Containerships

Classification, Certification & Related Services

Our Mission
The mission of ABS is to serve the public interest as well as the
needs of our clients by promoting the security of life, property
and the natural environment primarily through the development
and verification of standards for the design, construction and
operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.

Quality & Environmental Policy

It is the policy of ABS to be responsive to the individual and
collective needs of our clients as well as those of the public at
large, to provide quality services in support of our mission, and
to provide our services consistent with international standards
developed to avoid, reduce or control pollution to the environment.

All of our client commitments, supporting actions, and services

delivered must be recognized as expressions of Quality. We pledge
to monitor our performance as an on-going activity and to strive for
continuous improvement.

We commit to operate consistent with applicable environmental

legislation and regulations and to provide a framework for
establishing and reviewing environmental objectives and targets.
Classification, Certification &
Related Services for Containerships
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 3

The ABS Advantage .................................................................................................................................... 4

A Multi-Level Approach to Service.......................................................................................................... 6

Required Classification & Statutory Services ....................................................................................... 7

Design Analysis, Plan Review & Approval........................................................................................... 7

Surveys During Construction ............................................................................................................10

Surveys After Construction ...............................................................................................................13

Transfer of Class ...............................................................................................................................15

Major Conversion Services ................................................................................................................16

Statutory Inspections ........................................................................................................................17

Optional Class-Related Services & Notations.....................................................................................19

Technical, Engineering & Environmental Services ............................................................................20

Fleet Management Systems ...............................................................................................................30

Hull Integrity Management Programs ...............................................................................................31

Machinery Maintenance Services ......................................................................................................34

Integrated Management Systems Certification ...................................................................................36

Project Managment Services..............................................................................................................36

Optional Notations for Container Carriers ........................................................................................37

Rapid Response Damage Assessment ................................................................................................41

Training Services ...............................................................................................................................42

Regulatory Information Services .......................................................................................................42

Services Provided by ABS Affiliates ......................................................................................................43

Technical & Engineering Services .....................................................................................................43

Operational Services .........................................................................................................................46

Support Services ...............................................................................................................................49

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 1

 Setting Standards of Excellence
in the Classification & Certification of Containerships

2 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Classification, Certification &
Related Services for Containerships
ABS offers a comprehensive range of classification and related services to designers, builders,
owners and operators of containerships. The principal elements of the ABS Containership
program are summarized in this handbook. More complete details can be obtained from a
representative at the nearest ABS office.

Introduction
As one of the leading class societies with a long history of service excellence, ABS is able to provide a
wealth of practical and technical experience at all relevant stages of a containership project. For new
construction, ABS engineers and surveyors work closely with an owners technical staff and the selected
shipyard to verify conformance with ABS Rules and applicable regulatory standards.

In-service vessels have access to a network of more than 4,000 engineers, surveyors and operational
support staff within the ABS organization located around the world to support the ABS-classed fleet and
deliver efficient, practical and responsive service.

ABS experience covers all containership size ranges including the largest vessels currently in service.
We class a significant share of the existing containership fleet and our orderbook for these vessels is strong
and growing. We stand ready to serve.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 3

Containership Classification
the ABS Advantage
The ABS experience, technology and services outlined in the following pages demonstrate our
commitment to being the preferred provider of classification services to the marine industry and, in
particular, to the containership sector.

Our Commitment
Our mission is to promote the security of life, property and the natural environment. We pursue this
mission primarily through developing and verifying compliance with technical standards that encourage
robust designs by providing solutions-oriented survey services. Vessels built and maintained to ABS Rules
may be accepted and retained in class.

We are committed to providing superior technical and survey services that assist our clients in conforming
to ABS and international industry standards, thereby encouraging safe, efficient operations.

4 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Our Containership Fleet
The ABS history in the containership market is filled with many firsts. ABS classed the first vessel to
carry containers and the first full containership with the conversion of a C2 vessel. In 1966, the first
transatlantic crossing of a containership signaled the transportation industrys acceptance of container-
ization. ABS was at the forefront of the innovative, more efficient, specialized containerships and was the
first to class post-panamax vessels.

ABS maintains its position at the forefront of containership technology. Our experience covers all
containership size ranges, from feeder to post-panamax and the emerging 18,000 teu malaccamax.

ABS maintains a strong orderbook of class contracts for new containerships. The majority of these vessels
are currently on order from the principal shipyards in Japan, China and Korea. ABS works closely with the
shipbuilders and the design offices around the world providing technical assistance from the earliest stages
of the design process.

ABS applies technical knowledge and practical experience to the challenge of establishing standards for
the design and operation of containerships including the search for alternate propulsion systems and
optimized propeller and hull design to maximize fuel efficiency.

Our Staff
Engineers and surveyors are
located close to client operations
around the world to support
the ABS-classed fleet. ABS
maintains engineering offices
in Brazil, China, Germany,
Greece, India, Italy, Japan,
Korea, Singapore, Turkey, the
United Kingdom, the United
States and other centers to
facilitate the design review of
the many containerships on
order to ABS class.

Our experienced professionals

provide technical support and
assistance to clients from the
initial design concept, through
the design approval process,
during construction and
throughout the entire service
life of the vessel.

Our Fees
ABS services can be tailored
to an owners fleet profile
and operational and manage-
ment requirements. These
approaches include Master
Service Agreements, Five Year
Survey Fee and Extended
Drydocking packages as
appropriate.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 5

 A Multi-Level Approach
to Service
ABS service delivery consists of three categories tailored to meet
the specific needs of owners and operators of containerships.

Category I: Classification & Statutory Services

The range of services associated with the issuance and
maintenance of the classification and required statutory
certificates. Shipowners may then choose to select from
the range of additional products and services offered in
Categories II and III.

Category II: Optional Class-Related Services & Notations

Several optional, class-related services are offered by ABS
including elements as diverse as training, advanced structural
analysis, fleet management software and casualty response
services. This category also includes additional notations
that may be used by the owner to demonstrate that the vessel
has been designed or is being operated in accordance with
standards beyond those required under Category I for routine
classification and statutory certification.

Category III: Services Provided by ABS Affiliates

Several additional optional products and services are available
from ABS Consulting, an affiliate of ABS, including preliminary
design development and condition assessment surveys.

6 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Category I
---------------------
Required Classification & Statutory Services
These services have been designed to assist an owner or shipbuilder to design, construct and deliver a
containership that conforms to the applicable ABS Rules. These services have also been developed to assist
an owner or operator to maintain the vessel to ABS class requirements throughout its operational life by
undergoing required periodic and damage surveys.

When ABS is authorized to act as a Recognized Organization by the flag State, services also include the
applicable statutory inspections.

Category I services comprise six parts:

1. Design Analysis, Plan Review and Approval
2. Surveys During Construction
3. Surveys After Construction
4. Transfer of Class
5. Major Conversion Services
6. Statutory Inspections

Design Analysis, Plan Review

& Approval
Containerships are built to Part 5C,
Chapter 5 (for vessels 130 meters to
450 meters in length) or Chapter 6
(for vessels under 130 meters) of the
ABS Rules for Building and Classing
Steel Vessels. In general, the strength
assessment and failure criteria specified
in Chapter 5-5 are applicable. For
vessels with lengths greater than 250
meters, additional torsional response
and critical structural details are to
be evaluated using a full ship finite
element model. For vessels over 350
meters, the hull structure and critical
structural detail are to comply with the
requirements of the ABS Eagle Dynamic
Loading Approach and Spectral Fatigue
Analysis.

Plan Review
ABS provides responsive professional
technical services to the designers,
builders and owners of container
carriers. These services are offered
through a network of local engineering
offices that have been strategically
placed in major shipowning and
shipbuilding centers.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 7

The ABS Rules include requirements based on a structural fatigue life of not less than 20 years. Where
a vessels design calls for a fatigue life in excess of 20 years, the optional class notation FL (years) will
be assigned at the request of the applicant. The actual service life will depend on the vessels operational
profile and maintenance.

Our engineering staff can work with the designer from the earliest conceptual stage of a container carrier
project providing advice on the application of the ABS Rules and the relevant statutory regulations. Major
components of plan review include:

Hull Structural Evaluation

ABS reviews the structure for compliance with the applicable Rules covering criteria such as material
selection, welding procedures, scantlings, overall strength, local strength and stress concentrations,
buckling and fatigue.

Machinery
ABS reviews the piping and electrical systems for compliance with the applicable Rules including the
consequences of loss of propulsion capability, loss of maneuverability, loss of electrical power, fire and
explosion.

Stowage Arrangements
ABS reviews stowage arrangements of containers, including stacking loads and height, and the location
of container supports and their connection to the hull in accordance to the applicable Rules.

