ABS and UNITED WATERWAYS Announce Planned Joint Venture to Advance Maritime Training
Collaboration Expands European Inland Waterways Training to Help Meet Demand for Qualified Crews
(HOUSTON) ABS and UNITED WATERWAYS (UW) have signed a letter of intent to establish a joint venture with River Academy, UW’s training and education subsidiary, to support crew competence and qualification across the European inland barge, river cruise and coastal vessel sectors.
The collaboration will enhance workforce readiness as European operators navigate evolving safety and decarbonization requirements in cruise, freight, and ferry shipping. Training programs align with recognized regional and national standards and continue to support consistent, high‑quality competence management for inland navigation crews.
This initiative addresses strong market demand for fully licensed navigation officers across a global fleet of more than 16,000 vessels. A key component is the ocean to river program, a successful program launched in 2025, which enables experienced ocean-going officers to transition to river vessels. The structured two-year training pathway prepares qualified officers to assume captain roles on river ships, helping expand the available talent pool and support workforce readiness across the sector.
“River Academy has earned a strong reputation for developing the skilled crews that this industry depends on, and we are proud to work together with UNITED WATERWAYS to build on that legacy. This partnership positions ABS as a premier provider of maritime training in the European inland industry and reflects our enduring commitment to safety, serving as a trusted advisor to the maritime community,” said Campbell Smith, ABS Senior Vice President, Training Solutions.
"UNITED WATERWAYS has long recognized that crew competence is fundamental to operational excellence in the European river and inland cruising sector. With River Academy’s proven training capabilities and ABS’s leadership in maritime safety and performance, this joint venture is well positioned to serve the inland cruising industry and help meet the growing demand for qualified crews,” said Ivan Winterhalder, Managing Director of River Academy.
Leading shipowners and operators are turning to ABS for crew training to enhance operational safety and performance. ABS Training Solutions delivers a premium, targeted curriculum addressing the technical, operational, and management needs of the marine and offshore industries, including emerging technologies, regulatory requirements and risk assessment programs. Training is available on demand, virtually, or in person through advanced learning environments that incorporate immersive methods such as game‑based learning and computer simulation. These programs equip seafarers worldwide to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry with a focus on safety, sustainability and operational efficiency. Learn more here.
Photo Caption (L to R): Dr. Sascha Gill, CEO of UNITED WATERWAYS, and Joshua Divin, ABS Senior Vice President, Marine Business Development
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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 UNITED WATERWAYS (UW)
UNITED WATERWAYS is Europe’s largest provider of modular white-label ship management services on all waters. Our brand portfolio includes the floating venues of KD, Oceandiva, Weiße Flotte Sachsen, Thames Luxury Charters the ship owning entity STARLING FLEET and the service brands on the European waterways of the River Advice Group. Ocean Advice is the counterpart for passenger ship management on the world’s oceans.
About River Academy
River Academy is UW's training and education subsidiary, focused specifically on crew competence and qualification for European inland navigation. It currently comprises River Academy Germany GmbH and subsidiaries River Academy Danube SK (Slovakia) and River Academy Switzerland.