ABS grants approval in principle for offshore rocket recovery platform design

ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) for a new offshore rocket recovery platform. The design was developed by Innovative Space Carrier (ISC), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and TSUNEISHI SOLUTIONS TOKYOBAY (T-SOL).

The approval covers an unmanned, autonomous barge. It also includes the full recovery system, with a support vessel and a land-based control station.

The platform will support the recovery of reusable rockets at sea. It aims to reduce costs and improve safety. Offshore recovery lowers overflight risks. Autonomous operations reduce the need for onboard personnel.

ABS reviewed the design under its offshore spaceport requirements.

“ABS is proud to be at the forefront of shaping the infrastructure that makes offshore space operations possible,” said Matthew Tremblay, Senior Vice President, Global Offshore at ABS. “We are honored to collaborate with ISC, MOL and T-SOL to support this emerging sector.”

ABS continues to play a key role in offshore space development. It introduced industry requirements for offshore spaceports in 2023 and supports projects focused on autonomous recovery systems.