ABS and Fleet Robotics Team Up to Bring Autonomous Robotic Systems to Maritime
Collaboration Announced at Singapore Maritime Week to Support Safe, Scalable Deployment of Robotic Systems in Maritime Operations
(SINGAPORE) ABS and Fleet Robotics signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on autonomous robotic systems for continuous hull cleaning and inspection.
Announced at Singapore Maritime Week, the collaboration reflects growing industry demand for technology-forward approaches to vessel maintenance.
“It is an honor to work alongside Fleet Robotics to advance autonomous robotic systems for the industry. This collaboration is about more than innovation, we are working to establish the standards and frameworks needed for the maritime industry to confidently adopt these technologies and move toward safer, more efficient and data-driven vessel maintenance,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
“We’re proud to be working with ABS as we advance a future where hulls are continuously monitored, not intermittently inspected,” said Sidney McLaurin, CEO of Fleet Robotics. “By enabling in-water inspection and unlocking a new layer of high-quality data, we can transform how operators make decisions around performance, maintenance and safety. This work is critical to ensuring the data is trusted, standardized and can be used to support and enhance class inspections and broader industry practice.”
The project will include assessing the suitability of robotic systems for inspection tasks, validating the quality and integrity of sensor data and imagery for class use, and identifying pathways to integrate these technologies into existing class, regulatory and owner/operator workflows.
ABS is the leading provider of technical support for groundbreaking autonomous and remote-controlled technologies for the marine and offshore industries. Learn more here and download a copy of the ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote Control Functions here.
Photo Caption (L to R): Dr. Gu Hai, ABS Vice President, Technology, with Sidney McLaurin, CEO & Co-Founder of Fleet Robotics, at Singapore Maritime Week
About ABS
ABS, a global leader in classification services, is focused on delivering a safer, cleaner future for the marine and offshore industries. For over 160 years, ABS has been setting standards for safety and excellence and continues to innovate in the fields of clean technology, digitalization and artificial intelligence, providing industry-leading technical advisory services. With a global network of surveyors, engineers, technology specialists and support staff, ABS works with industry leaders including its members and clients around the world to improve safety in operational performance and efficiency with innovative solutions for the complete life cycle of marine and offshore assets.
About Fleet Robotics
Fleet Robotics is developing autonomous, vertical-climbing robotic platforms for infrastructure cleaning and inspection. Fleet’s system for ship hulls permanently resides onboard vessels. The robotic platform enables frequent, condition-based maintenance that improves performance, reduces fuel consumption, and extends asset life. By combining robotics and high-quality data capture, Fleet Robotics is enabling a more proactive, data-driven approach to managing vessel performance.