Cooper Group selects ABS to provide compliance solution for inland waterway regulatory requirements
ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industries, has been awarded a Third Party Organization (TPO) contract by the Cooper Group of Companies to support compliance with United States Coast Guard (USCG) Subchapter M requirements.
“ABS anticipated the needs that would surface when the Subchapter M regulations were published and allocated resources to develop a range of solutions,” says ABS Americas Division President Jamie Smith. “Today, we offer comprehensive services customized to individual fleet needs, supporting compliance with all regulatory requirements.”
The newly signed contract establishes ABS as the exclusive Subchapter M TPO for Cooper Group and its subsidiaries, Crescent Towing, Cooper Marine & Timberlands and Plimsoll Towing. ABS will be responsible for performing TPO surveys and Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) audits across Cooper Group’s 60 vessel fleet.
“We have consistently partnered with ABS on our premier fleet of harbor tugboats and are excited to expand their role, now as our TPO and compliance partner,” says Crescent Towing Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Keith Kettenring. “Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how ABS is setting the standard of excellence in the industry. Recently ABS joined us for a full day of internal company training where they provided updates on regulatory timelines and interpretations, compliance options and other valuable information.”
As an USCG Recognized Organization (RO) and an approved TPO, ABS provides fully integrated solutions to help owners and operators achieve and maintain Subchapter M compliance. The unique needs of any organization can be realized through a combination of services including Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) development, implementation and auditing, comprehensive plan review on behalf of the USCG, ABS class in conjunction with the International Safety Management Code (ISM), and ABS Nautical Systems’ for fleet management software. ABS can administer audits for the Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) – a USCG approved TSMS option on behalf of American Waterways Operators (AWO). With more than 30 locations in the US supported by a seasoned team of surveyors, auditors and engineers, ABS has the geographic coverage and experience to help industry meet Subchapter M requirements.
About ABS
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.
About the Cooper Group of Companies
Established in 1905, Cooper /T. Smith has operations on all three U.S. coasts and foreign operations in Brazil and Mexico. The company maintains ownership in numerous satellite companies, forming the Cooper Group, including warehousing, terminal operations, tugboats, push boats, barging, barge fleeting, floating terminals, logistics, marine & timberlands, vessel repair and restaurants.
