ABS signs trans-arctic shipping cooperation agreement with COSCO

ABS has announced that it has signed a cooperation agreement with China Ocean Shipping Co. (COSCO) regarding trans-arctic shipping development.

Changing climate conditions have opened up areas that were not previously navigable. Using these routes, almost 4000 miles can be cut from a journey between the major Asian and European ports, compared to using the Suez canal.

By signing the agreement, COSCO and ABS aim to increase COSCO’s use of Northeast Passage for trading, explore routes in the passage, and develop ice-class ships for trans-arctic shipping.

Eric Kleess, the ABS Greater China Division President and COO, said: “ABS is excited to work with COSCO to develop this pioneering trading route.

“Combining ABS’ technical experience with COSCO’s successful use of the Northeast Passage with the first Chinese merchant ship, Yongsheng, navigating this route creates a solid foundation for jointly promoting the development of sustainable shipping in arctic waters.”

Captain Meijiang Cai, the Director of COSCO Safety & Technology Supervision Division, added: “We are proud of the successful navigation through arctic waters and the contribution we are making to trans-arctic shipping.

“Further cooperation between COSCO and ABS will allow us to make new contributions to the sustainable use of arctic sea routes.”

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/02022016/abs-signs-trans-arctic-shipping-cooperation-agreement-with-cosco-1957/