The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?

Give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at ABL.  What keeps you on your toes?

“As an Inspection Engineer within the ABL Rig Inspection Team, I am utilised as a Team Lead for a variety of Rig Inspection services. This can cover everything from older generation Land Rigs & mobile units all the way through to 7^th Generation Drillships & Semi-Submersibles and everything in-between.

Work-scopes can cover basic assurance inspections to full Rig Acceptance inspections lasting several weeks. No two jobs are the same and I love the diversity of tasking.”

What drew you to our industry and what keeps you passionate about it?

After spending 25+ years in the Royal Navy Submarine Service, latterly as an Electrical Supervisor and Nuclear Plant Supervisor, the synergies with the Oil and Gas Industry attracted me, and pulled me in. Ultimately it boils down to Engineering & Safety in high risk industries & environments. Although it was initially a steep learning curve to transition to Oil & Gas; the teamwork, camaraderie and strong work ethic appealed to me then and still does now.

I love the travelling aspects of the job, and since joining ABL I have worked on projects as far afield as Indonesia, Malaysia, Namibia & Greenland as well as all over Europe. Meeting & working with people from different countries and cultures excites me; my mantra is always to treat everyone with the same respect and humility, no matter who they are.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

“I’ve literally just returned from a period in Pennsylvania, inspecting a Land Rig in the Marcellus Shale gas play for an important client. The Inspection consisted of a Documentation Review, full Visual Inspections and an Endurance Test of rig systems prior to the client accepting the rig.

An interesting job, with the opportunity to meet and work with some great people.”

We have several upcoming projects in the pipeline, including a Rig Selection survey for a client looking for a Semi-Submersible. This will likely consist of visiting 3 or 4 rigs for a few days each to carry out high level inspections & reviews, before presenting the client with reports and a SWOT analysis, enabling them to make an informed choice of the rig they will take on contract.

From your experience in rig inspections, what are some of the biggest challenges or changes you’re seeing in the industry, and how are you and your team adapting to maintain high standards of safety and reliability

The challenges in the Rig Inspection arena, and in the wider Oil & Gas industry are huge as the industry faces evolving demands in the coming years. Ageing rigs, meeting the required regulatory compliance for the area of operation, cutbacks in maintenance, job insecurity for the workforce are all factors. In my opinion, this is why Rig Inspections are vital for mitigating the risks of Safety, Non-Productive Time, and compliance with the many regulations.

Beyond the work, what’s your favourite part about being part of the ABL Group team in Newcastle? Any fun team moments you’d like to share?

Having carried out hundreds, if not thousands of Rig Inspections between the Team members; it’s great to have this depth of experience available to any of our Engineers. There’s also the immense knowledge & experience of the wider ABL Group. Our team is strewn over the length of the country, from Newcastle to the North of Scotland.

However, we make full use of technology to keep in touch and remain a close-knit team. Some of the team managed to get together in Aberdeen for a celebratory Christmas meal in December, however, as is always the case a few of the team were away on a job at the time.

If you could change one thing about our industry, what would it be and why?

I would change the perception of the Industry. The Oil & Gas industry and people who work in the industry often get an unfair ‘bad press’ from some quarters of Society. I can never see a time when we will not need the Oil & Gas industry and Hydrocarbons. The industry is full of exceptionally talented people who work incredibly hard for their Companies and their families. This should be celebrated, and not vilified.

More about Billy

Position: Inspection Engineer

Office: Newcastle

Hobbies: Food (both cooking & consumption), part-time Restaurant Critic, Swimming, spending time with my 10 year-old granddaughter. 

Favourite Movie: Some Kind of Wonderful – back in 1990, watched it about 20 times in 3 months whilst on Patrol

ABL has extensive rig inspection expertise including, rig selection, reactivation assurance, new-build delivery and preservation inspection. The company’s dedicated rig inspection team consists of multi-disciplined engineers with decades of practical rig inspection experience that helps to provide regulatory compliance and equipment operability assurance to rig owners and operators.

