If you are commissioning a new cargo or passenger ship, how do you ensure that it’s going to be built using quality materials, the best engineering practices and standards, and that is all going to fit together and perform as you specified in the contract?   This is where the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS - www.eagle.org) comes in.  ABS is in the business of serving as the owner’s eyes and ears during the design, construction, sea trials, and throughout the life of the ship.  Bob Wise from the Houston office of the ABS presented an overview of ABS's mission and services, as well as a beautiful set of pictures of large ships in difficult weather conditions. 

                                                                                                                                                    Presenter Bob Wise