(BUSAN) ABS and Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the international standardization of smart ship and shipyard technologies related to shipbuilding and ship maintenance, repair and overhaul.
A series of joint workshops and seminars
Through a series of joint workshops and seminars, the organizations will exchange information to strengthen international standardization capabilities and streamline certification procedures for Korean equipment manufacturers. The MOU also allows ABS and KATS to develop a conformity assessment framework to verify equipment compliance with various international regulations.
Address technical, operational and regulatory topics.

“It’s important to have an open dialogue with valued colleagues to address technical, operational and regulatory topics. We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with KATS and are looking forward to finding efficiencies related to smart technologies and equipment compliance,” said John McDonald, ABS President and COO.
ABS is a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services for the marine and offshore industries. Learn more here.
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS)
In step with the new global economic and social environment, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) is focusing on boosting national economic growth and being a platform toward knowledge-based society through development of strategic policies for evolving relationship between standards and technology, along with the relationship between standards and industry. KATS also seeks to create more convenient and safe environments via standardization.
Furthermore, KATS strives to adopt a new paradigm for standardization. Of particular note, KATS develops and implements a new bottom-up approach aimed at strengthening support for stakeholders from private sector to participate more actively in standards development process.
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John McDonald,, ABS ,(KATS) MoU , joint workshops , seminars
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