Page 25: of Marine Technology Magazine (November 2019)

ties in the EEZs and also the Flag State the marine environment. To this end, mineral resources from the deep ocean authority of the Mining support vessel. ABS has Rules and Guides which aid ? oor has always seemed just out of

All of these will enforce speci? c safety not only Owners and Regulators, but reach. Now, for a con? uence of reasons, and environmental protection regula- also ? nancial institutions and insurance establishment of a proper regulatory en- tions. underwriters with evaluating whether vironment, advances in materials and

International Classi? cation Societies standards are met and maintained in engineering, and an increasing world- – Much like the established conven- accordance with ABS Rules and other wide demand for metals, it is more than tions for Safety of Life at Sea (SO- conventions during the operational life likely that 2020 will be remembered as

LAS) and Prevention of Pollution from cycle of the project. the year that the world’s ? rst full scale

Ships(MARPOL), International Clas- subsea mining venture begins. It is now si? cation Societies are recognized by The General Public up to the stakeholders in this new indus- the signatory states of these conventions Since the Oceans are designated as the try to coordinate and implement well and by Coastal State authorities as com- common heritage of mankind, it must thought-out and well executed plans petent to monitor compliance with the be considered that the entire popula- that are not only economically viable, conventions. These societies have es- tion of the earth is a stakeholder in any but also meet or exceed environmental tablished themselves as well positioned subsea mining operation. Therefore, it protection regulations. As the leading to verify compliance as third parties is the duty of all other stakeholders, the offshore Classi? cation Society, ABS between the Owners and the Regula- Owner, the Regulators, and the Class stands ready to play an important role, tors. Additionally, proper design, con- Societies to ensure that subsea mining ensuring safety and environmental pro- struction, installation, and survey after is conducted in a way that meets safety tections are in the forefront. If executed construction of subsea mining systems standards and in an environmentally responsibly by all stakeholders, there is are vital to ensure the health and safe- sustainable manner. no reason why this new industry will not ty of operators as well as protection of The goal of sustainable mining of the have a bright future. - Simple to operate

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