ABS to Deliver Industry-leading Subchapter M Solutions

ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industries, has been awarded a Third Party Organization (TPO) contract by Foss Maritime to support compliance with United States Coast Guard (USCG) Subchapter M requirements. Based in Seattle, WA, Foss Maritime owns and operates a fleet of tugs and offers maritime transportation and logistics services.

“As a trusted advisor to the marine industry, ABS remains committed to offering fully integrated solutions to help industry comply with regulatory requirements,” says ABS Americas Division President Jamie Smith. “ABS works with tug and tow boat owners and operators to achieve their unique compliance needs while minimizing operational service interruptions.”

This contract positions ABS as Foss’ TPO, providing a complete suite of Subchapter M services, including TPO surveys, International Safety Management (ISM) compliance, Load Line compliance and audits of its Responsible Carrier Program (RCP).  

“The tug and barge industry has been preparing for compliance with Subchapter M regulations for several years,” says Foss Maritime’s VP of Operations and Marine Assurance Igor Loch. “We embraced ABS as our exclusive Subchapter M partner based on their continued commitment to towing vessel safety and its comprehensive compliance solutions. We feel confident that ABS will contribute to our continued success.”

As an USCG Recognized Organization (RO) and an approved TPO, ABS provides fully integrated solutions to help owners and operators achieve and maintain Subchapter M compliance.  The unique needs of any organization for compliance can be realized through a combination of services including Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) development, implementation and auditing, comprehensive plan review on behalf of the USCG, ABS class in conjunction with the International Safety Management Code (ISM), and ABS Nautical Systems’ fleet management software. ABS can administer audits for the Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) – a USCG approved TSMS option on behalf of American Waterways Operators (AWO). With more than 30 locations in the US supported by a seasoned team of surveyors, auditors and engineers, ABS has the geographic coverage and experience to help industry meet Subchapter M requirements.

For more information on ABS Subchapter M compliance solutions please visit www.eagle.org/subchapterm.

▬▬

About ABS

Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.

About Foss

Founded in 1889, Seattle-based Foss Maritime offers a complete range of maritime services and project management to customers across the Pacific Rim, Europe, South America and around the globe. Foss has one of the largest fleets of tugs and barges on the American West Coast. The company has harbor services and transportation operations in all major U.S. West Coast ports, including the Columbia and Snake River system, Hawaii and Alaska. Foss operates two shipyards and offers worldwide marine transportation, emphasizing safety, environmental responsibility and high-quality service. See www.foss.com for more information.