Saronic and ABS to explore autonomous technologies

August 18, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

US-based start-up Saronic Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to explore autonomous technologies for maritime applications.

Illustration of the Saronic Marauder – Courtesy of Saronic Technologies

The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for both organizations to collaborate on projects related to improving technical requirements for autonomous surface vessels (ASV) and classification services for Saronic autonomous capabilities.

Saronic’s autonomy stack is used across its family of autonomous surface vessels, and this approval will further verify the technology’s reliable and safe operation.

ABS and Saronic will also collaborate on vessel classification for Saronic’s autonomous ships. Through this process, ABS will review and evaluate Saronic’s larger ASVs against rigorous safety, reliability, and performance standards. In addition, Saronic will support updates to ABS’ autonomy requirements for ASVs based on technological advancements.

“Advancing autonomous technologies and uncrewed systems unlocks safer, more efficient operations across the maritime sector. We are delighted to work together with Saronic to foster innovation in this space, supporting cutting-edge solutions to redefine what’s possible for maritime operations worldwide,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.

“We are excited to work with ABS, a recognized authority in maritime safety and innovation standards,” said Dino Mavrookas, Co-Founder and CEO of Saronic.

“Through this agreement, we look forward to collaborating with ABS to contribute our experience and expertise to inform the advancement of industry standards for this emerging class of vessels, while ensuring our technology and platforms meet a high bar for safety, reliability, and efficiency.”

Saronic recently partnered with shipbuilding, shiprepair, and industrial service provider Vigor Marine to advance the delivery of autonomous maritime capabilities. Together, the partners are focused on accelerating innovation while expanding the industrial and operational support required for autonomy at scale.

Saronic–Vigor Marine alliance targets development of new autonomous vessels

Vessels

In April this year, Saronic announced the expansion of its family of autonomous surface vessels with the addition of two new models, Mirage and Cipher.