ABS, a leading provider of global maritime classification services, has taken another step forward to meet industry needs with the formation of the ABS Global Gas Solutions Team to leverage the organization’s LNG and LPG capabilities. This group of experienced gas professionals will work alongside owners, shipyards and equipment manufacturers to provide an extensive range of services to this growing market, the classification society said in a media release.
Patrick Janssens will lead this organization as Vice President for Global Gas Solutions. Janssens is currently the ABS Vice President for LNG with responsibility for projects in Europe and Asia. He previously was Senior Vice President of Technology at FLEX LNG where he focused on the development of floating LNG liquefaction projects. Janssens was also Chief Technical Officer at Exmar, where he was in charge of the development of the world's first LNG regasification vessels and many newbuilding projects with major shipyards worldwide.
Roy Bleiberg, currently Director of Engineering for ABS Americas, will assume the new role of Director of US Gas Development. He brings more than 24 years of global marine and offshore systems experience to the position as well as an in-depth knowledge of US Federal and state regulatory requirements. Bleiberg spearheads ABS class activities on several cutting edge US LNG projects, including the Harvey Gulf dual fuel offshore support vessels, TOTE’s dual fuel new construction and conversion projects, and various floating LNG export terminal projects in development.
In the area of client operations, Kurt Larsen will assume the new role of Director of US Gas Operations and Performance. Larsen currently serves as Assistant Chief Surveyor within the Corporate Classification Department where he oversees all global survey issues for new construction and in-service LNG vessels. He has more than 24 years of experience with an extensive working knowledge of in-service LNG vessels. Larsen also has led several IACS projects on LNG operational standards.
Joining Bleiberg and Larsen will be a US-based team of ABS gas specialists with extensive knowledge of LNG floating structures and systems, gas fuel systems and equipment, and regulatory and statutory requirements. Utilizing its global experience, the team also will assist clients with specification reviews, risk and hazard assessments, bunkering suitability reviews, new construction project management and training.
About ABS
Founded in 1862, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.