Cargo Safety
ABS reviews operational issues pertaining to containerships such as fire protection, electrical loads
for refrigerated containers and compliance for container holds intended for the carriage of dangerous
goods.

8 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

ABS Eagle Engineering Manager
ABS has implemented an advanced, secure, electronic engineering management system. When using ABS
Eagle Engineering Manager, plans are handled electronically. Wherever possible, the shipyard submits
drawings in electronic format through the My Eagle customer web portal. Paper drawings are scanned
into the system to facilitate an efficient and effective review process. For shipyards using the system,
Engineering Manager provides web-based interaction between the shipyards design team and the ABS
engineers undertaking plan review of the structure and machinery.

Teams of ABS specialists in different engineering disciplines can work on the design review simultaneously.
If requested by the shipyard, the access of the reviewing engineers can be restricted. The actions of these
engineers are fully traceable as part of the systems built-in security safeguards.

For each drawing or information package submitted, the status of comments can be viewed in real time
by any of the involved parties, including the owner, if contractually allowed between the owner and the
shipbuilder. Compared to the traditional paper-based plan review process, the system provides for more
timely review of plans and improves the lines of communication between ABS and the designers to quickly
resolve questions or Rule interpretations.

ABS Eagle SafeHull

Container carrier designs over 130 meters in length are subject to ABS Eagle evaluation that considers
the three primary failure modes of fatigue, buckling and yielding. ABS Eagle SafeHull transforms the
complex process of the first principles approach to easy-to-use engineering calculations. The softwares
finite element analysis (FEA) capability enables fatigue-sensitive areas to be identified and assessed at the
design stage.

The SafeHull program allocates the steel within the structure in a more effective manner than is possible
using prescriptive Rules. SafeHull identifies the high stress areas within a containership allowing for the
placement of the steel within the structure to properly account for these loads. The vessel will receive the
ABS notation SH to record compliance with the applicable Rule requirements. SafeHull can be optionally
applied to containerships that are under 130 meters.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 9

Surveys During Construction
Drawing from its global network of experienced surveyors, ABS will assign appropriate survey personnel
to each newbuilding containership project, wherever in the world construction is to be undertaken. These
surveyors will verify that construction is in accordance with the Rules and approved plans. They will work
closely with the shipyard to assist in reconciling questions of interpretation.

ABS surveyors attend and/or audit steel mills, engine and equipment manufacturers and foundries to verify
that materials and equipment are produced to the specifications contained in the applicable ABS Rules.

Construction Monitoring
The ABS Eagle SafeHull construction monitoring program is a classification requirement for container
carriers over 130 meters built to ABS Rules. The structural analyses serve to identify areas in the
structure subject to higher stresses. When performing these calculations, assumptions are made about the
construction standards such as fit-up, alignment and welding tolerances. In areas that are highly stressed,
the as-built construction tolerances should be comparable with the tolerances assumed in the design
calculations and should be free from defects that may cause stress raisers.

A construction monitoring plan for these high stress areas is to be prepared by the shipyard and submitted
to ABS for approval prior to the start of fabrication. The plan is to include structural drawings indicating
the location of high-stress areas as identified by the ABS review; construction standards and control
procedures to be applied by the shipyard; verification and recording procedures to be adopted by the
shipyard at each stage of construction; and procedures for correcting defects.

During construction, ABS surveyors will verify that the construction carried out by the shipyard is in
conformance with the agreed construction monitoring plan. The vessel will receive the ABS SHCM
notation to record compliance with this procedure.

10 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Coatings
Vessels greater than 500 gross tons contracted on and after 1 July 2008 or delivered on and after 1 July
2012, must comply with the IMO Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC) requirements.
The IMO PSPC requirements apply to dedicated seawater ballast tanks of container carriers.

ABS provides guidance to both shipowners and shipbuilders on the technical requirements of the PSPC
and the role coatings play in the longevity of a vessels structure. General information is contained in the
ABS Guidance Notes on the Inspection, Maintenance and Application of Marine Coating Systems. Although
industry standards place the responsibility for the proper application of the coatings on the shipyard, the
ABS Guidance Notes clarify the issues and responsibilities for all parties.

Container carriers that are built in conformance with the requirements contained in the ABS Guide for the
Class Notation Coating Performance Standard (CPS) may be awarded the CPS notation.

Sea Trials
An ABS surveyor will attend the sea trials of the vessel to verify that the trials are carried out properly and
that relevant class and statutory criteria are met.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 11

Notations
On delivery, a typical ABS class notation for a container carrier would be:
A1, Container Carrier, , CPS, AMS, ACCU, SH, SHCM, UWILD

This defines that the:

Hull has been built under ABS survey for unrestricted ocean service (A1)
Ship complies with the ABS requirements for anchoring and mooring equipment ()
Coatings applied to the dedicated seawater ballast tanks meet the requirements of the IMO
Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (CPS)
Ships machinery, boilers and systems have been constructed and installed in accordance with the
requirements of the ABS Rules (AMS)
Ship has the means to control and monitor an unmanned propulsion machinery space in an approved
manner from the navigation bridge and from a centralized control and monitoring station installed in,
or adjacent to the propulsion machinery space (ACCU)
Hull has been evaluated using ABS Eagle SafeHull (SH)
Ship was subject to enhanced inspection during construction in conformance with the SafeHull
Construction Monitoring procedure (SHCM)
Ship meets the ABS requirements for underwater inspection in lieu of drydocking (UWILD)

12 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Surveys After Construction
Upon delivery and throughout
its service life, an ABS-classed
containership is subject to the asset
integrity management requirements
of the ABS class survey regime. This
imposes a requirement for the vessel to
be subject to a series of periodic surveys
Annual, Intermediate, Special and
Drydocking on a rotating five-year
basis. Newly constructed vessels may
be eligible to participate in an extended
drydocking program accepted by select
flag States.

The regime also requires the owner to

notify ABS when the vessels hull and/
or its machinery suffers damage. An
ABS surveyor will arrange to attend
the vessel as promptly as possible and
will verify that the vessel remains in,
or is returned to, a condition that is in
conformance with the applicable Rules.

Prompt attendance by an ABS surveyor

for the requisite periodic survey is
made possible by the extensive, global
network of strategically-placed ABS
survey offices.

ABS Eagle Survey Manager

To help the vessels owner, operator or manager plan for the required periodic surveys in an efficient,
cost-effective and informed manner, ABS provides the operator with access to the advanced, web-based
ABS Eagle Survey Manager program.

The Survey Manager application has been in use for several years (formerly under the ABS SafeNet name)
and has been frequently enhanced and expanded. Positive user feedback gives us the confidence to
consider the ABS Eagle Survey Manager system to be the most advanced, effective and user-friendly system
currently available to ship operators to monitor the classification status of their vessels.

Survey Manager efficiently manages the class and statutory data for an owners entire ABS-classed fleet in
a web-based electronic format. Shipowners have access to the data from multiple locations in the office,
on board a vessel or from remote sites such as a repair yard.

The Survey Manager software includes a record of the tank condition; historical records of survey dates,
locations and surveys conducted; a record of recommendations, both open and closed; and a system to
integrate survey activities and to review the status with the ABS planned maintenance module.

Shipowners are able to select the interval to receive messages regarding upcoming and overdue surveys.
Multicolored timelines of survey due dates significantly diminish the need to view individual listings
of survey items such as hull, machinery and equipment. The user-friendly survey planning document
displays precise gauging, tank testing and close-up inspection requirements for each vessel based on the
vessels age and type.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 13

Accessed through the My Eagle customer web portal, Survey Manager provides a wide range of
informational and support services to the operator in real time including:
A fleet summary and complete status of class surveys for each ABS-classed vessel
Status of statutory surveys and certificates issued by ABS on behalf of the flag Administration
Timeline presentations of the class and statutory surveys completed in the previous three years,
surveys in progress, and surveys scheduled for the next five years including identification of
grace periods
Principal particulars of each vessel
Vessel attendance history with links to related ABS reports
An online certificate list and file containing copies of ABS-issued class and statutory certificates
currently on board the vessel
Fleet level tools for budgeting within user-defined periods (such as drydockings)
Status indication of surveys completed, often before the surveyor leaves the ship
Automated onboard issuance of class and statutory certificates
An owner administration module to enable the creation of an unlimited number of new users and
to select the vessel or fleet that each individual user can view
Tools for survey planning and survey guidance including vessel specific templates for the preparation
of enhanced survey plans
Electronic booking of survey attendance and optional email progress notifications

Port State Control

ABS considers the Port State
Control (PSC) record of
vessels detained for class and/
or Recognized Organization-
related deficiencies to be the
best public accounting of the
effectiveness of ABS in-service
surveys.

