“As the largest region in ABL, these meetings are integral to strengthening collaboration between countries and technical teams, exchanging best practices and knowledge, and in identifying key areas for growth, to ensure that we are best placed to support our clients and markets.

“In 2024 we saw significant growth in the region in several areas. We expanded our Black Sea operations with a new office in Constanta, Romania. We diversified our service portfolio with the introduction of the water management and numerical modelling consultants, Hidromod – which also substantially reinforced ABL’s operations in the strategic market of Portugal. Lastly, we continued to develop our presence and activities to support African marine and energy markets, with gains made in Nigeria, Senegal and Mauritania, and the Republic of Congo.”

Hugues Delanoue, Regional Managing Director for ABL in Europe and West Africa

The meeting was the first in which Hidromod was able to participate since its acquisition by ABL’s parent company, ABL Group, in October 2024. It, therefore, was a chance to deepen understanding across the regional operations, of Hidromod’s unique expertise and software solutions to support hydrological forecasting in different marine, energy and agricultural scenarios.

Other topics for discussion covered ABL’s European and West African offering in the following areas: marine warranty survey (MWS), dynamic positioning (DP) and critical systems, rig inspections operations, maritime services including ports and harbours consulting and engineering, electrification and the expansion of ABL’s expertise in both technical due diligence and owner’s engineering for energy and maritime sectors.

ABL Europe and West Africa includes offices in Bulgaria, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Holland, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Romania, Senegal and Turkey.

ABL Europe and West Africa in the news in 2024

ABL won a wide range of contracts across energy and oceans in 2024, including several significant energy infrastructure projects for European and African countries, as well as to support high-profile renewable energy construction projects, and the development of emerging energy transition technologies.

Here is a small selection:

ABL to assess navigational risk for Finland’s 1st open-sea offshore wind farm. Read more.

TenneT appoints consultancy ABL for Dutch 2GW export cables. Read more.

ABL part of North Sea green hydrogen initiative. Read more.

ABL to support offshore installation of French-Spanish interconnector. Read more.

ENI drafts ABL for Congo floating LNG transportation and installation verification. Read more.

ABL electrifying zero-emission offshore charging station. Read more.

ABL to provide marine warranty survey for Neptun Deep in the Black Sea. Read more.

The post ABL Europe & West Africa Power Up for 2025 appeared first on ABL.

What the Bursary Offers

The Marine Technology Trust funds 10 student internships annually, selecting candidates from those studying marine engineering, ocean engineering, or ship science on an IMarEST or RINA accredited degree in the UK. Each successful applicant will receive a bursary of £1,000 to help support their internship placement.

RV Ahilan, Chief Energy Transition Officer at ABL Group and a trustee of the Marine Technology Trust, shares his enthusiasm:

“The marine industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, with digitalisation and decarbonisation at the heart of future developments. By supporting students through these bursary awards, we are investing in the skills and talent needed to drive sustainable progress in our sector.

These internships offer the opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the industry’s transition towards cleaner, smarter maritime solutions.”

ABL Group’s partnership with the Marine Technology Trust aligns with its broader focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, particularly in supporting STEM education. As a global leader in the energy and maritime sectors, ABL is dedicated to fostering the next generation of professionals who will drive sustainability in these industries.

Students interested in applying can find more details and submit their applications through the Marine Technology Trust website:

The post ABL Group Supports Marine Technology Trust’s Bursary Awards 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 work at ABL involves collaborating with my team on projects, problem-solving, and ensuring tasks align with company goals.

It’s a mix of meetings, independent work, and adapting to challenges while staying focused on delivering results.”

What inspired you to join your industry?

I have been a seafarer for about 15 years and the passion and connection with sea inspired me to take up this job. Working on onshore and offshore projects keeps me engaged and excited to take up new challenges every day.

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

Every job that we handle is unique and comes with its own set of challenges. Currently, the de-commissioning work that we are handling on the west coast of India is quite interesting and exciting.

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

India has tremendous potential to lead the way in renewable energy. With a focus onshore wind, tidal power, offshore and sustainable marine resources, we can drive growth while preserving ecosystems. It’s an exciting time for energy and marine initiatives in the country.

Why should people join us on stand at Maritime India 2025?

Visiting our stand at Maritime India 2025 is more than just discovering what we do. It is an opportunity to collaborate, address industry challenges, explore innovative solutions, and contribute to shaping the future of the maritime industry in India and internationally.

