The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) unveiled the ABS SeaTech Innovation Exchange, comprising two advanced technology centers — one in Greece, specifically in Athens, and one in Houston, Texas.The initiative focuses on accelerating maritime innovation, applied research and collaboration with leading academic institutions on both sides of the Atlantic. The Exchange combines Houston’s research leadership with Athens’ operational excellence in shipping, creating a collaborative environment aimed at advancing technological progress across commercial fleets worldwide.With a focus on cutting-edge maritime research and the development of emerging technologies, the Exchange creates a continuous innovation pipeline from concept to implementation, tailored to meet the operational needs of the shipping industry.The Exchange is focused on rapidly transferring technology from development into day-to-day operations, in direct collaboration with the Greek shipping community, while also building new partnerships with U.S. maritime institutions, technology startups and government-funded research, said John McDonald, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABS.With our deep roots in Greece and our leading American maritime technology heritage, ABS is uniquely positioned to bring these communities together and drive the development of the solutions we will need, he noted.Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, stated: This is not a standalone facility, a one-time program or a traditional research project. It is a living exchange of ideas, designed to connect research with real-world application, innovation with operations, and technology with the next generation of maritime professionals.The Exchange reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, applied innovation and the responsible development of new technologies, supporting safer, more resilient and more competitive maritime operations globally.The two centersThe Houston center serves as a hub for research and technology development, advancing capabilities in artificial intelligence, robotics, digital engineering, simulation and new approaches to certification.It also works closely with technology startups, leading research universities, international government researchers and U.S. maritime academies.The Athens center focuses on operational deployment, translating innovation into applied training and development inspired by fleet requirements.Through advanced simulation, AI-powered learning environments and next-generation operational concepts, the Exchange brings new technologies directly into the environments where crews and operators prepare.