July 26, 2024 —
Capt. Michael Chien, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Research and Development Center, and Bruce Baffer, senior vice president for global government for the American Bureau of Shipping, met virtually on July 17, 2024, to review and sign a new memorandum of understanding to collaborate on technologies.
The Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on July 17 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to guide collaborative research on technologies impacting the maritime industry.
Activity under the MOU can include developing joint research publications, new technology qualifications and information sharing in a variety of research areas including remote and autonomous systems for unmanned surface and underwater vehicles; advanced data analytics involving artificial intelligence and machine learning for maritime assets; cybersecurity for vessels, ports and transportation infrastructure; analysis of changing risks associated with the marine transportation system; and impacts of energy transition and alternative fuels in the maritime domain.
“This MOU will expand the RDC’s ability to support the Coast Guard at the strategic, operational and tactical level,” said Capt. Michael Chien, RDC commanding officer. “ABS’s exceptional reputation as an internationally recognized maritime class society is well earned. Their expertise and the research they have and will be conducting will mesh well with research efforts within the RDC. We eagerly look forward to future joint collaborations.”
Bruce Baffer, ABS senior vice president for global government, said: “Given the rapid pace of change and technological evolution across the maritime industry, it is critical to share best practices, advancements and developments with trusted stakeholders and partners. Signing this MOU formalizes our collaboration with the Coast Guard Research and Development Center and brings ABS’s global perspective and a joint framework to further maritime innovation on a range of technical and safety topics.”
Chien called the MOU “another milestone in the RDC’s expanded partnership engagement effort.” This MOU continues the RDC partnership and engagement effort. The command has several MOUs in place with commands such as the Naval Postgraduate School, the members of the Department of Defense Laboratory Commander Sync, Army Research Laboratory Adelphi and both the Connecticut and Ohio National Guard. “These partnerships are a centerpiece of our portfolio as we leverage and collaborate across the national research enterprise,” Chien noted.
For more information: Research, Development, Test & Evaluation Program page and Research and Development Center page.