarbonize shipping exist. The question is: Can the workforce keep pace?
Training is the linchpin. As new technologies and fuels emerge, seafarers need upskilling—fast. ABS is tackling this head-on with immersive training techniques, including MetaSHIPs, a cutting-edge virtual reality platform designed to prepare surveyors, engineers, and seafarers for the challenges ahead. Effective training isn’t just about compliance; it’s about enabling safer, more efficient operations in an era of rapid transformation.
Captain Christopher Bulera, Committee Chair and General Manager of Global Marine for ConocoPhillips, underscored the importance of collaboration. “I appreciate ABS’ steadfast focus on safety excellence and their genuine commitment to collaboration. These meetings offer us all an invaluable opportunity to build meaningful connections with peers, share industry insights, solutions, and strategies that keep pace with our rapidly changing maritime landscape.”
The meeting also highlighted the role of international partnerships in driving innovation. James Sagar, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Hanwha Ocean Americas, and David Kim, CEO of Hanwha Philly Shipyard, provided an update on Hanwha’s latest projects and investments. Their presence underscored a critical point: The future of U.S. shipbuilding isn’t just about domestic growth—it’s about global collaboration.
So, what does this mean for the industry? The message from ABS and its partners is clear: The maritime sector is on the cusp of a technological and environmental revolution. Those who embrace change—through investment in training, digital tools, and sustainable technologies—will thrive. Those who don’t risk falling behind.
The question now is: Who will lead the charge? The U.S. has the potential to revitalize its shipbuilding sector, but it will require bold action, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt. The meeting in North America was a step in the right direction. The real work begins now.