Discover ABL’s Rigs Rundown to read expert news and insights from our global rigs inspection team:

The post Meet Billy McBain, Rig Inspection Engineer, ABL Newcastle appeared first on ABL.

The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?

Give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at ABL . What keeps you on your toes?

“I’m a qualified sailor with years of experience under my belt, and I’m looking to put my skills to good use. I’m pleased to offer my expertise to ABL’s customers and contribute to the industry as a whole.

I’m on the case of investigating maritime accidents from the Great Lakes region to the St. Lawrence estuary and offering my technical assistance to local shipowners.

It’s useful and sometimes essential to be a native French speaker, especially in the province of Quebec, where French is the only official language.”

What drew you to the maritime world and what keeps you passionate about it?

First, travelling and discovering new countries and cultures, then the human relationships. I am passionate about the human dimension in the maritime industry, being a member of a ship’s crew means something for me, and I am always happy to meet my fellow sailors on board the ships on which I work. We are rebuilding this team spirit on board ABL to serve the industry.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

My current projects include conducting audits for shipyards, which require highly specialised expertise.

I am also working on keeping strong relationships with clients of regional insurers and maritime law attorneys, which I would not have had the opportunity to establish while serving on board ships.

Looking ahead, what trends or opportunities do you see shaping the marine technology industries in Canada?

Canada will probably be the most exciting place in North America for renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions in the coming years.

Beyond the work, what’s your favourite part about being part of the ABL Group team in Montréal? Any fun team moments you’d like to share?

Our team is small but perfectly formed, based in Montreal but working closely with colleagues in Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver and New York.

During a recent team training session in Panama, I met colleagues from Mexico, Brazil, Panama and the USA. Despite our different origins, we find ourselves united by a common maritime language and a strong maritime culture.

If you could change one thing about the maritime industry, what would it be and why?

I would change the way we think about and treat the people who help make the global maritime industry work: the sailors on board the ships, who are often not seen but still play a vital role in society.

Tell us why people should join our ABL Group stand at Maritech 2025?

The event will bring together a variety of professionals from different backgrounds, all working towards the shared goal of enhancing maritime safety at all levels. We would be delighted to welcome you to our event – Plus, we’ll have delicious cookies

More about Julien Vial

Position: Senior Marine Surveyor

Office: Montreal

Hobbies: Squash / Golf / Family activities

Favourite book: Nikos KAVADIAS ‘ Le Quart’ (‘On Watch’)

Don’t miss Julien and the rest of our Canada and Americas team at this year’s Mari-Tech from the 22nd to 24th of April in Montreal. Our experts from both marine and engineering arms – ABL and Longitude – will be available at the stand to discuss how we can support you in navigating the maritime environment, mitigating risks, and delivering your projects safely and sustainably

The post Meet Julien Vial, Senior Marine Surveyor, ABL Canada appeared first on ABL.

The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?

Give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at Hidromod. What keeps you on your toes?

“I do a bit of everything! First and foremost, I try to ensure that the team has work and that it meets the clients’ needs.

I assess production costs to ensure profitability, develop business opportunities that lead to proposals, prepare proposals to secure new projects, and contribute to the work wherever I’m needed.”

What drew you to our industry and what keeps you passionate about it?

Having completed a PhD in numerical modelling of coastal hydrodynamics, it’s been fascinating to see digitalisation enhance safety and efficiency in maritime industries. AI is the next challenge, set to accelerate this transformation even further!

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

I am currently developing the integration of Metocean nowcast and forecast into decision support for port and maritime operations.

What emerging trends or opportunities do you foresee shaping the ports and harbours sector in Portugal, and how is Hidromod contributing to this evolving landscape?

Portugal’s ports and harbours are embracing digitalisation to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. AquaSafe, Hidromod’s digital twin platform, plays a key role by integrating real-time data, forecasting models, and on-demand tools for further insights.