For many years, ABS has

consistently been included in
the elite tier of classication
societies within each of
the three principal PSC
jurisdictions Paris MOU,
Tokyo MOU and the US Coast
Guard.

On average, more than 99.5

percent of the ABS-classed
ships subject to a port State
inspection have been found
to be without class and/
or Recognized Organization
accountable detainable
deficiencies.

14 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Transfer of Class
While a ship is most
often classed with
one society during
construction and
throughout its service
life, many do change
class either on delivery,
on transfer of ownership
or for other reasons.
For a ship in service, it
is a relatively straight-
forward matter to
transfer a vessel in class
with another IACS
society to ABS class.
Although the basic
requirements are laid
out by the IACS Transfer
of Class Agreement
(IACS PR1A), ABS has
established streamlined procedures to assist an owner with the process, with minimum disruption to
commercial and vessel operations. Owners can achieve significant operational and cost benefits by
consolidating their fleets under ABS class.

Owners can initiate the transfer of class process by contacting any ABS office. The process will then
be handled by a dedicated project team to review the ships status and history and coordinate the necessary
requirements. The ABS project team members work closely with the owner during this process providing
a single point-of-contact to work with the class society from which the vessel is being transferred.

For acceptance into ABS class, the owner of a ship classed by another IACS society will be asked to submit
the following hull and machinery plans:

Main Plans
General arrangement Capacity plan
Hydrostatic curves Loading manual (if applicable)
Stability documents

Hull Structure Plans

Midship section Scantling plan
Decks Shell expansion
Transverse bulkheads Rudder and rudder stock
Hatch covers

Machinery Plans
Machinery arrangement Intermediate, thrust and screw shafts
Propeller Wiring diagram
Bilge and ballast piping diagram Main engine, propulsion gears and clutch systems
Steering gear systems, piping and arrangements
Main boilers, superheaters and economizers (for steam turbine vessels)

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 15

A pre-inspection survey may also be necessary to confirm the overall condition of the ship. Typically, the
requisite surveys to conduct a transfer of class are scheduled with current survey activities to minimize
cost. As soon as the required surveys and plan reviews have been satisfactorily completed, ABS will issue
an Interim Class Certificate to replace the existing classification arrangement. The final Class Certificate
will be issued following the vessels acceptance by the ABS Class Committee.

ABS acts as a Recognized Organization for the major flag Administrations by issuing a range of
internationally-required statutory certificates on the flag Administrations behalf. When a vessel changes
class to ABS from another IACS member, certain statutory certificates may remain valid. This varies
depending on the flag Administration and circumstances. The ABS project team will work closely with
the owner to verify that the statutory certificates are in order. Some additional surveys may be required
depending on the validity of the certificates.

When changing class, a change in flag may also be requested and new statutory certificates may be
required. The new flag Administration will determine which certificates are needed. The ABS project team
will coordinate with the new flag Administration to facilitate the process for the owner. When the exact
requirements of the new flag have been determined, ABS will conduct the necessary reviews and surveys.

16 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Major Conversion Services
ABS is familiar with the technical challenges posed by conversion projects and is able to offer shipowners
and shipyards full support in facilitating design reviews to verify continued conformance with applicable
classification and statutory standards. ABS surveyors at the principal repair and conversion shipyards are
familiar with these processes and will verify that such conversions are conducted in conformance with the
applicable Rules and standards.

Statutory Inspections
ABS is recognized by the majority of international flag States and has been delegated authority to act as a
Recognized Organization on behalf of more than 120 governments. ABS carries out these responsibilities
during the design stage where needed, verifying that the design complies with the statutory requirements
(e.g. stability, watertight subdivision, safety construction and equipment, firefighting, lifesaving) of the
selected Administration as contained in the various maritime codes and conventions including:
Load Line
Marine Pollution Prevention (MARPOL)
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
Tonnage
Anti-Fouling System (AFS)
International Safety Management (ISM)
International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS)

In addition to the national or international tonnage certificates, ABS can issue Panama and Suez Canal
tonnage certificates on behalf of those authorities. Once in service, when authorized by the flag State, ABS
will conduct the applicable periodic statutory inspections and, if warranted, issue the relevant certificates.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 17

ISM Code Compliance
As a Recognized Organization for many flag States, ABS is authorized to act on their behalf in performing
audits and issuing certificates required by the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of
Ships and for Pollution Prevention (the ISM Code). These include both the audits of the ship operator
leading to the Document of Compliance (DOC) certificate and the audit of the ship which, when success-
fully completed, will result in the issuance of the Safety Management Certificate (SMC) to that ship. ABS
maintains a global pool of fully-qualified ISM auditors able to respond promptly to clients requests.

ISPS Code Compliance

A large number of flag States have authorized ABS to act on their behalf as a Recognized Security
Organization. In this capacity ABS can approve security plans, perform security audits of ships and issue
International Ship Security Certificates (ISSC) on behalf of those flag States. The ABS Guide for Ship
Security (SEC) Notation has been made available to assist operators in achieving compliance with the
statutory security requirements of the ISPS Code and in obtaining the ABS SEC notation. In addition,
ABS has qualified ISPS auditors able to promptly address clients needs.

ILO MLC Compliance

As a Recognized Organization, ABS is authorized to review and approve the Declaration of Maritime
Labour Compliance (DMLC) and carry out onboard inspections to verify compliance with the ILO
Maritime Labour Convention and issue the Maritime Labour Certificate on behalf of flag States. To assist
shipowners and operators in implementing the MLC requirements, ABS issued Guidance Notes on the
ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Vessels that comply with the ABS Guide for Compliance with the
ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, Title 3 Requirements may be awarded the optional notation,
MLC-ACCOM.

US Coast Guard Assistance

ABS also maintains a strong relationship with the US Coast Guard (USCG) under various, long-standing
Memoranda of Understanding, which authorizes ABS to act on behalf of the USCG on a number of
issues. This involvement also provides ABS with the experience and insight to offer specific assistance to
owners trading to the United States who are seeking to demonstrate compliance with USCG requirements,
particularly those related to environmental, safety and security issues. In addition, the USCG has assigned
a Liaison Officer to ABS to facilitate communication between the two organizations.

18 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Category II
-----------------------
Optional Class-Related Services & Notations
For a variety of reasons, many owners choose to build and/or operate their ABS-classed vessels to
standards established by ABS that extend beyond those required for a vessel to be accepted into class
and for registration by a flag State. To assist these owners in demonstrating that they have adopted these
enhanced standards, ABS offers a range of optional services that may result in accompanying notations
as applicable. These services range from highly-technical structural analyses to standards that address
the habitability of the onboard living conditions to enhanced safety, quality, environmental and health
standards.

Category II services comprise ten parts:

1. Technical, Engineering and Environmental Services
2. Fleet Management Systems
3. Hull Integrity Management Programs
4. Machinery Maintenance Services
5. Integrated Management Systems Certification
6. Project Management Services
7. Optional Notations for Container Carriers
8. Rapid Response Damage Assessment
9. Training Services
10. Regulatory Information Services

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 19

Technical, Engineering & Environmental Services
ABS personnel are available to provide a wide range of additional engineering-related analyses and services
during the design evaluation and plan review phases of a container carrier project. Depending on the size
and type of container carrier these may range from a full ship analysis using the dynamic loading approach
(DLA) to the analysis of individual elements such as shaft alignment and vibration.

Dynamic Loading Approach & Spectral Fatigue Analysis

A detailed evaluation of a containerships structure can be carried out using DLA. This ABS-developed
first principles approach to the assessment of the hull structure has been successfully applied to a large
number of vessels over the past 30 years. Central to this methodology is the use of a program based upon
seakeeping theory for calculating the loads and response for a range of wave length and directions under
various cargo loading conditions. The dynamic loads are then applied to a three-dimensional (3-D) finite
element model of the complete vessel in order to assess the adequacy of the structure.

In addition, this procedure can also be used for the application of the spectral fatigue analysis (SFA)
method for the evaluation of structural fatigue. SFA is a rational analysis procedure for evaluating fatigue
life related to local cracking of ship structures. The spectral-based method for fatigue strength evaluation,
due to the wave-induced responses, is well established and has been extensively documented.

To streamline these procedures, ABS has integrated the proven analysis of both DLA and SFA into a single
software program. Using a self-generated or user-supplied finite element model, the program can perform
a thorough DLA and SFA of a ship structure. Three-dimensional seakeeping analysis, short and long-
term statistical analysis, finite element analysis, hull strength evaluation and fatigue assessment are fully
integrated within the program.

Containership designs that successfully undergo an ABS Eagle DLA/SFA evaluation may be awarded
optional notations denoting their evaluation by this methodology, including a notation indicating the
vessels designed fatigue life in North Atlantic conditions, e.g. SFA(30).

