THE AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING (ABS), founded during Abraham Lincoln’s first term in 1862, has been inextricably linked to the Academy since its own establishment 85 years ago. The relationship, however, has never been stronger.

Maine Maritime Academy alumnus John McDonald ’93 was recently appointed Chairman and CEO of ABS. McDonald has indicated the intent to prioritize continued support of the Academy and to explore ways in which the two institutions might work together further. To learn more about how ABS and the Academy might collaborate more effectively, McDonald dispatched ABS Chief Technology Officer Patrick Ryan and ABS Chief Human Resources Officer Chuck Kemper to Castine in April.

Ryan and Kemper’s campus visit focused on understanding the Academy’s current training capabilities, strategic aspirations, and possible ways to strengthen the collaborative relationship between the two institutions.