This helps optimise navigation, manage risks, and improve resilience, supporting smarter and more sustainable port operations.

Beyond the work, what’s your favourite part about being part of the ABL Group team? Any fun team moments you’d like to share?

New challenges come by almost every day. Trying to figure out the intricacies of a large organisation like ABL has its fun side. It’s all new for someone who spent 32 years in a small company.

If you could change one thing about our industry, what would it be and why?

I would enhance the integration of data-driven decision-making in maritime consultancy and expert assessments. While the industry has vast amounts of data, its full potential is often underutilised. A stronger focus on digital tools, real-time modelling, and AI-driven analysis would improve accuracy and efficiency in maritime assessments, ultimately leading to better-informed decisions and more sustainable solutions.

More about José

Position: Founder and Managing Director at Hidromod

Office: Porto Salvo, Oeiras, Portugal

Hobbies: “I enjoy the challenge of managing a large family with my wife, from organising holidays to maintaining our home and garden. With eight grown children and a growing number of grandchildren, coordination is key as reflected in our family motto: Take care of the logistics, and the logistics will take care of you. I also love reading and spending time at sea or by the seaside.”

Favourite book: “My favourite book is usually the one I read most recently. At the moment, it’s the autobiography of Takashi Nagai—a doctor and survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing—who had also served in previous Japanese wars with China. In his final years, he dedicated himself to peace and reconciliation, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience needed in the face of war’s devastation.”

Next week, José and our ABL Ports & Harbours team will be at the UKHMA Conference in Edinburgh, showcasing our integrated approach to engineering, risk management, and digital solutions for safer, more efficient, and sustainable port operations with a spotlight on Hidromod’s AquaSafe platform helping ports optimise traffic, enhance resilience to extreme weather, and improve operational efficiency.

Book a meeting with the team at the event:

The post Meet José Chambel Leitão, Founder and Managing Director of Hidromod, ABL Portugal appeared first on ABL.

The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?

Give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at ABL. What keeps you on your toes?

“My day typically involves marine survey activities, either offshore or desk-based. Offshore cases can be particularly challenging, requiring vessel visits, data collection, analysis, or on-site damage assessments. In contrast, my office work involves preparing reports, handling correspondence, and managing project-related tasks.

I also collaborate fully with our talented teams to ensure that we stay on track and meet our objectives. The dynamic nature of the maritime world, along with the interesting cases that require in-depth analysis, keeps me on my toes every day.”

What drew you to the maritime world and what keeps you passionate about it?

I’ve always been captivated by the marine engineering sector and the ocean—its vastness and its crucial role in global trade. The maritime industry uniquely blends cutting-edge technology, logistics, and international operations. What drives my passion is the continuous innovation within the sector and the essential role it plays in connecting nations and facilitating global trade.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

Currently, I’m working on a case that involves developing a specific procedure for a vessel’s long-term lay-up. This project enables me to leverage my background experience while also acquiring new and interesting skills in procedure development.

Beyond the work, what’s your favourite part about being part of the ABL Group team in Dubai? Any fun team moments you’d like to share?

The best part of being part of ABL Group is the team spirit. We work hard but also know how to have fun. 

If you could change one thing about the maritime industry, what would it be and why?

If I could change one thing about the maritime industry, it would be to enhance the integration of digital technologies for more efficient and streamlined operations. While the industry has made progress in areas like automation and data analysis, there is still much room for improvement in terms of real-time monitoring and decision-making. Embracing these technologies would not only drive innovation but also make the industry more competitive and resilient in the long term.

More about Yuriy

Position: Senior Surveyor

Office: ABL Dubai

Hobbies: Basketball / Diving / Snowboarding / Cars

Favourite Movie: Shutter Island | Favourite Book: Papillon by Henri Charriere | Favourite Song: Queen by Bohemian Rhapsody

Contact our Dubai Office:

The post Meet Yuriy Tereshchenko, Senior Marine Surveyor, ABL Dubai appeared first on ABL.