20 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Nonlinear Analysis
Compared to traditional linear theory, the nonlinear theory can more accurately calculate the dynamic
loads for modern, ultra-large containerships. The nonlinear analysis consists of two main parts: nonlinear
motion and loads calculation by the large amplitude motion program (LAMP); and structural analysis by a
finite element program for the critical load cases determined from the linear seakeeping analysis.

Propeller Analysis
ABS has developed programs to predict the performance of propellers. These programs are capable of
predicting hydrodynamic pressures on the propeller blades, including cavitation, as well as hydrodynamic
pressures on the vessels structure. The series of propeller analyses are described as follows:

Effective wake calculations

ABS has developed three programs to calculate simple axi-symmetric flow; steady non-uniform 3-D
flow; and unsteady non-uniform 3-D flow of the effective wake. Effective wake is the interaction
between nominal wake and the propeller and is one of the most important issues that affect the
accuracy of the prediction of propeller cavitation and propeller blade hydrodynamic pressure.

Propeller cavitation analysis

An all-purpose analysis program predicts the performance of a propeller including its cavitation.
The program is capable of mapping hydrodynamic pressure distributions and cavitation patterns on
the propeller blades. The pressure distribution can be interfaced with a finite element program for
propeller blade stress analyses. A software module is available for integrating the pressure distributions
to obtain steady and unsteady forces and moments acting on the shafting system.

Propeller-induced hull pressure

Cavitation is the main source of fluctuation pressures acting on a ships hull, which in turn causes
propeller-induced hull vibrations. Based on propeller cavitation predictions, the diffraction fluctuation
pressures on the ships hull can be calculated.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 21

Wave Impact Analysis (Slamming)
Speed requirements, hull form and increased vessel size are all factors that can make containerships
susceptible to bowflare and stern-slamming impact. Wave impact typically occurs in the bow portion of
the ship, at flat-bottom sections and at the upper bowflare. For modern containerships, slamming may
also occur at the overhanging stern sections of the ship. The impact loads are highly concentrated
within a very short period. The impact forces may result in damage to the local structure and accentuate
structural vibration throughout the hull, often referred to as whipping.

Complete analysis of the hull girder requires predictions of combined wave and whipping response. ABS
applies the LAMP program to conduct impact load analyses to predict the slamming pressures on the
overhanging stern of containerships. Boundary element methods or the analytic axymtotic approach can
be applied. Using the calculated slamming pressures, local structures can be analyzed. Furthermore, a full
ship vibration analysis can be performed.

Vibration Analysis
Shipboard vibration can affect the safety, functionality and habitability of a containership. Excessive
vibration may result in fatigue cracking of local structural members, malfunction of machinery and
equipment, and adversely affect crew performance.

ABS can provide shipowners, designers and shipbuilders with guidance at the concept design stage to
help avoid excessive vibration. The critical areas addressed are:
Hull girder vertical vibration excited by a main diesel engine
Main machinery/shafting system longitudinal vibration excited by the propeller
Superstructure fore-and-aft vibration excited by either or both aforementioned initiators

22 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

At a clients request, or when found necessary, the guidance can include finite element-based vibration
analysis procedures to predict the vibration response and evaluate the design in greater detail. This
takes into account loading conditions, propeller and engine excitations and free and forced vibrations.

Stern vibration problems arise from unsteady cavities that attach to the surface of the propeller blades
creating an intense, fluctuating pressure impact on the ships hull. In recent years, many innovative
propulsion designs have been developed to address the vibration problems associated with propeller
cavitation. ABS has developed a suite of advanced computer programs that use computational fluid
dynamics to better assess propeller strength and analyze vibration. These include:
A propeller cavitation analysis that performs calculations on propeller performance, bearing forces
and sheet cavitation
A prediction of fluctuating pressure induced by the cavitating propeller
A ship flow simulation of the interaction between the propeller and the hull

ABS also provides guidance on the vibration measurement procedure at sea trials and the acceptance
criteria on vibration limits based on international standards and ABS experience. ABS has established
a vibration measurement procedure to evaluate the vibration of the superstructure, local structures,
marine propulsion machinery and other equipment.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 23

Shaft Alignment
Proper shaft alignment should be considered in the design of post-panamax container carriers. Inadequate
shaft alignment could result in stern bearing failure, intermediate bearing failure or main engine bearing
failure which could incapacitate the ships propulsion capability. Such failures may be attributable
to factors such as inadequate alignment design tools, lack of hull deflection data, lack of sufficient
experience-based knowledge or production errors.

Historically, shaft alignment was conducted using primarily experienced-based engineering, as accurate
hull deflection data was not available. This made alignment conditions unpredictable for certain cargo
loading conditions.

ABS has addressed these issues by developing specialist software and alignment optimization tools, based
on a multi-year research project, conducted with the cooperation of several leading shipyards, which
collected and analyzed hull deflection data. The software can predict alignment behavior for different
cargo loading conditions. ABS has the experience and equipment to provide full scale shaft alignment
services including analysis, optimization, measurements, condition evaluation, troubleshooting and
failure investigation.

Typically, the tailshaft can be included under a condition monitoring system in order to minimize the
frequency of withdrawal. This may lead to the award of the optional class notation TCM, which allows
for the standard tailshaft survey intervals to be extended up to 15 years. The condition of the tailshaft
is to be confirmed by survey including the verification of the condition monitoring monthly records
and analysis records of lubricating oil, as required by the ABS Guide for Classification Notation Tailshaft
Condition Monitoring (TCM).

24 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Container Securing Systems
As container carriers increase in size, lashing arrangements can become an operational concern. This is
due to interactions between the lashings and the vessel structure due to structural deformations that result
from a vessels reaction to the wave environment with the effect most pronounced on larger vessels.

ABS certifies the initial installation of container securing systems aboard vessels. The Container Securing
Certificate (CSC) notation is issued to vessels that meet the ABS requirements as stated in the ABS Guide
for Certification of Container Securing Systems. A vessels container securing system must pass a satisfactory
completion of plan review, testing of the securing devices, approval of the Container Securing Manual and
installation of the fixed securing devices.

Maneuvering
To assist shipowners to
quantify and document the
maneuvering characteristics
of a containership, ABS has
carried out extensive analyses
of vessels entering ports
using numerical simulation
tools and full scale trial data.
ABS has tools to assess the
maneuverability of a wide
variety of container carriers at
the early design stage to verify
compliance with the relevant
IMO criteria.

The ABS Guide for Vessel

Maneuverability summarizes
the procedures to be used
in assessing a vessels
maneuvering performance.
Minimum requirements given
in this Guide are consistent
with IMO standards. An
optional class notation,
MAN, could be used as
evidence of adherence to
the IMO standards. ABS
may assign another optional
class notation, MAN-A to
signify demonstration of
maneuvering performance
that exceeds the IMO
Standards.

Seakeeping
Seakeeping assessment can
be provided using various
methods, from strip theory to
3-D and nonlinear analysis,
depending upon the specific
engineering requirements.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 25

Parametric Roll
Modern containerships, with hulls designed for higher speed, increased cargo capacity, larger bowflares
and overhanging stern are uniquely susceptible to the problems associated with parametric roll. The ABS
Guide for the Assessment of Parametric Roll Resonance in the Design of Container Carriers, developed based
on a multiyear study, provides design and analysis criteria to determine the vulnerability of a particular
vessel to parametric roll and the potential magnitude of the roll motions. Vessels that comply with the
requirements specified in the Guide are eligible for the PARR-N, PARR-C1 or PARR-C2 notations.

Extended Drydock Survey Periods

Certain flag State Administrations have agreed to extend drydock survey periods from five to seven-and-
a-half years for select vessels. While the requirements may vary slightly for each Administration, at a
minimum, the container carrier must meet the following requirements for eligibility:
Vessel must be less than five years of age for enrollment and can only remain in the scheme until 15
years of age (with a possible five-year extension based on satisfactory service experience)
Vessel must have a coating applied that is guaranteed by the coating manufacturer to last seven-and-a-
half years in service and accepted by the Administration
Vessels special survey for hull and machinery must be scheduled on a continuous cycle

Additionally, the container carrier must hold the following ABS notations:
TCM (tailshaft condition monitoring)
UWILD (underwater inspection in lieu of drydocking)
PMP (preventative maintenance program)
HIMP (hull inspection maintenance program)

26 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Human Factors Engineering
Ergonomic principles, criteria and design processes can be effectively integrated with engineering activities
to improve human performance on board ships and contribute towards a reduction in the likelihood of
accidents or incidents attributable to human error.

ABS has developed extensive guidance for shipowners and designers based on industry-specific and
internationally-applicable ergonomic principles and standards. Criteria have been established that address
equipment, workstation and system design, including guidance for the ergonomic design of navigation
bridges, as well as occupational health and safety concerns.

