ABS fleet breaks 150m gt mark
Latest fleet statistics show the fleet as standing at 10,615 vessels, aggregating 150.67m gt. This represents an increase of more than 6.5m gt in just the first five months of 2009.
The milestone also cements ABS’ position as the third largest class society in terms of aggregate gross tons, although the society believes it continues to be the largest society in terms of the number of vessels and offshore units in its class.
The last decade has seen a steady growth in the size of the Houston based classification society's fleet, rising year-on-year from 100m gt in 1999 to its current record level.
The latest fleet statistics underscore the ABS presence in the three key markets of Korea, China and Greece. The society continues to hold the leading market share for newbuildings on order in both Korea and China, the world’s top two shipbuilding nations. And, with 30 percent of all Greek controlled tonnage on order to ABS, the society has established itself as the preferred society for Greek owners.
