On his new role, Subbi said,

“I’m delighted to take on this new role and continue working alongside the talented team at ABL Norway. Our local capabilities, combined with ABL’s global reach, put us in a strong position to support clients across the maritime and energy sectors. I look forward to building on the momentum we’ve achieved so far and contributing further to ABL’s success in the region.”

Having spent the last 15 years in Norway, Subbi possesses a deep-rooted network in the country and neighbouring regions, making him ideally positioned to further enhance ABL’s service offerings within the Maritime Sector. Subbi will continue to drive growth initiatives in this sector while maintaining a strong focus on delivering Engineering Consultancy and MWS Services to ABL Norway’s clients.

Subbi succeeds Peter Kingsland, who will return to the UK to take up a new position at ABL Group company, Longitude, as Regional Business Line Director for Marine Operations in EMEA.

“Subbi’s appointment to this role is a reflection of the strong growth we’ve seen in ABL’s Maritime offering in Norway since he joined us in 2023. His leadership, local insight and technical expertise make him an excellent fit for this role. We also extend our sincere thanks to Peter Kingsland for his contribution to the Norway office, and wish him all the best in his new role with Longitude.”

adds Ashley Perrett, Sub Regional Director: Northern Europe.

ABL Norway is located in Stavanger and will soon share office space with AGR, Ross Offshore and Techconsult from June 2025. The office is well placed to provide the multi-disciplinary engineering and consulting services that the Norwegian market demands and requires.

The local team has a wealth of experience, with expertise in large scale development and decommissioning projects, engineering design, analysis and verification, through to specialist maritime experience supporting Hull and Machinery and P&I instructions, marine audits and inspections.

The post Subbi Nookala takes on Country Manager role for ABL Norway appeared first on ABL.

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) appointed energy and marine consultancy ABL to develop an updated risk assessment standard aimed specifically at superyacht refit yards.

The new standard is based on the current JH143 standard for shipyard risk assessment.

ABL will draw upon knowledge from its expert JH143 and yacht specialist surveyors from different locations around the world, to ensure that the new standard will be fit for purpose, valuable to the industry and user-friendly for the surveyors.

The JH143 Shipyard risk assessment process was originally developed by ABL to assess risks at a shipyard, allowing underwriters to consider their exposure and to mitigate risks where possible.

“A superyacht refit shipyard is quite a different environment to a commercial yard and the risks are different. For example, overspray in a commercial yard may not be catastrophic, but overspray landing on a superyacht can result in a claim in the multiple millions.”

Adam Jackson, ABL’s Head of Yacht Services and Director of Marine Engineering for the UK

ABL Yachts, part of ABL, is a service provider to the insurance industry, yacht brokers, management companies and owners worldwide. ABL Yachts offers clients a large multi-disciplinary superyacht survey team with a collective experience measured in hundreds of years, combined with the support of one of the marine industry’s most experienced suppliers of consultancy services.

ABL is part of Oslo-listed consultancy group ABL Group ASA.

ABL Yachts: A legacy in superyacht consultancy and surveying

ABL Yachts is an independent and trusted partner in the surveying, engineering and technical consultancy for superyachts, with a legacy dating back to Braemar Yacht Services.

Combining heritage in the market, with in-house multidisciplined engineering and consultancy expertise, and extensive operational experience across maritime sectors, ABL Yachts provides technical support to mitigate risk and enhance performance throughout an asset’s design life.

The post ICOMIA appoints ABL on superyacht refit yard brief 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.

Using an insurance pre-risk methodology to improve port marine safety

Ports play a vital role in global trade, but their operations come with inherent risks that can lead to safety incidents and financial exposure. By carrying out a pre-risk survey, potential hazards can be identified and mitigated before they escalate, improving overall port safety and reducing the likelihood of claims from the insurance industry. Understanding how this methodology enhances risk management and strengthens port resilience is key to fostering safer and more efficient maritime operations.

The technical presentation will be followed by a Q&A and a summary of last month’s high-value maritime case reports, which will only be presented to attendees in the room.

When: Thursday 10th April, 9:30 AM UK time

Where:

• In-person: Lloyd’s Old Library, 1 Lime Street, EC3M 7HA, London. Arrivals from 9:00 AM for coffee, tea, biscuits and networking.
• Virtual: Zoom Webinar

The marine casualty case reports will only be presented to in-person attendees.

Learning Objectives

• You will develop a clear understanding of port risks and strategies for improving safety and operational resilience.
• You will gain insight to the key challenges associated with port re-risk assessments.
• You will learn how to effectively conduct a pre-risk assessment to enhance risk mitigation.
• You will be able to analyse the consequences of inadequate or improperly conducted port risk assessments.

Meet Our Panel

Tony Nichols

Ports & Harbours Consultant

Technical Presenter

David Faulkner

Director, Ports and Harbours

Introduction

Joe Mullan

Naval Architect

Case Reports

More on our Event

This is a CPD-accredited event by the Chartered Insurance Institute. Attendance in-person or online is worth 1 CPD point.

ABL’s Ports & Harbours team provides expert consultancy across all stages of port development, from feasibility to operations. Our specialists: master mariners, engineers, naval architects, and risk analysts deliver services in marine risk assessments, vessel manoeuvring simulations, mooring analysis, and operational studies. We support projects with technical due diligence, geotechnical and civil engineering, and metocean expertise to ensure safe and efficient port operations.

The post ABL April 2025 Market Briefing appeared first on ABL.

Daniel has 20 years of seagoing experience on naval and passenger vessels prior to coming ashore in 2012, followed by 10 years in port operations, vessel management, governance, compliance, and regulation, and 3 years in marine consultancy. 

In his new role, Daniel will be responsible for developing and driving ABL’s Ports and Harbours consultancy services, providing leadership and direction to identify new areas of growth for the region and continuing to develop client relationships. As an expert at assessing marine risk and identifying risk-control measures and a trained Operational Excellence Assessor, Daniel will also be accountable for Quality & HSE aspects within the company and assisting with P&I claims. 

“I am honoured to step into the role of Director – Ports and Harbours at ABL. Having led governance in this space, I am excited to now take a broader strategic lead, driving innovation, strengthening client partnerships, and guiding our exceptional team as we expand our services globally.  

“With a strong suite of ongoing projects across key international ports, we are well-positioned to deliver world-class consultancy and technical expertise where it is needed most. This is a pivotal time for the maritime industry, and I look forward to shaping the future of Ports and Harbours consultancy with ABL,” said Daniel Wood. 

Daniel continues the valuable work of ABL’s David Faulkner who is transitioning into a semi-retirement role:  

“I have worked with Daniel on numerous projects since he joined us at ABL and he has a great deal of experience in the Ports and Harbours industry. I am very pleased that he will be leading the P&H team and I am confident that under his guidance the team will go from strength to strength.

“I wish Daniel and the team every success in the future. As for myself, I will be assuming a semi-retirement role and supporting where I can.” 

Paul Martin, Managing Director of Maritime for Europe and West Africa adds,  

“Whilst David Faulkner has handed over the reins to Daniel as Director of Ports & Harbours, I am delighted that he will still remain part of the team and be available for advice and case input. Daniel takes over at a time of momentum in the Ports & Harbours team, and his conscientiousness and dedication shone through when we were looking for a new leader for the team.

“I am excited for Daniel and am confident that he will continue to drive the success of our Ports and Harbours consultancy and take it to new heights.” 

ABL’ s operations in Europe and West Africa include offices in England, Scotland, France, Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria. 

ABL is the energy and marine consultancy branch of global consultancy ABL Group. 

Find out more about ABL’s Ports & Harbours capabilities below or get in touch with Daniel.

The post Daniel Wood Appointed as Director – Ports and Harbours at ABL  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.

By combining extensive experience across maritime sectors with multi-disciplinary marine and engineering expertise, ABL offers an unparalleled technical capability to support ports and harbours at various phases.

From feasibility and development to marine assurance and compliance to assisting with fixed and floating object damage (FFO), ABL delivers experience you can trust.

With a global team of highly skilled professionals in port operations, vessel movements, marine and geotechnical engineering, naval architecture, and civil engineering, ABL’s services are designed to improve safety and performance throughout the entire life cycle of an asset.

As part of the global consultancy ABL Group, ABL also leverages its global network of consultants in over 40 countries to assemble project-specific teams that effectively address client challenges through local market knowledge.

With Asia Pacific home to some of the world’s largest and busiest ports and terminals, ABL’s ports and harbours team continues to enhance its activity across the continent. This regional expansion guarantees the delivery of integrated technical solutions, merging global insights with local market knowledge for optimal results.

This approach also enables in-country service delivery within clients’ time zones and encourages face-to-face collaboration for seamless project execution.

Active in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the regional team is also broadening its services and surveyor presence to support port development in Pacific Island nations.

Service expertise includes:

• Port development: strategic planning, design and implementation support
• Navigational risk assessments: ensuring safe and efficient vessel movements
• Mooring analysis: optimising berthing and anchorage solutions
• ISPO port assessments: enhancing safety and compliance standards
• Technical due diligence: assessing infrastructure and compliance standards
• Sustainability and energy transition consulting: focused on emissions consulting, electrification, green energy applications for cold ironing, and alternative fuel engineering

ABL Ports and Harbours in Asia-Pacific is supported by key industry professionals situated in various hub offices. Contact the local teams to find out more:

Wilco Veerman | Principal Consultant

ABL Australia (West Coast)

Contact Wilco

Wei-Yang Tan | Port Infrastructure Team Lead

ABL Australia (East Coast)

Contact Wei-Yang

Morwenna Vye | Country Lead, ABL New Zealand

ABL New Zealand

Contact Morwenna

Yong Chin Er | Project Manager, Ports & Harbours

Longitude Singapore

Contact Yong-Chin

Discover ABL’s full technical offering in ports, harbours, terminals and shipyards, around the world:

The post ABL expands Ports and Harbours Consultancy in Asia Pacific 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.