ABS and UNITED WATERWAYS (UW) have signed a letter of intent to create a joint venture with River Academy, UW's training and education unit. This partnership aims to improve crew skills and qualifications in the European inland barge, river cruise, and coastal vessel sectors.
The collaboration will boost workforce readiness as European operators adapt to new safety and decarbonization standards in cruise, freight, and ferry transportation. The training programs are designed to meet recognized regional and national standards, ensuring high-quality skills management for inland navigation crews.
This initiative responds to the strong demand for fully licensed navigation officers across a global fleet of over 16,000 vessels. A key feature of the program is the ocean to river program, which started in 2025. This successful program allows experienced ocean officers to transition to river vessels through a structured two-year training path that prepares them for captain roles on river ships, thereby increasing the talent pool and enhancing workforce readiness in the sector.
“River Academy has built a strong reputation for training the skilled crews that this industry relies on. We are excited to collaborate with UNITED WATERWAYS to continue this legacy. This partnership positions ABS as a top provider of maritime training in the European inland sector and underscores our commitment to safety, acting as a trusted advisor to the maritime community,” stated Campbell Smith, ABS Senior Vice President, Training Solutions.
“UNITED WATERWAYS understands that crew competence is crucial for operational excellence in the European river and inland cruising sector. With River Academy’s strong training capabilities and ABS’s expertise in maritime safety and performance, this joint venture is well placed to support the inland cruising industry and help meet the rising demand for qualified crews,” said Ivan Winterhalder, Managing Director of River Academy.
Leading shipowners and operators are choosing ABS for crew training to boost operational safety and performance. ABS Training Solutions offers a specialized curriculum that addresses the technical, operational, and management needs of marine and offshore industries, including new technologies, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment programs. Training is available on demand, online, or in person, utilizing advanced learning environments that feature immersive techniques such as game-based learning and computer simulations. These programs prepare seafarers around the world to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing industry, emphasizing safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency.