Founded in 1990, ABS Group of Companies is a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Bureau of Shipping. The company offers risk management, environmental consulting and certification services to builders, owners and operators of ships and marine-related facilities. It is a holding company that provides legal, financial and human resource guidance and support to its subsidiaries. The company s management systems certification division provides environmental, quality, safety and social accountability certification to the businesses, industry and government agencies. Its consulting division offers rational engineering, science and technology-based solutions. The company also provides public and private training courses on environmental laws and regulations, hazardous wastes, and clean air and water. ABS Group of Companies is headquartered in Houston.