USA: ABS Plans to Establish Ship Modeling Center at Brunswick Landing

Maine Governor Paul LePage, members of the Maine Congressional Delegation and the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) announced today that the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) plans to establish a computer-based ship modeling center at Brunswick Landing: Maine’s Center for Innovation. The move will create nearly thirty jobs in the Brunswick area.

“Our Administration has a laser focus on job creation. We are continually searching for opportunities to bring businesses to Maine that will boost our economy. When organizations like the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority collaborate with companies like ABS we can achieve our goal which is to grow jobs and provide economic stability for working families. I applaud MRRA and ABS for collaborating on this effort,” said Governor LePage. “These are good-paying jobs that put the spotlight on Maine and the quality craftsmanship we offer. I am pleased to see a company of ABS’ caliber coming to our State.”

Following an economic assessment of several U.S. cities that serve as maritime hubs, ABS selected Maine and Brunswick Landing for its high-quality facilities and the region’s talented and professional workforce. “ABS has a long history in Maine and we are pleased to expand our operations with this modeling center,” says ABS Chairman Robert D. Somerville. “The sophisticated work that will be conducted at this state-of-the-art modeling center plays an important part in ABS’ mission of promoting safety throughout the maritime industry.”

The new ABS Modeling Center will initially be home to approximately 30 technicians who will create the computer-aided design (CAD) models of clients’ vessels. The model is used throughout the life of the vessel for multiple purposes – for example, verifying the integrity of the hull and analyzing the stability of the vessel if it is involved in a casualty. Models for ABS-classed commercial vessels have been created overseas while US Navy work has been conducted at the society’s headquarters in Houston, Texas. The new center in Maine will allow all ABS modeling to be centralized in one location. Planned to become fully operational in the summer of 2011, discussions are already underway for possible expansion opportunities.

“This move makes sense on many levels,” says Somerville. “Maine is an important maritime hub with a strong workforce and top-tier schools. As a former Naval Air Station, Brunswick Landing also provides the infrastructure that will allow us to secure the intellectual property of our clients.”

“We are thrilled to have ABS come to Brunswick Landing,” added Steve Levesque, executive director for MRRA. “From the beginning, redevelopment plans for NASB included bringing high-tech, sophisticated companies to the region as a way to make up for the jobs lost with the base closure. ABS certainly fits the bill,” said Levesque.

Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment. The organization achieves the goal through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities. ABS has a worldwide network of more than 150 representative offices in 70 countries.

MRRA is a Governor-appointed Board responsible for managing the transition of Naval Air Station Brunswick (NASB) and its Topsham Annex from military to civilian use as Brunswick Landing: Maine’s Center for Innovation and Topsham Commerce Park. Redevelopment plans include business centers of excellence in advanced technologies for information technology, aerospace, renewable energy, and composites.

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Source: ABS, April 29, 2011; Image: archnav