ABS has signed a letter of intent for cooperative research and development projects with the South China University of Technology (SCUT) through the ABS China Offshore Technology Center (COTC) in Shanghai. ABS’ vice president of corporate offshore technology, Bret Montaruli, and vice president of SCUT, Zhu Min, recently signed the agreement at the SCUT campus in Guangzhou, China.

“Signing this agreement will highlight the research capabilities at the COTC, strengthen our ties with the SCUT and allow us to invest in students who will be the future leaders of the marine engineering industry,” Montaruli said.

The agreement will enable SCUT personnel to participate in agreed ABS research projects and activities; establish a jointly funded research program within SCUT; and allow ABS to provide financial support to post graduate students who will participate in the joint COTC-SCUT research and development project.

Following the signing event, Montaruli and Min joined members of the delegation to tour the School of Civil and Transportation Engineering and visited the experimental facilities in the Department of Navigation.