Design guidance accounts for personnel capabilities, limitations and needs so that the arrangement and
orientation of the onboard work environment meets the needs of the crew members regardless of their
cultural background and physical dissimilarities.

ABS criteria and notations also address the issue of crew habitability or the acceptability of conditions on
board a ship in terms of vibration, noise, lighting, indoor climate and physical and spatial characteristics.
They have been developed to support effective human performance, mental alertness and basic levels of
comfort that promote the general well-being of the crew members and, as a consequence, the efficient and
safe operation of the vessel.

Vessels that comply with the relevant criteria may be awarded the optional notations of Habitability (HAB)
or Habitability Plus (HAB+).

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 27

Energy Efficiency
As an active participant in IMO working sessions, ABS remains up-to-date on the rapidly changing
regulatory environment, particularly in the realm of energy efficiency. When requested, ABS can carry out
an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) review compared to the current IMO standard.

Working in partnership with ship operators, ABS is preparing IMO Energy Efficiency Operational
Indicator (EEOI) software that moves beyond the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee
(MEPC) requirements, adjusting to varying indices and operational conditions. The ABS software provides
options to report across user-defined time periods.

Environmental Services
ABS can provide assistance to designers and owners as they seek to understand and address the increasing
number of environmental regulations and challenges. Advice and guidance is available on topics as diverse
as ballast water management to cold ironing, controlling emissions, handling oily bilge water residues and
complying with local and regional regulations that may differ from international standards.

The ABS Guide for the Environmental Protection Notation for Vessels has been developed with the objective
of promoting environmentally-safe design, construction and operation of ABS-classed vessels and marine
structures. The requirements relate to enhanced environmental standards for hull anti-fouling systems,
ballast water management and the prevention of oil, sewage, garbage and air pollution. Shipowners may
select either the ENVIRO notation, denoting compliance with the requirements of Annexes I, II, IV, V
and VI to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, MARPOL 73/78, as
amended, or the ENVIRO+ notation which includes additional criteria for environmental protection
related to design characteristics, management and support systems, sea discharges and air discharges.

28 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Intended to help shipowners as they develop a ship recycling plan for each of their vessels, the ABS
Guide for the Class Notation Green Passport (GP) may also assist designers, equipment suppliers, builders
and owners in the practical and reasonable formulation and maintenance of the required inventory of
hazardous materials. The Guide is applicable to new and existing ships for which the optional notation
GP has been requested. Obtaining this notation will help with compliance to the IMO Ship Recycling
Convention.

ABS Eagle Rule Manager

To further simplify the application of the relevant ABS Rules and statutory regulations at the design stage,
ABS has developed the advanced, web-based ABS Eagle Rule Manager. This application allows the designer
and owner to easily and quickly identify and access relevant requirements for the vessel. The built-in
search capability allows the owner, shipyard or designer to specify the scantling length, contract date,
delivery date, class notations and other criteria which, in turn, highlights the relevant ABS Rule text and
the IMO requirements for that specific project.

Advanced input parameters can be used to narrow the search criteria to the Rule requirements applicable
to a specific system, component, structural element, item of equipment, notation or survey. Hyperlinks
embedded within the text provide the user with immediate window access to other related sections of the
Rules. The user can also generate check lists that can be used to verify that applicable Rule requirements
have been addressed during the design and construction phases of a project.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 29

 Fleet Management
Systems
Shipowners and operators are
adopting maintenance procedures
that promote the life cycle
integrity of a vessel. To assist
them, ABS Nautical Systems
offers a variety of programs
that provide a framework for
maintaining the structural
and mechanical condition of a
containership.

NS5 Enterprise
ABS Nautical Systems is a leading
provider of fleet management
software for the marine and
offshore industries. Marketed
as a suite of products called
NS5 Enterprise, the software
modules can function on a
standalone basis or as a fully-
integrated management solution
that addresses the principle
elements of a fleet managers
daily operational functions.

NS5 Enterprise makes fleet management easier and more efficient. Increased productivity and more
effective cost control flow from the systems ability to link management, operations and onboard personnel
into a seamless information stream.

NS5 Enterprise can efficiently handle tasks ranging from regulatory compliance to payroll to planned
maintenance and quality programs. The modules share information, eliminating the need for repetitive
data entry, and allow the user to move rapidly from one module to another. The integrated architecture
makes adding modules simple. Each module is valuable on its own but a complete NS5 Enterprise system
provides the most powerful, single-source fleet management tool available.

Integration with the ABS Eagle Survey Manager program provides superintendents with the seamless
management of surveys and certificates in one database. Additionally, ABS-classed vessels benefit from
pre-planning survey tools incorporated into the NS5 Enterprise system.

NS5 Enterprise is an easy-to-use Windows-based system with full replication capability. Available fleet
management modules include:
Maintenance and Repair Hull Maintenance
Purchasing and Inventory Incident Investigation
Quality and Compliance Vessel Drawings
Crew Management Vetting Module
Crew Payroll

Full information on how the ABS Nautical Systems fleet management software can improve operating
efficiency can be found at www.abs-ns.com

30 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Hull Integrity Management Programs
The ABS Guide for Hull Inspection and Maintenance Program addresses requirements for developing
a hull maintenance management system. Vessels enrolled in this program will be eligible for the
class notation HIMP, which will be entered in the ABS Record. ABS has developed hull integrity
management software to assist owners and operators in taking an active role in inspecting and
maintaining their vessels.

NS5 Enterprise Hull Inspection

The Hull Inspection module within the ABS Nautical Systems NS5 Enterprise fleet management
software suite is a web-based tool that efficiently schedules hull inspections, targets critical areas
within the hulls structure and identifies specific areas for ongoing monitoring. The tool contains a
built-in dashboard for high level reporting and analyses, maintains a record and history of inspections
and records the condition of the hull with an easy to understand traffic light status in a 2-D spatial
model.

ABS Hull Maintenance

As a standalone system, ABS Hull Maintenance provides a sophisticated, advanced management and
information program that can be used to track the condition of the vessels structure throughout its
service life. The program allows for increased functionality via management of condition data in a
virtual 3-D environment and handles the execution and management of inspections easily.

With features such as the navigation and visualization of the hull condition in a 3-D model, the ABS
Hull Maintenance program automates repair planning and cost estimation, imports and exports
gauging plans and trends the future condition of structural components using built-in calculation
utilities.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 31

Users can store gaugings, coating and anode information, damages and repair data and the photos and
sketches associated with these events. The actual condition of any part of the vessel can be assessed at
any time from the stored data and condition and then used to predict remaining life before a renewal limit
is reached. A report on structural diminution for any part of the vessel can be generated automatically.
Repair costs can also be generated for user-specified scenarios.

The benefits of the hull maintenance system include:

Displays a compartment extract from the hull model giving the user the ability to see compartment
data and highlight specific sections for more detailed review
Stores multiple file types such as documents/reports, photos, sketches, video, etc., of structural
members linked directly to each section for detailed visual and technical assessment
Tracks multiple anomalous conditions such as damages, fractures, buckling, grooving and pitting
Maintains a life history of gauging information to facilitate analysis of past structural degradation and
anticipated future degradation using built-in trending tools
Compares actual condition data against as-approved or Rules scantlings for gauging evaluation as per
prescribed renewal criteria
Tracks coating application and condition through the lifetime of the vessel and stores the location and
condition of anodes
Generates coating material estimates including cost for user-defined scenarios
Highlights wastage levels and areas of substantial corrosion using color coding of the various hull
structures in the model
Generates steel weight, cost data and bill of materials for isolated repairs or different repair scenarios

32 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Hull Condition Monitoring
Some shipowners may elect to monitor the hull stress levels throughout the vessels service life. A
series of strain gauges, accelerometers, alarms and recording devices can provide an early warning
system to avoid overstressing the hull structure, allowing the ships officers to monitor how the ship
is performing relative to its design limits and how the vessel responds to changes in heading and/or
speed. This approach can provide a warning on slamming, green seas, excessive ship motions and hull
girder stress. The system can be integrated with a voyage data recorder allowing for the collection of a
wide variety of technical information.

The approaches covered by the ABS Guide for Hull Condition Monitoring Systems extend from simple
one-motion monitoring systems to sophisticated voyage data recorders covering a multitude of hull,
systems and machinery parameters. Fitting hull monitoring systems to acquire, display and/or record
information can provide pertinent information to use as a basis for making decisions to improve
operational efficiency and/or safety.

