ABS and Siemens DISW join forces to advance digital transformation in shipbuilding

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Siemens Digital Industries Software (DISW) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate digitalization across ship design and construction, marking a significant step toward modernizing maritime classification processes.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate to integrate advanced digital technologies—such as product lifecycle management (PLM), digital twins, and simulation tools—into classification workflows to improve efficiency, data integrity, and regulatory compliance throughout a vessel’s lifecycle.

The partnership will focus on several key initiatives, including the application of class rules within 3D design environments, model-based verification, seamless digital twin integration, and secure data exchange between shipyards, designers, and classification bodies. Joint research projects and technical workshops are also planned to further drive innovation.

The collaboration will combine the strengths of ABS’s Freedom PLM platform and Siemens DISW’s Xcelerator platform, aligning both systems with maritime regulations to enable smarter, more connected shipbuilding operations.

In a related development, Siemens, the parent company of Siemens DISW, recently signed an MoU with South Korea’s HD Hyundai to advance the digitalization and modernization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry. The collaboration aims to combine digital and automation technologies to develop smart shipyards and enhance America’s vessel construction capabilities.