published Wed, February 15, 2012
ABS recognized for 150 years of service
ABS celebrated its 150th anniversary in Washington, DC on 31 January and was recognized by Members of Congress for the classification society’s proud history and unwavering commitment to the American and international maritime community.
"I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating ABS
on its 150th anniversary and in recognizing ABS'
significant service to the American marine and offshore industries
and our sea services," stated Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ),
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation, in remarks entered into the Congressional Record.
"As the classification society of the United Sates, ABS continues
to serve today as a vanguard to mariners, public safety and our
natural environment."
Congressman LoBiondo was joined by Congressman Rick Larsen
(D-WA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation, Congressman Gene Green (D-TX), Member of
the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Vice Admiral Sally
Brice-O'Hara, Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, in
delivering congratulatory remarks during the celebration of ABS'
150th anniversary.
"From the time of its formation, promoting safety has been
and remains the core mission of ABS," stated Robert D. Somerville,
ABS Chairman. "We are mindful of our past, of our traditions, but
we are always planning for our future success with the same
enterprising spirit that has been a fundamental part of ABS for 150
years. In doing so, we will continue to look to you, our partners
in industry and government, to help us identify new challenges so
that we in turn can help you successfully meet those
challenges."
In addition to the dignitaries who provided remarks, the
event was also attended by Congressman Tim Bishop (D-NY),
Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA); Congressman Howard Coble (R-NC);
Congressman Bill Johnson (R-OH); Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NY);
Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Congressman Todd Young (R-IN) as
well as Rebecca Dye; Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission and
RADM (Ret.) James Watson, Director of the Bureau of Safety and
Environmental Enforcement of the Department of
Interior.
Many ABS Board Members were also in attendance at the event
including: Dr. Peter H. Cressy, Distilled Spirits Council of the
United States President and CEO; Richard D. DeSimone, XL Insurance
Group President of Marine North America; John A. Hickey; Dr. Don
Liu, ABS Consultant; T. Peter Pappas, Atlantic Capital LLC Managing
Director; Philip J. Shapiro, Liberty Maritime Corporation President
and CEO; Craig H. Stevenson Jr., Diamond S. Management LLC Chairman
and CEO; Dean E. Taylor, Tidewater Inc. Chairman, President and
CEO; Leonard H. Tyler, Retired former President of Maine Maritime
Academy; Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS President and CEO; Elizabeth
Whitaker, Whitaker LLC; and Douglas C. Wolcott, Retired former
President of Chevron Shipping.
The society, which began as a small American organization,
founded during the days of the Clipper ship era is today one of the
world's foremost maritime classification society.
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international
classification society devoted to promoting the security of life,
property and the marine environment through the development and
verification of standards for the design, construction and
operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.
Date: 15/02/2012