The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?

Give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at ABL . What keeps you on your toes?

“As Regional Dynamic Positioning Lead at ABL, my role is always dynamic. One day, I’m conducting DP audits or FMEA studies; the next, I’m on an OVID inspection, offshore witnessing DP trials, meetings with Clients, etc..

Staying ahead of evolving technology and regulations keeps me on my toes, ensuring vessels operate safely and efficiently in complex offshore environments.

Ultimately, my goal is to enhance operational reliability and safety for our clients, whether it’s an oil and gas project or a renewables operation. Every day presents a new challenge, and that’s what makes this job so rewarding.”

What drew you to the maritime world and what keeps you passionate about it?

“I was born in Gijón, a beautiful city in the North of Spain with a deep maritime heritage, the sea has always been part of my life. This connection naturally led me to the maritime world, where technology and offshore operations constantly evolve.

What keeps me passionate is the challenge of ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations, knowing that our work directly impacts the industry and those who depend on it.”

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

Right now, I’m focused on growing our DP assurance services in the region by emphasizing quality, knowledge, experience, and honesty. The biggest challenge—and the most exciting part—is demonstrating to vessel owners and oil majors that thorough and transparent onboard testing is the key to ensuring safety in DP operations. It’s a rewarding effort, as building trust through expertise and integrity is what truly makes a difference in the industry.

Looking ahead, how do you see advancements in Dynamic Positioning contributing to a more sustainable future for the energy and maritime industries

“Advancements in DP technology are playing a key role in reducing fuel consumption and emissions, making offshore operations more energy-efficient. Improved automation, hybrid power integration, along with last generation DP control systems are helping vessels maintain position with greater precision, minimizing environmental impact.

As the industry shifts toward greener energy solutions, DP technology will be essential in supporting offshore wind, floating production, and other sustainable initiatives.”

Beyond the work, what’s your favourite part about being part of the ABL Group team in Dubai? Any fun team moments you’d like to share?

The best part of being in ABL Dubai is the team spirit—we’re a diverse group with a shared passion for the maritime industry. Whether it’s collaborating on challenging projects or enjoying team outings, there’s always a great energy. Each and every single day you can have fun, having a coffee with any of my lovely team, not only from Dubai, but also Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain – KSA teams, which I do collaborate a lot and use to catch up several times during the year. The funniest moment is always the UAE Christmas Party, it always become an unforgettable evening where all together have good fun, really.

If you could change one thing about the maritime industry, what would it be and why?

If I could change one thing about the maritime industry, it would be to restore the respect and recognition that seafarers deserve. They are the backbone of global trade and offshore operations, yet their invaluable contributions are often overlooked. Ensuring better working conditions, fair treatment, and appreciation for their expertise would not only benefit them but also strengthen the entire industry.

More about Juan

Position: GCC Dynamic Positioning Lead / Marine Principal Engineer

Office: Dubai, UAE

Hobbies: Football, water sports, reading a good book.

Favourite Movie: El Secreto de sus ojos || Favourite Book: “Don Quijote” by Miguel de Cervantes

Favourite Song: “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin

At ABL, Our Dynamic Positioning (DP) services encompass all aspects of the DP system, from initial design consulting, procedures and documentation, proving trials, audits, incident investigation, life extension studies, maintenance and management, providing value to our clients at every step of the way.

The post Meet Juan Antonio Vieiros Cañal, Dynamic Positioning Lead, ABL Middle East appeared first on ABL.

The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?

Give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at ABL in Qatar. What keeps you on your toes?

“As the Country Manager, my day-to-day duties involves overseeing the team and our operations in Doha, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

A big part of my role is business development which is engaging with clients, understanding their needs, and delivering the high standards of service that ABL is known for.”

