American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has agreed to acquire the MetaSHIP intellectual property and vessel simulator software assets from Orka Informatics.
The acquisition, which is pending approval from Turkish regulators, is part of ABS’s strategic plan to expand its Training Solutions business and digital training capacity for the maritime industry.
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Furthermore, the deal will enable ABS to deliver digital training that can be accessed on vessels, in ports, remotely, or at ABS learning centres in Qatar, Greece and Singapore.
MetaSHIP provides simulation-based training, allowing users to practice ship operations virtually by using ABS MetaSHIP Fleet, a suite of digital vessels.
Included in the acquisition are MetaSHIP’s modules, which feature simulations of vessels, ports and waterways, as well as assessment tools that use gamification to train and measure crew performance.
The ODENES platform, also part of the acquisition, records training progress and produces reports, while the Navigational Skill and Behavioural Assessment module offers data on operational skills and behaviours.
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By GlobalDataABS chairman and CEO Christopher Wiernicki said: “Ultimately, the global maritime workforce must be equipped not only to understand new operating technologies, but to manage the transition itself, navigating hybrid systems, evolving safety standards and dynamic regulatory environments.
“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.”
ABS has named Campbell Smith as senior vice president of ABS Training Solutions to oversee the expansion of these training offerings.
Smith, who will join ABS in November from his current role as chief commercial officer at Maersk Training, has previous experience in maritime operations, curriculum development and sales strategy.
ABS president and COO John McDonald said: “Campbell Smith’s appointment signals ABS’ commitment to delivering training solutions that meet this urgent need.
“BS 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.”
ABS recently opened a maritime technology centre in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to research, development, and the application of smart systems, robotics, AI, and digital tools for the maritime sector.
