ABS has added Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) Survey as remote choices.

ABS is delivering IHM remote survey to support clients ahead of the December 31, 2020, introduction of mandatory IHM for all vessels sailing under an EU member states’ flag or any vessel calling at a European port.

“In this challenging, time-pressured environment, ABS IHM remote survey is the simplest route to compliance without the inconvenience of arranging for a surveyor to be physically present on board,” said John McDonlad, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.

An IHM initial survey for existing vessels verifies the location of the hazardous materials on board that are listed in the inventory. First step is to submit the inventory and required documents to an ABS engineering office for review. ABS-classed and non-ABS-classed vessels are eligible for an IHM initial survey, which supports compliance with both EU Ship Recycling requirements and the IMO Hong Kong Convention.

These new options are the latest step in a significant expansion of ABS remote survey capability. ABS is now able to conduct almost all classification annual surveys remotely on eligible vessels and has made its remote survey and audit services available to equipment and materials manufacturing clients all over the globe.

Additionally, next week ABS will expand Underwater Inspections In-Lieu of Drydocking (UWILD) to marine vessels.