The overall Hull Condition Monitoring process is one of: data measurement; data collection and
conditioning; data processing and evaluation; results presentation and storage. At the request of the
owner or shipyard, a hull condition monitoring system which complies with the requirements of the
ABS Guide for Hull Condition Monitoring Systems may be given a notation HM1, HM2 or HM3, as
appropriate, followed by the applicable qualifier such as Slam Warning, Green Seas Warning, Ship
Motion, Hull Girder Stress, Local Load Monitoring, Fatigue Monitor, VDR or Enhanced VDR.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 33

Machinery Maintenance Services
Containership operators are adopting maintenance procedures that promote the life cycle integrity of
the vessel. ABS offers a variety of programs that provide a framework for maintaining the mechanical
condition of the vessel while leveraging the operators maintenance program to support class maintenance.

Preventative Maintenance
Planned maintenance and condition-based maintenance are two approaches utilized within the
preventative maintenance program to assist owners with maintaining machinery on vessels. Often these
techniques are used concurrently. By applying them, credit can be given towards the requirements of
the Continuous Survey of Machinery.

Planned maintenance
Planned maintenance involves setting formal schedules for maintenance and overhaul of machinery.
Running time or calendar time may be used for establishing a schedule. Such schedules are generally
established by the machinery manufacturer and include lubrication servicing; filter, bearing and seal
replacements; as well as major overhauls.

Condition-based maintenance with condition monitoring

With a condition-based maintenance program, the frequency of planned maintenance tasks can be
more dynamically-driven based on the results obtained from condition monitoring tasks. The use of
condition monitoring techniques promotes cost-effective maintenance by reducing the number of
breakdowns and extending operating periods beyond those of time-based programs. Maintenance
is undertaken as a result of the knowledge of the condition of the equipment. This results in better
utilization of resources, the controlled replacement of wearing components and a reduction of the
incidence of unplanned breakdown maintenance.

Many maintenance procedures include condition monitoring, e.g. checking and recording of vibration
levels, pressure, temperature, load current, running hours, lubricating oil analysis data and fuel
consumption. Intelligent use of this equipment condition data gives benefits such as eliminating the
need to open up machinery, reducing demands on human resources, limiting purchases on spare parts
and reducing downtime and associated costs.

34 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Reliability-Centered Maintenance
As a logical evolution of machinery maintenance program development, the application of reliability-
centered maintenance (RCM) allows maintenance programs to be evaluated in a risk-based approach
that provides the most value to an owner or operator. RCM analysis allows an owner to optimize
maintenance programs by first identifying functional failures within machinery systems that have
the highest risk and then determining the optimum maintenance tasks and strategies that mitigate
potential failures to an acceptable level. In this way, maintenance programs are created which focus on
critical components and proper maintenance strategies.

By applying RCM principles, maintenance strategies are evaluated and applied in a rational and
systematic manner. ABS can assist the shipowner in gaining approval for its own RCM program for
maintenance of class or assisting in preparing and implementing an effective RCM program for the
machinery on the vessel. The ABS Guidance Notes on Reliability-Centered Maintenance provide the
maintenance theory and philosophy of RCM. In addition, the ABS Guide for Survey Based on Reliability-
Centered Maintenance contains the RCM program requirements for obtaining a special RCM notation.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 35

Integrated Management Systems Certification
In addition to facilitating the certification of a new containership to the applicable classification and
statutory regulatory requirements, ABS offers shipowners and operators additional services that allow
them to demonstrate their adoption of specific health, safety and environmental standards. The ABS Guide
for Marine Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental (HSQE) Management provides ship operators with an
integrated management system model for safe operation and for demonstrating operational excellence.

ABS recognizes the positive impact that sound management practices have on these areas. The
requirements of this Guide have been primarily derived from accepted management system principles
reflected in the ISM Code, ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems standards, ISO 14001 Environmental
Management Systems standards and OHSAS 18001 Specification for Occupational Health and Safety
Management Systems. These standards have been marinized as appropriate for greater relevance to the
practical operation of marine facilities.

Project Management Services

Professional project management, supported by unique software tools, may help to minimize the risk of
unexpected delays, technical inaccuracies and cost overruns. If desired, a trained ABS project manager,
experienced with container carrier construction, can be assigned to a project at the commencement of the
plan approval phase. In addition, ABS can assist with familiarization with the ship design and the details of
the construction inspection plan.

36 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Optional Notations for Container Carriers
Although the requirements for several of the ABS optional notations for containerships have been out-
lined in prior sections, they are summarized here together with additional notations not yet referenced.
Conformance with the standards required for the award of the following optional notations allows
an owner to demonstrate that a particular ship has been built or is being operated to internationally-
recognized standards that exceed those required solely for the issuance of the classification certificate.

Design & Construction

AT specified structural components incorporate additional plate thickness than the required
scantlings. It will also include a designation and number to indicate the location and magnitude of the
additional thickness e.g. AT(DK+0.5)
CCO ship has been designed, built and surveyed in accordance with requirements specified in the
ABS Guide for Vessels Operating in Low Temperature Environments. The notation depends on the design
and minimum anticipated temperatures as well as the expected operational area
FL(year) ship has been designed for a fatigue life greater than 20 years, according to the ABS Rules,
Part 5C, Appendix I. The actual service life will be denoted in parenthesis (i.e. FL(30)), determined
according to the ships operational profile and maintenance.
Ice Class ship complies with the requirements in the ABS Rules, Part 6, Chapter 1 that are
applicable for the designated ice class
IRCC ship is arranged for the carriage of refrigerated containers in compliance with the ABS Rules
for Building and Classing Steel Vessels
MLC-ACCOM ship complies with the criteria contained in the ABS Guide for Compliance with
the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 Title 3 Requirements for crew accommodations and the
associated ambient environmental characteristics (i.e. vibration, noise, indoor climate and lighting)
PARR-N, PARR-C1 or PARR-C2 ship complies with the ABS requirements specified in the ABS
Guide for the Assessment of Parametric Roll Resonance in the Design of Container Carriers
POT additional protection is provided for fuel, lubricating, overflow and sludge oil tanks

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 37

 R1, R1-S, R2 or R2-S ship has redundancy arrangements for propulsion and steering systems
RES ship has been built in accordance with the procedure and criteria for calculating and
evaluating the residual strength of hull structures contained in the ABS Guide for Assessing Hull-Girder
Residual Strength
RW for ships receiving assigned for specially considered anchors of proven holding ability for
which the mass may be reduced up to a maximum of 25 percent
SFA(year) ship complies with the requirements of spectral fatigue analysis for the design fatigue life
year identified in parentheses which is greater than or equal to 20 years
SH-DLA ship complies with criteria for calculating and evaluating the behavior of hull structures
under dynamic loading conditions and built in accordance with plans approved on the basis of the
results of such analysis, in addition to full compliance with the other requirements of the Rules

Environmental Protection
BWE ship has been designed, constructed, and surveyed in accordance with the ABS Guide for
Ballast Water Exchange. Vessels which have not been constructed under survey in accordance with the
requirements of this Guide may obtain the optional BWE notation, provided the vessels arrangements
have been determined to comply with the design and construction criteria contained in this Guide
BWT ship has demonstrated compliance with the treatment systems specified in the ABS Guide for
Ballast Water Treatment
ENVIRO or ENVIRO+ ship complies with the requirements specified in ABS Guide for the
Environmental Protection Notation for Vessels
GP ship details and Part 1 of the Inventory of the Green Passport has been prepared and certified
to the requirements in the ABS Guide for the Class Notation Green Passport (GP)

38 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Operational Safety
ACCU ship has the means to control and monitor an unmanned propulsion machinery space in an
approved manner from the navigation bridge and from a centralized control and monitoring station
installed in or adjacent to the propulsion machinery space
CRC ship complies with the requirements for the certification of cranes found in the ABS Guide for
Certification of Lifting Appliances
CSC ship complies with the ABS requirements specified in ABS Guide for Certification of Container
Securing Systems
DE-ICE ship occasionally operates in low temperatures subject to ice accretion and complies with
the requirements in the ABS Guide for Vessels Operating in Low Temperature Environments
HAB or HAB+ ship complies with the requirements in the ABS Guide for Crew Habitability on Ships
HM1, HM2 or HM3 followed by the applicable qualifier such as Slam Warning, Green Seas
Warning, Ship Motion, Hull Girder Stress, Local Load Monitoring, Fatigue Monitor, VDR,
Enhanced VDR ship complies with the requirements in the ABS Guide for Hull Condition Monitoring
Systems
MAN or MAN-A ship complies with the requirements in the ABS Guide for Vessel Maneuverability
NBL, NBLES or NIBS ship complies with the requirements in the ABS Guide for Bridge Design and
Navigational Equipment/Systems
PORT ship complies with requirements in the ABS Guide for Automatic or Remote Control and
Monitoring Systems for Vessels in Port
PMA+ permanent means of access for inspection of hull structures are provided in accordance with
SOLAS II-1/3-6 and the design accounts for ergonomics in conformance with the ABS Guide for Means
of Access to Tanks and Holds for Inspection

