That was a key message from John McDonald, ABS Chairman and CEO, to maritime industry leaders at the ABS North America Regional Committee Meeting in New York City. He said that shift is being driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous and smart shipping, alternative fuels, cybersecurity, and the rapid scaling of cloud platforms and connected systems across fleets and ports.
“As new technologies move from development into daily operations, owners, shipyards and regulators need support they can rely on. ABS and its affiliated companies bring technology leadership, safety expertise, industrial support and regulatory insight to help the industry work through that change,” said McDonald.
McDonald highlighted robotics, nuclear energy, digital twins, and AI as key technologies ABS is helping develop for maritime applications. He also discussed US maritime revitalization, noting the objective extends beyond shipbuilding. The broader goal is rebuilding the maritime industrial base through shipyards, workforce, technology, supply chains, and fleet capacity.
The committee also heard from Daryl Willis, Microsoft Corporate Vice President, Energy & Resources Industry, on how AI, cloud, and data-driven technologies are transforming shipping, particularly in digitalization, optimization, cybersecurity, and emissions reduction. Ellen Zentner, Morgan Stanley Chief Economic Strategist and Global Head of Thematic and Macro Investing, presented an outlook for the shipping and transportation markets, including capital markets and financing trends.
Committee Chairman James Sagar, Hanwha Shipping CEO and President of Hanwha Maritime Solutions, said: “At both ABS and Hanwha, we believe the future of our industry will be shaped by market-driven solutions that create lasting value. Innovation is essential, but meaningful progress must also be safe, practical, scalable, and commercially sustainable. That is why the ABS North America Regional Committee plays such an important role. By bringing together industry expertise, addressing shared challenges and strengthening collaboration, we can help shape the next chapter of maritime innovation while advancing safety, sustainability and long-term growth.”
Members also received updates on technology from Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer; US maritime activity from David Walker, ABS Vice President, Global Government; and ABS affiliate ABS Group from Dave Wechsler, ABS Group President and CEO, and Matt Mowrer, ABS Group Vice President, AI Center.
