ABS drops Russian business as classification society flight continues

ABS is breaking ties with Russian ships, making it the second classification society to do so.

The Houston-based firm announced on Monday that it was withdrawing all class services involving Russian vessels, assets and companies.

ABS cited Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine last month and the threat of sanctions stemming from the war.

“The decision follows the tragic events developing in Ukraine and a thorough evaluation of the evolving regulatory and sanctions environment and its applicability to ABS operations,” the classification society said in a statement.

“As a US company, ABS strictly follows both the letter and the spirit of US sanctions law. ABS is in the process of communicating with all affected clients and stakeholders to ensure a safe and orderly transition out of ABS class.”

The move by ABS comes after Lloyd’s Register announced on 10 March that the UK class society would cut ties with Russian ships.

The London-based company’s reasoning was similar to that of rival ABS.

Without a class society, ships will be in breach of international conventions and flag state requirements and means being dropped from insurance policies and having special surveys invalidated.

Some expected ships dropped from Lloyd’s Register to sign on to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, but that group was dropped by the International Association of Classification Societies on Friday.

The register said it would appeal the decision, arguing that the removal, voted on by secret ballot, violated the organisation’s charter and procedures.

The Russian class society said it has a long history of quality and commitment to safety.

ABS has been approached with an inquiry on how many ships are impacted by this move.