ABS joins Korea-US workforce initiative for shipbuilding and naval MRO

ABS has signed a memorandum of understanding with three South Korean organisations to support workforce development, technical certification and regulatory cooperation across the South Korean and US maritime sectors, with a particular focus on naval maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capability.

The agreement was signed alongside the launch of the Korea-US Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC) and brings together ABS, the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO), the Korea Offshore & Shipbuilding Association (KOSHIPA) and KUSPC.

Under the arrangement, KRISO will contribute expertise in advanced ship engineering, smart manufacturing and shipbuilding research, while KOSHIPA will support workforce development and production training through its industry network. KUSPC will coordinate engagement between government, industry and research bodies in both countries. ABS will provide guidance on classification, certification, verification, maritime safety and compliance with international and US naval technical standards.

The partners intend to develop mutually recognised qualification and certification programmes, support instructor and workforce exchanges, and strengthen industrial readiness for participation in US shipbuilding and naval support programmes.

Ron Rábago, senior vice president of Government Services at ABS, said the initiative was intended to help address skills and capability requirements in modern shipbuilding and repair. "Advanced shipbuilding requires an advanced workforce. One that is trained, certified and ready to meet the demanding standards of modern naval and commercial shipbuilding, modernization and repair."

The agreement reflects broader efforts to expand US shipbuilding capacity and strengthen cooperation with South Korea, one of the world's leading shipbuilding nations. Workforce development, technical certification and skills transfer are expected to be central to supporting future naval construction, sustainment and shiprepair programmes.