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

One of the best parts of working with the ABL Group team in Mumbai is the vibrant and supportive team. We also know how to balance work and fun whether it’s celebrating with team lunches, participating in office challenges, or bonding over coffee breaks. It’s a team where professional growth and genuine connections go hand in hand!

More about Sandeep

Position: Country Manager – India

Office: Mumbai

Hobbies: Keeping fit, playing sports like cricket and football and traveling to new places

Don’t miss the chance to connect with Sandeep and our local marine experts next week at Maritime India Expo. Explore ABL’s range of marine and engineering services aimed at driving safety and sustainability in ports & terminals, shipping, and offshore energy asset transportation, construction and operations.

The post Meet Sandeep Sharma, Country Manager, ABL India appeared first on ABL.

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

“As a marine surveyor, my day-to-day is always exciting and varied. I typically start my day by reviewing the schedule and prioritising my tasks. I then head out to conduct surveys on various types of vessels, including ships, boats, and offshore platforms.

My responsibilities include conducting thorough inspections of the vessels’ hulls, propellers, and other equipment to identify any damage or defects. I also take detailed measurements and photographs to document the condition of the vessels. After completing the surveys, I compile my findings and report them back to our clients.”

What inspired you to join your industry?

I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and the vessels that sail on it. As a child, I spent many hours exploring the coast and watching boats come and go from the harbour. As I grew older, my interest in the marine industry only deepened, and I decided to pursue a career as a Captain of the ship and marine expert. I’m drawn to the unique challenges and opportunities that this field presents, from navigating complex ship designs to working with diverse clients and back support surveying the ship and marine oil and gas exploration.

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

I’m currently working on a project to survey a fleet of deep sea exploration KG-DWN 98/2 project MPSV DP 2 ships and marine spreads for a major oil and gas contractor. The project involves conducting thorough inspections of the vessels’ hulls and propellers to identify any damage or defects that could impact their safety or efficiency. It’s an exciting project because it requires me to think critically and strategically about how to optimise the vessels’ performance while minimising downtime.

What does the future look like in energy and oceans in India?

The future of energy and oceans in India is exciting and holds much promise. With the Indian government’s focus on sustainable development and renewable energy, there are many opportunities for innovation and growth in this space. In the near term, I expect to see more investment in offshore wind farms, tidal energy projects, and other forms of renewable energy that can help reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels. In the longer term, I envision India becoming a leader in the development of sustainable energy solutions and playing a key role in addressing global climate change challenges.

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

“One of the things I enjoy most about working with ABL is the camaraderie among team members. We often go out for team lunches or participate in company-wide events like our annual meet up and camping.

These social events help strengthen our bonds and foster a sense of belonging within the team.”

More about Nikunj

Position: Principal Marine Surveyor

Office: Mumbai, India

Favourite Book: Beyond Psychology by Rajneesh

Favourite Song: Jazz & Country songs

Discover ABL India:

The post Meet Nikunj Narayan, Principal Marine Surveyor, ABL India appeared first on ABL.

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

“My day-to-day is varied. Navigation risk is an interesting combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses that cover a range of scales (from single buoys to whole seas) and geographies (from the frozen north to the Arabian Gulf).


Alongside my desk-based work, I also occasionally perform vessel attendances for various types of assurance work.”

What inspired you to join your industry?

The maritime industry is great – it has history, economics, adventure, science and is the glue that holds our material world together. The increasing use of seas for energy generation and other non-traditional uses adds to the fun.

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

Our on-going work supporting the German Maritime Agency (BSH) on their development plans for the North Sea is a fascinating and important piece of coordination work. The extent of the change that we’re going to see in the German North Sea is nothing short of profound.

What does the future look like in energy and oceans in Europe?

From my perspective, the future will bring busier seas. There are many interests competing for use of Europe’s waters, from new offshore renewable energy generation to carbon capture facility development, to work associated with the hydrocarbon extraction, to shipping, to algae farming – the list goes on. Balancing the needs and effects of all these activities requires a proactive approach to coordination where people step out of industry silos to understand the whole-sea system. Our work in marine risk management supports this effort.

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

What I enjoy the most are the opportunities to learn from a multi-disciplinary and international team of colleagues and applying our collective knowledge to finding solutions to interesting and often novel problems.

More about Tom

Position: Principal Consultant – Marine Risk

Office: London

Hobbies: Hiking, Restaurants, Entry-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ?

