ABS and lomarlabs Launch Collaboration to Test Emerging Maritime Technologies

ABS and lomarlabs have signed a Master Research Collaboration Agreement (MRCA) to support the development and testing of early-stage technologies aimed at reducing emissions, improving fuel efficiency and automating maritime operations.

The agreement establishes a framework for ABS and lomarlabs to provide technical expertise and advisory support to technology startups developing solutions for commercial shipping. The collaboration will cover research, development and testing of emerging technologies for maritime applications.

Blaze Energy Fuel Reformer First Project

The first project under the agreement involves Blaze Energy and its Flex-Fuel Reformer, a compact, engine-integrated fuel reforming system designed to support the use of alternative fuels in commercial shipping.

The project will focus on piloting the technology under maritime operating conditions, providing a pathway from laboratory development towards vessel-based testing and regulatory approval.

Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, said: “At ABS, we’ve built deep expertise in evaluating and qualifying novel technologies across the marine and offshore industries. Our systematic approach to technology qualification helps identify design improvements early in the development process. For early-stage technology companies, that’s an important advantage. We are excited to join lomarlabs in supporting the next generation of innovators, bringing ABS’ technical expertise directly into the startup ecosystem where it can make the greatest impact.”

Stylianos Papageorgiou, lomarlabs Managing Director, said: “The maritime industry is entering a period where innovation is advancing faster than traditional regulatory frameworks can evolve. Historically, many classification and regulatory requirements were developed through decades of operational experience, but emerging technologies require a more proactive and collaborative approach. That is why close cooperation between innovators, regulators, flag administrations and classification societies such as ABS is so important. By working together, sharing lessons learned and iterating as technologies mature, we can develop robust standards that support innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety, environmental protection and operational integrity.”

Fuel Reformer Moves Towards Vessel Testing

Blaze Energy’s first project with ABS and lomarlabs is intended to address the transition from laboratory validation to testing onboard commercial vessels.

Rok Sitar, Blaze Energy Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, said: “The most important step toward commercial deployment for maritime hardware technology is moving from lab-proven to vessel-proven — demonstrating performance under real operating conditions at sea. We are excited to partner with ABS and lomarlabs, on a program that addresses exactly this challenge. It gives Blaze Energy a structured, accelerated path toward pilot vessel deployment and, ultimately, full regulatory approval. Through our Flex-Fuel Reformer, vessel operators can gain fuel flexibility and stronger regulatory compliance, with complete confidence in its safety and performance.”

The collaboration is intended to provide participating technology companies with access to technical expertise during the development process, including consideration of design, testing and qualification requirements.

ABS New Technology Qualification services provide technology developers and end users with a defined framework for demonstrating that new technologies can perform their intended functions against established performance requirements.