What is ABS Type Approval?

In the marine and offshore industries, ensuring the safety and reliability of equipment is crucial. One way manufacturers and operators achieve this is through ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) type approval. This certification process verifies that products meet stringent safety and performance standards, making them suitable for use in challenging marine environments.

In this blog, we’ll be discussing what ABS type approval is and how to obtain it, the steps taken to achieve this certification, and the benefits that come with having ABS approval. We’ll also highlight the ABS-approved product we’re proud to offer.

What is ABS Type approval and how do you get it:

ABS type approval is a certification process that verifies equipment, components, and materials meet the stringent safety, quality, and performance standards set by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). This approval ensures that items are suitable for use in marine and offshore applications, where reliability and safety are paramount due to the demanding operating conditions.

There are two types of ABS approvals:

• Product Design Assessment (PDA): This is awarded after a product’s design is reviewed and tested to ensure it complies with ABS standards.
• Manufacturing Assessment (MA): This involves verifying that the manufacturer has the necessary controls and processes in place to consistently produce products that meet the approved design.

The steps taken to achieve this approval:

1. Application and Submission: The manufacturer begins the process by submitting an application to ABS, including detailed technical documentation about the product. This documentation typically consists of design specifications, drawings, materials used, and the product’s intended use on vessels or offshore structures.
2. Design Review: ABS engineers review the submitted technical data to ensure the product’s design adheres to ABS rules and relevant international standards.
3. Testing and Evaluation: The product undergoes rigorous testing, which may include assessments of functionality, performance, and durability. These tests are conducted in an ABS-accredited laboratory or a third-party facility, evaluating how well the equipment performs under various environmental stresses.
4. Manufacturing Assessment: ABS also inspects the manufacturing process. Representatives visit the manufacturing site to assess production methods and verify that quality control procedures are in place, ensuring consistent product quality across different batches.
5. Certification and Approval: After the product successfully passes the design review, testing, and manufacturing assessment, ABS issues a type approval certificate. This certification is valid for a specific period (typically five years), during which the manufacturer must continue to comply with ABS standards.

The positives of having this approval and what product we have it on:

Credibility and Trust: For us, having ABS type approval means we have a globally recognised certification, increasing trust with customers.

Global Acceptance: ABS is an internationally respected classification society, and type-approved equipment is more readily accepted worldwide.

Risk Mitigation: Vessels that use ABS-approved equipment have a reduced risk of equipment failures, leading to fewer accidents, less downtime, and lower maintenance costs.

We are proud to announce that our 20” Swivel Design has officially received ABS design approval! This certification underscores our commitment to safety, quality, and performance in even the most demanding marine environments. If you’re in the maritime or offshore industry and in need of an ABS-approved Swivel Joint, look no further than EWFM. Our products are engineered to meet the highest standards, providing reliability and peace of mind in every application.