Favourite book: The Stranger

ABL offers a broad range of digital and software tools, combined with in-house engineering and marine expertise to offer clients forensic navigational planning and analysis services for the shipping industry. Our navigational expertise applies to all phases of a shipping asset’s life-cycle – from early navigational routing, risk assessment and mitigation, through to marine accident investigation in the event of a marine casualty.

Tom Chitseko will be presenting at ABL’s Maritime Market Briefing on the 11th of July, 2024. He will be speaking on the topic ” Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure: The Shipping Risk Effects”. Click here to register in person or online:

The post Meet the team: Tom Chitseko, Principal Consultant, Marine Risk | ABL London appeared first on ABL.

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

A recent day in my ABL life saw me back at sea. This time not signed on as a member of the crew but as part of a four person team of ABL colleagues. We provided training in “Vessel Operations” to a group of 12 maritime insurance professionals and maritime lawyers. The course took place onboard a passenger ferry sailing on a round-trip from the UK to Europe and lasted for two and a half days.

While on passage the delegates were given access to operational areas of the ship including visits to the bridge and the engine room. We were able to talk the delegates through the operations that they were witnessing first hand and also provide them with additional underpinning knowledge during classroom sessions. Upon arrival back in the UK we, along with other UK based colleagues, hosted a networking event in Newcastle. These days may not be typical of my day-on-day activities but do demonstrate the interesting and varied activities that fill up my time.

What inspired you to join your industry?

I come from a family of seafarers. My father was a marine engineer, one of my grandfathers was a Master in the Merchant Navy with the other grandfather being an Able Seaman, also in the Merchant navy. I knew from a very young age that I would follow in the footsteps of my family members. 35 years on from first joining the industry I continue to be extremely proud of what us “maritime professionals” achieve.

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

At the moment, I am focussed on strengthening the relations between our maritime team and clients based in Europe and West Africa. I am developing a project that looks to ensure that the network of European / West African P&I correspondents are fully aware of our capabilities in their own jurisdictions. The intention is to develop relationships with new clients and to reinvigorate relationships of those clients with whom we may have worked with in the past.

What does the future look like for Maritime in Europe?

For me, I think that the future of maritime in Europe and West Africa looks much more collaborative. With the global nature of P&I clubs and legal instructions incidents may happen in one corner of the world, managed by ship owners based in another and then supported by lawyers and experts who could be based anywhere. Our strength of our maritime offering at ABL is that, based on our global structure, we can support casualties anytime and anywhere around the world, working collaboratively across our offices.

What is your advice on improving seafarer safety at sea?

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. There are no excuses for taking short-cuts and that applies to all. You do not need to be a safety official or a “manager” to be a leader when it comes to safety. Everyone onboard must contribute to the overall safety of a vessel and all onboard should feel empowered to challenge their ship mates, regardless of rank, if they feel they are not working safely

More about Paul

Position: Client Relationship Director, Maritime

Office Location: London

Hobbies: Campervanning, Riding my electric bike and Fine dinning

Favourite Movie: The Wizard of Oz (the 1939 original)?‍

Favourite Book: ‘Anything penned’ by Irvine Welsh

Favourite Song: ’24 Minutes From Tulse Hill’ by Carter USM

ABL brings together the deepest pool of multi-disciplinary expertise to support all areas of shipping, from early advisory and technical due diligence, navigational planning, early engineering, vessel design and modifications, through to operations, with surveys, inspections and audits, as well as world-class marine warranty survey, to supporting in the minimising of losses with marine casualty management, salvage and wreck removal, and expert witness work.

The post Meet Paul Johnston, Maritime Client Relationship Director, ABL Newcastle appeared first on ABL.

Each week we introduce you to another member of our staff, for you to meet the energy behind change…

Paul Miles, Practice Head Energy Services MENAI and Senior Principal Maritime Civil Engineer

What inspired you to go into the field you are in and how did you end up with ABL?

In 1997 I met a surveyor from LOC who attended on a quay wall damage caused by a ship impact – I was working for the Port’s consultant and we had just refurbished the quay! That first job inspired me to join LOC, now ABL, in 1999 in the London office.   

Since then I have attended dozens of similar cases and worked on many amazing energy projects with talented colleagues.

What is something exciting that you are working on at the moment?

Recently we have been working on the first commercial wind farm in the UAE – this was a pilot project of 23 x onshore WTGs. ABL were awarded the MWS for the components shipped from China to UAE where they were offloaded, then transhipped by barges to the sites (two were offshore islands).