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 39

Ship Management
HSQE, SHQ, SHE, HS, SQE, SQ, SE or S ship complies with the relevant criteria for health, safety,
quality and/or environmental management systems specified in the ABS Guide for Marine Health,
Safety, Quality and Environmental (HSQE) Management
RRDA ship complies with requirements in the ABS Guide for Rapid Response Damage Assessment
SEC ship complies with the requirements in the ABS Guide for Ship Security (SEC) Notation

Maintenance
HIMP signifies that the ship is enrolled in the Hull Inspection and Maintenance Program in
accordance with the ABS Guide for Hull Inspection and Maintenance Program
LAID UP ship complies with the requirements in Appendix 7-A-3, Guide for Lay-Up and for
Reactivation of Laid-up Ships of the ABS Rules for Survey After Construction. This notation allows for the
vessels surveys falling due during lay-up to be held in abeyance until the ship reactivates, at which
time they are to be brought up-to-date
PMP ship complies with the requirements for the preventative maintenance program in the ABS
Rules for Survey After Construction with a minimum of 50 percent of the machinery subject to Special
Continuous Survey of Machinery
RCM followed by the applicable qualifiers such as (CARGO), (FIRE), (PROP) or (MACH) ship
complies with the ABS Guidance Notes on Reliability-Centered Maintenance as it applies to cargo
handling, fire extinguishing, propulsion or both firefighting and propulsion, respectively
TCM ship complies with the requirements in the ABS Guide for Classification Notation Tailshaft
Condition Monitoring (TCM)

40 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Rapid Response Damage Assessment
Coastal States are showing an increased intolerance towards marine incidents and ship-sourced pollution.
Proactive owners mitigate the potential risks associated with an incident by enrolling in a Rapid Response
Damage Assessment (RRDA) program.

The ABS RRDA program provides 24-hour, 365 days per year emergency support services to shipowners
and operators with vessels enrolled in the program. Currently the program covers more than 1,750
vessels that are engaged in international trading; approximately 160 of these vessels are container carriers.
Emergency analysis for structural strength and residual stability post-accident is provided quickly
to determine how critical the situation is based on reported conditions and to assist stakeholders in
developing an appropriate mitigation strategy.

Incident Investigation
Determining the root cause of incidents is fundamental to the continual improvement stipulations of the
ISM Code. ABS has published Guidance Notes on the Investigation of Marine Incidents and has developed
software designed to facilitate assessment of incidents so that the number of potential incidents can be
reduced. The Guidance Notes offer proven, standard methods for analysis and reporting.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 41

Training Services
ABS offers focused client seminars and training services for owners and operators of container carriers.
Through the ABS Academy more than 150 specialized training courses are available to address design,
construction and operational maintenance issues for marine and offshore assets. Classes are conducted
in academies located in Piraeus, Singapore, Dubai, Houston, Rio de Janeiro and Busan. Topics associated
with containerships include:
Containerships: Operational & Technical Overview
Containership Design & Analysis
Evaluating Parametric Roll for Containerships
Design, Analysis & Optimization for Shafting Alignment & Torsional Vibration
Design Against Fatigue for Ship Structures
Classification & Statutory Requirements for Superintendents
Hull Inspections for Containerships
Marine Coatings: Inspection, Application & Maintenance
Welding, Inspections & Nondestructive Examination
Risk Assessment, Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) for Operators
Transport of Dangerous Goods by Sea

ABS Academy offers a range of courses addressing implementing and auditing management systems to
recognized industry standards. Courses can be customized and delivered at a clients facility. For more
information, visit the ABS Academy website at www.absacademy.org.

Regulatory Information Services

It is important for owners to keep abreast of the constant flow of new regulatory and classification
requirements. Through its participation at IMO as either a member of the IACS delegation, or the US
delegation, ABS is able to provide its owners with in-depth coverage and insight into these changes.
Future and proposed convention amendments applicable to a specific ship type/size can be found in
the Regulatory Newsroom located at the Resources section of the ABS website, www.eagle.org. Frequent
regulatory updates are also posted to the ABS website and ABS owners receive a variety of informational
newsletters and publications designed to assist with understanding the updated issues. ABS Rules and
current regulatory information can also be accessed on the ABS website at any time.

42 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Category III
------------------------
Services Provided by ABS Affiliates
ABS Consulting, an affiliate of ABS, offers a broad range of risk-based and certification-related services
that have been designed to assist shipowners and operators to manage their projects and vessels more
efficiently. These services are independent of the classification approval process and range from the
identification of potential hazards in conceptual designs, through detailed evaluation and certification
during construction, to assistance in addressing operational issues such as life extension of mature
systems, incident investigation and the development of risk-based and reliability-centered maintenance
and inspection programs.

Category III services comprise three parts:

1. Technical and Engineering Services
2. Operational Services
3. Support Services

Technical & Engineering Services

ABS Consulting is a leader in the application of advanced technology, analysis and modeling to complex
engineering projects. Its technical staff is focused on preparing solutions that maximize client efficiencies
and minimize the cost of operations while mitigating exposure to risk. The services provided are
applicable at every stage of a containership project.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 43

Concept & Preliminary Design Development
From inception through the preliminary design phase, ABS Consulting staff can assist an owner in
defining the technical specifications for the vessel, drawing up realistic project requirements and providing
guidance on preliminary budget estimations. Concept development may include industry trending and
transportation studies, equipment definition, construction techniques and statutory requirements.

During the evaluation phase, ABS Consulting can undertake an independent review of the design, taking
into account both construction and subsequent operational factors that may include suitability to owners
needs, selection of propulsion plant and operational requirements, among others.

Outline Tender Specification & Evaluation of Bids

ABS Consulting staff can prepare the tender specification for a container carrier newbuilding project,
incorporating the requirements identified by the owner. These may include factors such as the main
structural configuration, the prime mover and principal machinery systems, materials and equipment,
coating specifications, navigation systems, the identification of applicable certificates and logistical
support.

Once contract proposals have been received, the ABS Consulting team can assist the owner in reviewing
the proposals to identify those considered most advantageous. This review is intended to reveal
ambiguities, obvious omissions, incorrect requirements, future maintenance needs and potential issues
associated with the structure, cargo handling, engineering operations and crew safety.

44 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Engineering Analyses & Plan Review
ABS Consulting engineers are available to review the submitted drawings against specified industry,
classification, regulatory or owner standards and requirements. If required, detailed technical analyses can
be undertaken including dynamic loading approach and spectral fatigue analysis, comprehensive vibration
analysis, shaft alignment assessment, seakeeping and motion studies, maneuvering and mooring analyses,
intact and damage stability analysis, failure mode and effects analysis, trim and stability calculations,
human factors engineering assessment, environmental compliance assessments and a vessel-specific
analysis of the structural response when subject to very high loading rates.

Vessel Construction Services including Trial Attendance

When contracted, ABS Consulting surveyors will attend the vessel throughout the period of construction
and trials, providing comprehensive owners representation services to verify that the vessel is constructed
in accordance with the approved drawings, that the material and equipment conforms to specifications
and provide other oversight as agreed with the owner. These may include inspection of fabrication
procedures, machinery installation, nondestructive testing and evaluation, monitoring the installation
of automation and control systems and progress monitoring.

Experienced ABS Consulting staff can confirm test requirements during builders dock, sea and acceptance
trials. This may include verification of the adequacy of deck equipment, outfitting and navigational items,
in addition to the propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment. A report detailing any areas requiring
rectification can be provided to the client on the completion of the trials.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 45

Shipyard Guarantee Period Support
As required, ABS Consulting staff can be available to monitor the performance of the vessel for the entire
shipyard guarantee period. This may involve monitoring the repair of warranty items including machinery,
coatings, deck and navigational equipment. Guarantee period oversight may include verification of
warranty items, recommendations for operational enhancements, vessel performance, lube oil analysis,
habitability (particularly noise and vibration) and coating performance.

Retrofitting & Modifications

ABS Consulting Maritime Services personnel have extensive experience advising owners and undertaking
detailed engineering studies for major retrofit and modification projects.

Operational Services
ABS Consulting is available to provide worldwide technical support to the owner throughout the
operational life of the containership. ABS Consulting staff can conduct condition surveys and assess the
need for and approach taken for subsequent repairs. ABS Consulting staff can also conduct through-life
technical analyses of the vessel, in particular analyses of remaining fatigue life, using advanced dynamic-
based evaluation programs that are proprietary to the ABS organization.