What drew you to the world of marine surveying and what keeps you passionate about it?

I’ve been in the industry for 18 years, and what initially drew me to marine surveying and keeps me passionate about it is the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the work. The marine industry presents constant challenges, which makes every day interesting and pushes me to stay sharp.

One area that has always fascinated me is rig moving. No two days are ever the same, especially when working in challenging environments and conditions. I also enjoy the tight-knit nature of the rig-moving industry. It’s a small community where you often cross paths with familiar faces, building strong professional relationships over the years.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

I recently took over the role as Country in the Doha office, and have enjoyed working closely with the team here. Looking at how we, as a team can grow the business in Qatar has been especially interesting to me and understanding the wide range of services the ABL Group, as a whole can assist clients with. We have a great team in Qatar, so it’s a pleasure to work with them, and luckily they share my vision to grow, and adapt.

Looking ahead, what trends or opportunities do you see shaping the energy and ocean industries in Qatar?

“Qatar is quite buoyant at the moment, and there are many areas for growth in the Energy sector especially.

The move towards greener shipping will be  an exciting challenge to get involved in, in the next few years.”

Beyond the work, what’s your favourite part about being part of the ABL Group team in Doha? Any fun team moments you’d like to share?

I particularly enjoyed meeting the Middle East and North Africa and South Asia(MENSAI) management team, at the regional management meeting in Dubai in December. Meeting everyone face to face, made dealing with everyone on a day to day basis, much more interesting, and pleasurable.

If you could change one thing about the maritime industry, what would it be and why?

I wouldn’t really change anything, as it’s a very dynamic and interesting sector to work in. New challenges and opportunities emerge on a daily basis.

 ABL provides comprehensive through-life support for rig moving procedures for jack-up rigs, mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) and all other types of rigs. Our MWS teams are supported by significant in-house engineering & design capabilities specialising in rig moving operations, including in-house geotechnical engineering support. 

The post Meet Mark Duthie, Country Manager, ABL Qatar appeared first on ABL.

The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?

What does your day-to-day look like at ABL?

“My role involves overseeing ongoing engineering projects and leading our team in Egypt. A key part of my work is directly engaging with clients to address technical challenges and ensure smooth project execution.

I also focus on strengthening business relationships to support future collaborations, helping ABL continue delivering high-quality engineering solutions.”

What inspired you to join your industry?

My father played a significant role in shaping my career, guiding me through my engineering studies and encouraging my interest in subsea pipeline services and deep-water applications. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to develop my expertise across multiple organisations, working in different countries and cultural environments. This experience has strengthened my skills in design, engineering, technical assurance, and integrity management. Before joining ABL, I held the role of Pipeline Technical Authority for a major operator in Egypt. Since becoming part of ABL a year ago, I’ve had the privilege of working with a highly skilled global team, and I believe there is still more to achieve.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

The ABL Egypt team, in collaboration with our sister company Longitude, is currently working on two major deep-water field developments. Each phase involves the installation of three new subsea wells, with our team delivering detailed engineering, safety studies, and installation engineering support. Ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency is a top priority, as these projects play a critical role in increasing gas production for Egypt’s national network. With strong government focus on energy security, this work is of strategic importance.

What do you think the future of energy and oceans looks like in Egypt and wider North Africa?

I believe Egypt is a promising market, with a strong governmental commitment to expanding clean energy resources, particularly within the renewables sector. There is also a growing focus on understanding the impact of climate change on marine environments and coastal populations. ABL Group is actively supporting local authorities and companies in these efforts, providing expertise in sustainable energy and environmental solutions.

What do you enjoy most so far about working as part of the ABL Group team in Cairo?

The work environment at ABL Egypt is of high standard. I appreciate being part of a team that values collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous growth. We are building a centre of excellence in Egypt that not only serves the Middle East & North Africa but also contributes to ABL’s global expertise. I look forward to seeing our team expand its capabilities even further.