What are the key challenges your customers are facing at the moment and how do you help them overcome these?

Clients are faced with very tight and sometimes over optimistic schedules for projects or operations. This is challenging for them and us as we still need to undertake our scope and role so we need to be able to deliver this in a compressed schedule whilst obviously maintaining our recognised quality.

In your opinion, what do you think the future looks like for your industry?

The future looks exciting and challenging. MENA region is obviously heavily invested in hydrocarbon production and energy but there is a real surge and emphasis towards energy transition and renewables, especially with UAE hosting COP28. 

The pace of change is astounding and essential to meet the necessary targets. Alongside our new subsidiaries, ABL Group is well placed to support the traditional oil & gas sector, their energy transition and the renewables sector, so I am excited to be part of this essential journey.

What do you enjoy in your spare time?  

Mostly sport related – all human powered – so open water swimming, mountain biking, trail/dune running (often with my dog!), table tennis, tennis and padel.  Also, plenty of travel to spend time with family & friends. 

Find out more about ABL Group’s energy transition services.

The post Meet Paul Miles, Practice Head Energy Services MENAI and Senior Principal Maritime Civil Engineer | Dubai, UAE appeared first on ABL.

Across LOC, Longitude, Innosea and JLA, our teams are united by a shared commitment to support clients globally with practical and pragmatic solutions, de-risking operations across energy and oceans, and driving energy transition in shipping, renewables and oil and gas markets. You know our teams, but do you know our people?

This week we meet Phil Griffin, Marine Director and Marine Consultant, LOC Australia.

What do you do at LOC?

I am the Marine Director for LOC Australia, and take the lead in supporting development of the business’s marine B/D and diversification, interface and integration with the Group’s shipping and marine service offering, client relations and contracts management.

As a consultant I do ‘expert’ work, leadership consultancy in marine management, ops, planning & logistics, surveys, H&M an P&I work – and Warranty. We work with a broad range of clients, from government, ports & port services, hydrocarbons & sustainable energy companies, mining, shipping, insurance, and defence…  amongst others!

 I recently presented to the insurance community – with the LOC-London team, at IMCC- Dublin. I spoke about the evolution of maritime risk in an evolving industry.

In Australia’s maritime community I am active as a committee member for the Maritime Law Association of Australia & New Zealand (MLAANZ), I am Vice Chair for the Society for Underwater Technology Perth Branch (SUT) and a Member of the Nautical Institute (NI) & Company of Master Mariners – WA Branch. In the petroleum community I belong to The Petroleum Club – WA, and am an active member of Drill Safe. In the defence industry I am a member of the WA Defence Industry Council.

What excites you the most about our industry?

What really spins my wheels is the opportunity to navigate us as a company, and our industry, into the future riding the huge tides of change upon change. We live in wild times!

Right photo: from LOC’s Drone Eye in the Sky digital offering for enhancing port pilot operations.

 What made you join LOC?

I wanted to ‘make a difference’ in maritime industry – in a company founded in integrity – and I wanted to help build it.

What do you do when you are not working?

I really enjoy cooking – and the society of good people. Grandkids are splendid, and boating is fun. I also have a passion for painting and sculpting, which I hope to develop further one day.

Phil plays a central role in the recent development and launch of LOC’s digital offering to support enhanced safety of port pilot operations and to integrate an established and simple structure for peer learning and knowldge sharing amongst pilots. 

The post Meet the Team: Phil Griffin, Marine Director appeared first on ABL.

The Neptune Declaration is an industry initiative and worldwide call to action to find a resolution as soon as possible to the unprecedented crew change crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It identified four core actions to resolve the situation, whilst protecting global supply chains:

• Give seafarers key worker status, giving them priority access to COVID-19 vaccines
• Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practice
• Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes
• Ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers

The Neptune Declaration is an initiative started by the Global Maritime Forum.

AqualisBraemar LOC’s support of the Neptune Declaration is an expression of a company-wide commitment and entrenched legacy to support the maritime industry in de-risking marine operations.

“The work of the seafarer and their impact on all of our lives, often goes unheard of, but it should not be forgotten. Seafarers continue to keep our global supply lines going throughout the pandemic, despite emotional and physical difficulty due to travel restrictions. As a company with many ex-seafarers amongst our staff, we are proud to support this initiative, which will help de-risk operations at sea and safeguard the men and women on ships all over the world,” says David Wells, CEO of AqualisBraemar LOC ASA.

Photo Credits: Global Maritime Forum Dropbox

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