At the forefront of maritime innovation in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Samir Souiai, regional director of operations at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), talks to The Energy Year about the company’s new technology office in Saudi Arabia and the country’s potential to become a shipping and logistics hub. ABS is a US-based classification society supporting the marine and offshore industries.

Can you tell us about your presence in Saudi Arabia and its importance for ABS?
ABS has maintained a presence in Saudi Arabia for more than 50 years and we continue to grow our team and expand our capacity in the region. At ABS, we are constantly exploring ways to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital twins to improve safety, operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
With our strategic investments in Saudi Arabia, we are not only aligning with Vision 2030 goals but also ensuring that ABS remains at the forefront of maritime innovation in this rapidly evolving region.
Our presence in Saudi Arabia allows us to work closely with local stakeholders, including shipowners, shipyards and academic institutions, to deliver great customer service and offer safer, smarter and more sustainable solutions for our clients in the region.

What are some of the AI-based applications that you have under development?
We are working on condition-based monitoring and moving away from traditional calendar-based surveys to more condition-based surveys. This involves using sensors to monitor temperature, vibration and other indicators to detect potential issues before they lead to failure, reducing the need for intrusive maintenance. We are running pilot projects with government vessels.
In addition, we are working on developing autonomous vessels with partners such as Zamil Offshore and the Transport General Authority. We started with remotely operated vessels and are building up to fully autonomous vessels, reviewing designs and offering approval in principle for some novel concepts. It is an evolving field. We are in trial phases in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and widespread adoption is still a few years away.

What is your approach for inducing companies to take up new technologies?
Our strategy to encourage companies to adopt new technologies is to understand their unique challenges and demonstrate how our solutions can directly address those needs. We prioritise collaboration and tailor our offerings to provide measurable value in terms of efficiency, sustainability, safety and cost-effectiveness.
For example, we partnered with Aramco to advance their sustainability goals by applying ABS SUSTAIN notation to some of their vessels, and SMART notation to optimise the performance of their vessels. Additionally, ABS delivered the first vessel in the Middle East with a cybersecurity notation, setting a new benchmark for operational cybersecurity in the region. Our success lies in translating technology into tangible benefits –whether through improving operational efficiency, ensuring compliance, enhancing safety or reducing environmental impact.

Are Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become an international logistics hub impacting your business?
Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned in the Middle East to emerge as a leading logistics and maritime hub. We are witnessing significant developments, particularly at the ports of Jizan and Yanbu on the west coast, as well as in the ambitious NEOM project in the north.
As these developments unfold, we are also seeing increased demand for ABS’s advisory services in areas such as sustainability and digitalisation, which are key pillars of the Vision 2030 roadmap. These services not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure that Saudi Arabia’s maritime assets are aligned with global standards, further reinforcing the country’s position as a competitive logistics hub.
Overall, Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s logistics ambitions are accelerating ABS’s growth in the region, enabling us to expand our services, deepen partnerships and play an instrumental role in Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global logistics powerhouse.

How do you see your market share evolving in Saudi Arabia?
We are confident about expanding the scope of our activities in Saudi Arabia. I remain optimistic about the opportunities ahead. Beyond the oil and gas sector, we see growing potential in industries such as tourism and transportation.
Our growing influence in the region is evident as we continue to provide advisory services to establish safety standards and regulations. This reflects the broader opportunities we foresee as Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy in line with Vision 2030.
The country’s strategic initiatives and investments in various sectors are paving the way for a more diversified and resilient economy, offering us numerous avenues for growth and collaboration.

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