46 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Survey & Related Services
ABS Consulting offers a wide range of survey services to the owners and operators of container carriers.
These can be conducted to industry accepted or owner-specified standards and include:
Pre-purchase condition surveys
Damage surveys
Draft and on/off hire surveys
P&I condition surveys
Material and equipment inspection

An owner considering purchasing a container carrier can also contract with ABS Consulting to conduct
a comprehensive record review of the vessels classification history.

Project Management Services

ABS Consulting can provide a containership owner with tailored project management services that may
promote efficiencies and help to minimize the risk of unexpected delays, technical inaccuracies and cost
overruns. These services can be made available for new construction projects, for major modifications or
repairs or to evaluate potential projects for their feasibility prior to being undertaken.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 47

Oil Testing Services
ABS Consulting provides prompt, professional services to shipowners and operators for the analysis and
management of their fuel and lube oil supplies. The comprehensive ABS Consulting Oil Test Program
(OTP) can help the owner monitor deliveries, pre-test supplies, confirm quantities received and provide a
detailed analysis of the fuel delivered to promote efficient operations and reduce the potential for disputes.

The ABS Consulting OTP encompasses the entire bunkering process, from pre-loading tests to machinery
maintenance recommendations, with the particular service package being customizable to the individual
clients needs. It includes:
Pre-loading tests to reduce incidences of de-bunkering
Fuel line sampling to verify that the bunkers supplied meet the operators specifications
Identification of fuel characteristics including density, viscosity, sulfur water, metals and pentane
insolubles
Comparison with specified fuel standards and optional testing for specific criteria
Verification of density for determination of delivered/invoiced quantity
Determination of compatibility with other fuels
Assessment of lube oil condition including additives
Recommendations on condition maintenance and renewal of lube oils
Machinery condition monitoring reports and performance trend analysis
Fuel damage investigations
Machinery damage surveys
Preventative strategies for minimization of fuel-related problems
Impartial independent measurement of bunker quantities

Each client will be placed in direct contact with an ABS Consulting project coordinator who will be
responsible for arranging the speedy dispatch of the fuel samples and efficient delivery of results. User-
friendly forms have been created for the ships crew to simplify the collection and dispatch of the samples.
Results are normally available electronically within 24 hours of receipt of the samples at the laboratory. A
rapid alert service is initiated when the quality of the fuel does not meet the desired specifications.

48 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Support Services
ABS Consulting takes a holistic approach to the development of products and services designed
to assist shipowners and operators to manage their fleets more efficiently. These services include
detailed HAZID and HAZOP studies and the development of effective reliability-centered maintenance
strategies. From design conception to the ships final voyage to the scrapyard, the global team of ABS
Consulting professionals is available to provide or develop practical, effective support services that
promote operational safety and efficiency.

Risk Management & Reliability Services

ABS Consultings risk and reliability experience covers a broad spectrum of services for the container-
ship operator including hazard identification, explosion and fire evaluations, natural disaster
assessment, consequence modeling, incident investigation, auditing, safety and environmental
management program development, reliability and business interruption analysis, risk assessment, risk
mitigation and risk management. ABS Consulting can assist clients to reduce risks to a level that is as
low as reasonably practicable. Services particularly tailored to the marine sector include the following:

Formal Safety Assessment of Marine Applications

ABS Consulting personnel can prepare a report for the marine safety or reliability-related aspects
of a shipowners operations in accordance with the IMO Guidelines for Formal Safety Assessment
(FSA). The five-step FSA procedure incorporates customary techniques as well as novel safety
and reliability methodologies in order to identify, measure and mitigate possible risks and their
respective consequences.

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 49

 Risk Assessment Manuals for Engineering Systems, Structures and Processes
ABS Consulting can prepare risk assessment manuals on request to address the current and future
preventive risk reduction controls for onboard engineering systems including structures and
processes as required by the operator. These manuals can identify major hazards and risks related
to the installation, operation or maintenance of the items examined. In addition, an assessment
of the financial impact of the application of the controls is proposed with a course of action to
minimize risks.

Reliability-Centered Maintenance Strategies

ABS Consulting can provide guidance for the identification of effective maintenance strategies for
either a specific piece of machinery, an engineering system or a complete engine room. The use of
analytical reliability methodologies can reveal measures that may minimize failures, possibly reducing
downtime due to engineering delays.

Reliability-Centered Maintenance Plan for Marine Applications

ABS Consulting can prepare a reliability-centered maintenance plan for identification of optimal
maintenance intervals with proactive engineering to help reduce overall expenses used for
maintenance purposes. An RCM plan addresses maintenance as a benefit for additional savings and
not as an extra cost.

HAZID and HAZOP Studies

With many years experience in conducting HAZID and HAZOP studies, ABS Consulting can facilitate
an assessment of safety and reliability elements relating to the design or operation of container
carriers. Systems, structures, processes or piping networks can be described and hazards can be
identified.

50 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Environmental Services
ABS Consulting staff members have in-depth knowledge of the implications for owners and operators
of international and local environmental requirements, such as NOx and SOx levels and cold ironing,
through to the more far-reaching aspects of regulatory agencies in dealing with maritime pollution
incidents. Failure to comply with the provisions of MARPOL and national legislation such as the US Clean
Water Act can result in massive fines and possible criminal penalties. Increased vigilance by the US Coast
Guard in addition to the European Union and many port State authorities has led to several high profile
prosecutions of shipping companies.

ABS Consulting offers a wide range of environmental management, auditing and training programs to
assist an owner or operator to implement an effective environmental management plan. These services
encourage a shipowner to fully assess the companys environmental risk profile and may include:
Effective energy management
Environmental program management
Environmental compliance audits
Economic, technical and risk analysis

CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS 51

Quality Assurance & Security Compliance
ABS Consulting offers support to operators seeking compliance to internationally-recognized safety,
quality, health, environmental and security management systems. Services include both consultation on
establishing a program and the required periodic audits and reviews of the quality or security system,
process instructions and procedures to verify compliance. These services include development and
preparation of manuals meeting ISM, ISO 9001, QS 9000, ISO 14001 and the ISPS Code requirements.

ABS Consulting will review existing management systems for a containerships owner or operator and can
prepare new manuals according to a clients request. The manuals and plans are prepared according to the
ISM Guidelines and other applicable industry standards, using ship-specific information.

ISPS shipboard internal security audits conducted by ABS Consulting are designed to reflect the level of
implementation of the relevant code in conjunction with flag State requirements as these are incorporated
in the Ships Security Plan (SSP).

An internal audit of the vessels in the clients fleet can help identify any weak areas for improvement as
well as prepare the crew for forthcoming external audits. One of the main goals is to identify best practices
on board vessels and promote these fleetwide.

52 CLASSIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & RELATED SERVICES FOR CONTAINERSHIPS

Classification &
Certification Services
For more information on the classification and statutory
certification services provided by ABS, please contact the
ABS office nearest you. A full listing of ABS offices with
contact information can be found on the ABS website at
www.eagle.org

For further information on the products and services

provided by ABS Nautical Services please contact the
ABS Nautical Systems office nearest you. A full listing
of the ABS NS offices can be found on the website at
www.abs-ns.com

Related Services
General inquiries regarding products and services provided
by ABS Consulting can be sent to info@absconsulting.com
or please refer to the website to contact representatives
at www.absconsulting.com
 ABS WORLD HEADQUARTERS
ABS Plaza 16855 Northchase Drive Houston, TX 77060 USA
Tel: 1-281-877-5800 Fax: 1-281-877-5803
Email: ABS-WorldHQ@eagle.org

ABS AMERICAS DIVISION

ABS Plaza 16855 Northchase Drive Houston, TX 77060 USA
Tel: 1-281-877-6000 Fax: 1-281-877-6001
Email: ABS-Amer@eagle.org

ABS EUROPE DIVISION

ABS House No. 1 Frying Pan Alley London E1 7HR, UK
Tel: 44-20-7247-3255 Fax: 44-20-7377-2453
Email: ABS-Eur@eagle.org

ABS GREATER CHINA DIVISION

5th Floor, Silver Tower No. 85 Taoyuan Road
Luwan District Shanghai, 200021 P. R. China
Tel: 86-21-2327-0888 Fax: 86-21-6360-5391
Email: ABSGreaterChina@eagle.org

ABS PACIFIC DIVISION

438 Alexandra Road #10-00 Alexandra Point
Singapore 119958 Republic of Singapore
Tel: 65-6276-8700 Fax: 65-6276-8711
Email: ABS-Pac@eagle.org

ABS NAUTICAL SYSTEMS

ABS Plaza 16855 Northchase Drive Houston, TX 77060 USA
Tel: 1-281-877-5700 Fax: 1-281-877-5701
Email: ns-info@abs-ns.com Website: www.abs-ns.com

www.eagle.org

TX 1/11 5000 11004