ABS and UNITED WATERWAYS Announce Planned Joint Venture to Advance Maritime Training

ABS and UNITED WATERWAYS (UW) have signed a letter of intent to establish a joint venture with River Academy, UW’s training and education subsidiary, to support crew competence and qualification across the European inland barge, river cruise and coastal vessel sectors.

The collaboration will enhance workforce readiness as European operators navigate evolving safety and decarbonization requirements in cruise, freight, and ferry shipping. Training programs align with recognized regional and national standards and continue to support consistent, high?quality competence management for inland navigation crews.

This initiative addresses strong market demand for fully licensed navigation officers across a global fleet of more than