Eiffel 101: Overview of ABS Classification

Tips & Advice

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has been a leader in U.S. maritime safety for almost two centuries (150 years). ABS is a non-governmental agency that classes barges and other vessels based on criteria they refer to as “rules.” Their official Rules and Guides are based on a significant history of experience classifying vessels as well as the most current and advanced technological assessment tools. In order to be ABS classed, a barge must meet the organization’s standards in terms of stability, strength, safety, performance, energy efficiency, pollution standards, and quality of on-board machinery.

There are numerous benefits to ABS classification. For one, ABS is one of the most trusted classifying bodies in the maritime industry. Additionally, ABS is recognized by over 100 governments for providing statutory services. And it has a global presence, with over 200 offices in 70 countries. A barge with ABS’s seal of approval meets stringent requirements, and, ultimately, ABS classed barges have more value than barges without this classification.

Relying on their extensive published Rules, which can be found here for building and classing steel barges, here’s an essential breakdown of how ABS classification plays out:

  • An ABS surveyor visits in-person at sea trials, at the construction shipyard, or at the manufacturing facility to inspect the barge to ensure it meets ABS’s guidelines.

  • Barges must meet ABS requirements in the following areas in addition to many other areas: hull structures and arrangements, equipment, machinery, piping, electrical systems, and safety features for barges with personnel. Specific types of barges have specific requirements.

  • If the surveyor decides the barge meets ABS’s Rules requirements, a certificate of compliance and classification is issued for the barge.

  • When the barge is in service, its owner is required to participate in regular onboard class surveys that ensure it maintains its adherence to ABS’s Rules.

ABS classes the following barge types:

  • Deck cargo barges

  • Single skin tank barges

  • Double skin tank barges

  • Tank barges (otherwise not specified)

  • Oil tank and fuel oil tank barges

  • Liquefied gas tank barges

  • Crane barges

  • Accommodation barges

  • Integrated tug-barge combinations

  • Oil spill recovery barges

  • Pipe laying barges

  • Wind turbine project barges

As previously mentioned, within these categories of barges, ABS has specific rules and regulations and methods of assessment. Deck cargo barges, for instance, are assessed based on factors like the quality of their deck beams, deck girders, side and bottom frames, chords and transverses, truss arrangement, end connections, thickness of brackets and knees, and higher strength materials. In addition to being assessed according to the same factors as deck cargo barges, barges that carry dry cargo in holds below deck are evaluated based on factors like the quality of their bottom longitudinal frames, inner-bottom longitudinals, inner-bottom plating, drainage and drainwells, pipe tunnels, side girders, solid floors, and open floors.

Other types of barges are evaluated according to their own specifics as outlined by ABS in their official rules. Oil tank and fuel oil tank barges, for instance, are assessed in the following areas: application, scantlings, aluminum paint, deck cargo, spill coaming, pollution prevention, cargo tank length, cargo tank volume, hypothetical outflow of oil or fuel oil, tank capacity, protective location of segregated ballast tanks, cargo transfer rate, vapor collection piping, gauging system, electrical installations, tank overfill protection, and other areas.

ABS regularly updates their rules (every few years), and their requirements stay up-to-date based on industry standards. Overall, ABS classification is a major plus if you’re looking to invest in a barge. If it’s ABS classed, you can be sure it meets stringent requirements in terms of safety and quality.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s marketplace inventory includes both ABS class and non-ABS class barges, in addition to many other marine equipment options. Furthermore, our material inventory ranges from used barrier wall, to used crane mats, and everything in between.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.