More about Abdulhameed Yehya

Position: Engineering Projects Lead

Office: Cairo, Egypt

Hobbies: Karate (holding a 5^th degree black belt and licensed World Karate Referee “Judge”), Swimming and Reading

Favourite Song: Songs by Scorpions & Pinkfloyd

From the 17th to 19th of February, ABL will be attending the upcoming EGYPES 2025 showcasing our expertise including rig moving, dynamic positioning and MWS services to support region’s plans and objectives in energy transition. Join Abdulhameed and the rest of our local team at the event and discover how ABL Group can support your projects from concept through to construction and operations.

Get in touch with our office in Cairo and book a meeting with our team:

The post Meet Abdulhameed Yehya, Engineering Project Lead, ABL Egypt. appeared first on ABL.

The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?

What does your day-to-day look like at ABL ?

My day-to-day activities really depends on my priorities. Some days, the focus is on engaging with potential clients, introducing them to our Asset Integrity Management (AIM) services, and exploring how we can enhance the performance and longevity of their assets. Other days are dedicated to strengthening relationships with existing clients, identifying new ways to support them, and provide solution to their challenges together.

Project delivery is also a key part of my role, whether that’s overseeing ongoing work or training junior colleagues to ensure high-quality service and technical excellence.

What inspired you to join your industry?

“My passion for engineering and data analysis led me to the energy sector, where I saw an opportunity to work at the intersection of both. The oil and gas industry, in particular, stood out as a field where I could apply my technical skills while contributing to real-world problem-solving on a large scale.”

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

Currently I am working on expanding ABL’s Asset Integrity Management service offerings in Africa. It’s an exciting challenge because there’s huge potential to help clients improve operational efficiency, safety, and compliance across a rapidly developing market.

What does the future look like for Asset Integrity Management in the next 3-5 years?

“In the next 3–5 years, AIM will be more critical than ever as operators focus on life extension for aging assets amid tighter budgets. Efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and data-driven solutions will be key. ABL is ready to support this shift with tailored services and advanced analytics to optimise asset performance and maximise operational life.”

Why should people visit our ABL stand at the Sub Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference

We have a lot to offer at SAIPEC 2025 and I encourage people to visit our stand to have the opportunity to gain insights into best industry practices across Asset Integrity Management, Marine Warranty Services and Renewable Energy Development. There will be opportunity for one on one discussions and breakout meeting sessions for presentations on how ABL supports clients in getting the maximum value out of their assets.

What do you enjoy most about working as part of the ABL Group team in Aberdeen?

ABL is a fun place to work, and I do take part in and enjoy lots of fun activities being organised.

There are always social events including team building activities – bowling, foot golf, curling, etc and charity events to part in.

More about Emeka

Position: Regional Manager AIM, Africa

Office: Aberdeen

Hobbies: Running, cooking

Favourite Book: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Seasons of life by Jim Rohn

Next week, Emeka and the local ABL Lagos team will be exhibiting at Sub Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference – SAIPEC 2025. Book a meeting with him ahead of the event and find out more about how ABL AIM’s offerings and software solutions can enhance your upcoming projects:

The post Meet Emeka Onuh, Regional Manager, Asset Integrity Management, ABL Africa appeared first on ABL.

The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?

What does your day-to-day look like at ABL ?

“My day at ABL involves managing projects in my pipeline, supporting my team and clients worldwide, and preparing materials for potential opportunities. I stay informed about upcoming projects, connect with industry peers and decision-makers, and ensure ABL is well-positioned to win new work.

I also advise prospective clients on optimising their operations to maximise value, often leading to opportunities to provide operational support throughout the lifecycle of their assets”

What inspired you to join your industry?

From as early as I can remember, I aspired to be an engineer, imagining myself crafting solutions to tackle the world’s major challenges. Over time, I realised progress in the real world often comes in small, incremental steps rather than ground-breaking leaps. This shift in perspective taught me to appreciate the process of making ideas tangible, even if imperfect.

