Company: ABS, Orka Informatics
Business Type: Marine Technology
UK & International Business Sales and M&A News
ABS has signed an agreement to purchase the MetaSHIP intellectual property and related vessel simulator software assets from Orka Informatics, as part of the strategic growth plan for ABS Training Solutions, in a bid to deliver immersive, next-generation training at scale to the maritime industry.
Orka Informatics is a research and development company established in 2011 when a group of engineers, mariners, 3D artists, and software developers worked to develop Project DERIN (Realist and Innovative Forms in Marine Industry Training), a training system that includes online, computer-based, and virtual reality simulation systems.
Under the leadership of its founder Levent Şen, the company continues to develop advanced simulation, clones, and learning technologies, primarily for the maritime industry. Its technologies include MetaSHIP, ODENES, and NSBA, setting new standards in immersive learning, measurable assessment, and digital transformation.
MetaSHIP is a digital universe covering digitised vessels, ports, waterways, and shipyards where users experience complex systems of life and operations onboard. It offers 3D vessel models in game-based training that cover commercial operational paths like bunkering areas, and loading-discharging ports, and provision supply zones. Maritime classification companies, certification agencies, ship management companies and maritime universities can train their professionals, interns and students in the MetaSHIP world before even setting foot on a real ship.
The ODENES platform, also included in the acquisition and part of MetaSHIP, tracks training completions and generates reports. Navigational Skill and Behavioral Assessment, another component of MetaSHIP, is a specific simulation used for measuring the performance of maritime personnel, designed to evaluate and enhance the operational skills and behaviors of users.
Levent Şen, Innovator of MetaSHIP, said:
“MetaSHIP began as an idea to democratize access to maritime training, to make learning as immersive, realistic, and accessible as possible. Seeing it evolve into a technology that will now empower seafarers around the world under ABS’ leadership is incredibly rewarding.”
Levent Şen – Innovator of MetaSHIP
Founded in 1862, ABS is a global leader in providing classification, certification and verification services for marine and offshore assets. The company continues to innovate in the fields of clean technology, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, providing technical advisory services. With a global network of surveyors, engineers, technology specialists and support staff, ABS works with industry leaders, including its members and clients around the world, to improve safety in operational performance and efficiency with innovative solutions for the complete life cycle of marine and offshore assets.
The acquisition, subject to Turkish regulatory approval, will allow ABS to expand its highly realistic digital training program, which can be delivered on board, in port or at home, as well as in a global network of high-tech ABS learning centers in Qatar, Greece and Singapore.
Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, commented:
“Ultimately, the global maritime workforce must be equipped not only to understand new operating technologies, but to manage the transition itself, navigating hybrid systems, evolving safety standards and dynamic regulatory environments. Investment in advanced training that delivers true competence rather than minimum standards is not optional; it is a strategic imperative for fleet safety and resilience, environmental compliance and global maritime competitiveness.
“ABS is leading the way for our industry by equipping ourselves to deliver critical training at scale and pace, which shipping will certainly need to meet the challenging skills gap. By redefining training with world class tools and immersive techniques, our technology-focused approach allows students to spend many hours studying vessel operations without ever stepping foot on board.”
Christopher J. Wiernicki – ABS Chairman and CEO
ABS has appointed Campbell Smith as Senior Vice President of ABS Training Solutions to lead expansion of its pioneering maritime training solutions that harness the potential of immersive courses that can be delivered anywhere.
John McDonald, ABS President and COO, concluded:
“Campbell Smith’s appointment signals ABS’ commitment to delivering training solutions that meet this urgent need. ABS sits at the intersection of regulation, technology and operational safety and is well equipped to support the industry with the tools and insight to operate safely in an increasingly complex environment.”
John McDonald – ABS President and COO
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