ABS, the leading provider of classification services to the global marine and offshore industries, has been selected by Offshore Japan Corporation (OJC) to class its newly-ordered Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel, the first Japan-flag ship built to ABS class.  The vessel, featuring bollard pull of 150 tons and Dynamic Positioning-2 certification, will be built by Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) for delivery in February 2016. Construction will comply with 2013 ABS Rules for Building and Classing Offshore Support Vessels and also take account of requirements applicable to all vessels flying the Japanese flag. 

Having worked closely with the country's leading shipyards for many years, ABS was authorized as a Recognized Organization of the Japanese Government in December 2012, expanding the role ABS has in serving the Japanese maritime industry. 

Akira Akiyama, Vice President, Japan Country Admin, said: 

"We are honored to have been awarded this prestigious contract by Offshore Japan Corporation to class its AHTS, which marks the first Japan-flag vessel entered into ABS class. This agreement reflects the commitment of the ABS Japan team in meeting the high standards required by both the owner and shipyard in this strategically important shipping and shipbuilding nation." 

Offshore Japan Corporation was formed in October 2013 as a 50-50 joint venture between Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K Line Kinkai) and Offshore Operation Co., Ltd. The newbuilding will be deployed by Offshore Japan Corporation in support of resource exploration and development and maintenance of renewable energy facilities as Japan boosts offshore development to reflect changes in national energy policy.  

JMU has built and delivered numerous types of offshore support vessels since the delivery of its first AHTS vessel in 2006. The shipyard is the only facility in Japan that builds both AHTS and Platform Supply Vessels. An increasingly busy workload saw 23 Japan-built newbuildings delivered to ABS class in 2013. The class society holds the number two position in the orderbook among Japan's shipyards, with 70 new orders booked by year-end 2013