Success is about making things work, solving implementation challenges, and embracing the journey. This realisation and satisfaction inspired me to join this industry and continues to fuel my passion today.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

ABL is serving as the marine warranty surveyor for the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project, overseeing the installation of a high-voltage DC (HVDC) line beneath the Hudson River to transport power from Canada to New York. My role involves monitoring the pull-in of the HVDC line from the seafloor onto land, ensuring it meets design parameters and addressing operational challenges.

The project’s complexity goes beyond engineering, scheduling was adjusted to protect a nearby bald eagle nesting site, and operations were carried out in sub-zero temperatures. What makes a project like this exciting is that solutions must be crafted around real environmental and operational constraints. Despite the challenges thrown our way, we developed ingenious solutions to make the project a success.

What do you think the future of energy and oceans looks like in the USA ?

The energy and oceans sectors in the USA are on a growth trajectory, driven by rising consumer demand and government initiatives promoting industrial development. While tariffs and other microeconomic shifts may create short-term disruptions, the outlook for US ports remains positive, with projected growth of around 2%, according to Moody’s ratings.

In high-density states, there’s a growing push to shift goods transport from roads to rivers, utilising waterways as highways. This creates opportunities for ABL to collaborate with port operators on developing efficient, future-ready facilities. Despite political noise, US infrastructure projects are often shaped by practical regulations. For example, while national policies may waver, FEMA guidelines still require climate change considerations for new structures, ensuring data-driven decisions prevail where it matters most.

What do you enjoy most so far about working as part of the ABL Group team in Houston?

The Houston office feels like a family, and the camaraderie here makes work even more enjoyable. We celebrate the little moments, like Auntrell’s daughter exploring classic film photography, Nicholas sharing stories of his family’s trip to witness a Tesla booster landing, or Ivan’s tales of near hole-in-ones on the golf course. There’s always something to laugh about, whether it’s reminiscing with David Ballads about solving problems from decades ago or simply catching up on life.

It’s a team that’s deeply connected, both personally and professionally, making every day rewarding and fun.

What can we expect from the ports and terminals market in the USA this year?

2025 looks promising for the ports and terminals market, with increased government spending in energy and infrastructure creating new opportunities. While some renewable energy projects may face delays, deregulation could encourage private investment and innovation in the sector. A key focus will be on advancing already funded projects that face challenges like resource competition, particularly for skilled engineering contractors. As technical partners, ABL will play a vital role in helping stakeholders develop effective solutions to bring these projects to completion.

We also anticipate the growing role of AI in infrastructure, potentially driving efficiency in areas like data center placement in natural cooling environments such as oceans or streams. ABL is actively engaging with government and industry partners to collaborate on these forward-thinking initiatives.

With strong potential for growth, ABL is well-positioned to expand its presence in the ports and terminals sector, taking on exciting development projects across the United States.

More about Ashwin

Position: Director Ports & Terminals

Office: Houston, Texas, USA

Hobbies: fishing, air rifle target shooting, gardening, small-scale livestock raising, and reading with a particular fondness for fiction.

Favourite Book: “I’m always reading fiction, with Colleen Hoover and Kristin Hannah being my recent favourites. Hoover’s emotional rollercoasters and Hannah’s unforgettable characters make for perfect late-night reads. I also ventured into Han Kang’s The Vegetarian, which left a lasting impact. It’s a haunting, unsettling story that stays with you long after the last page.”

ABL provides specialist expertise in marine studies, including technical due diligence, and engineering consulting services to assist in the development of new and existing port projects. Our team of experts offers extensive ports and harbours risk engineering and technical due diligence solutions to identify and mitigate risks, including formal risk assessments, navigational risk analyses and vessel manoeuvring simulations.

The post Meet Ashwin Parambath, Regional Manager, Ports and Terminals, Americas appeared first on ABL.