Page 44: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (April 2026)

CLASSIFICATION learning centers in Qatar, Greece and Singapore. The software and part of MetaSHIP, tracks training completions and generates powers an embedded gaming experience using the industry- reports. Navigational Skill and Behavioral Assessment, another leading ABS MetaSHIP Fleet, virtual vessels that allow stu- component of MetaSHIP, is a speci? c simulation used for mea- dents to reach true competence without setting foot on board. suring the performance of maritime personnel, designed to eval-

The ABS MetaSHIP game-based training breaks down the uate and enhance the operational skills and behaviors of users.

complex tasks required to operate modern ships into visual and Training also links directly to McDonald’s concern about engaging lessons that equip seafarers with the skills they need the future U.S. maritime workforce. “We’re building out a lot in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape. MetaSHIP is a digital of modern training; bringing in this kind of gaming technol- maritime universe featuring vessels, ports and waterways, and ogy where you can take yourself as an avatar and walk on training and assessment on vessel operations through gami? ca- board the vessel,” he said.

tion. The ODENES platform, also included in the acquisition But the focus on training is not limited to this acquisition,

U.S. Shipbuilding Revival — Momentum Meets Reality

There is no shortage of rhetoric around rebuilding domestic capability alongside yard modernization and the U.S. shipbuilding base. What’s different this time, workforce development.

according to John McDonald, is that the rhetoric is Training is another pressure point, with new fu- now paired with real intent at the federal level. els, digital systems and advanced manufacturing “A couple things that are different this time is you entering the mix, the traditional pipeline of mariners have commitment right from the administration… and shipyard workers must evolve quickly.

this is one of our top priorities,” McDonald said, fram- Rolled into the U.S. shipbuilding revitalization too is ing shipbuilding not just as an industrial concern, but the advances being made robotics, and on this point as a national security imperative. That commitment he is succinct: if the United States wants to scale ship- is re