The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is one of the world's leading ship classification societies. The primary purpose of ABS is to determine the structural and mechanical fitness of ships and other marine structures for their intended purpose. It does this through a procedure known as classification.
Classification involves the establishing and administering of standards, known as Rules, for the design, construction, and operational maintenance of marine vessels and structures.
As a not-for-profit and non-governmental organization, ABS acts as a self-regulating agency to the international marine industry, with the mission of promoting the safety of life, property, and natural environment. The company also has affiliated companies which provide inspection, certification, verification, quality assurance and consulting services not only to the marine industry but industries worldwide.