Women in Maritime Today: ABS director Wei Huang encourages initiative taking

Wei Huang is ABS’s director for global offshore, and the market sector lead for OSVs. She has accumulated 27 years of engineering, technology and business development knowledge and experience, which she uses to deliver solutions to clients.

Dr Huang has a PhD in engineering, and started her maritime career in London, UK in the European division of the US classification society.

She then worked through the ranks, overcoming challenges as a working mum with young children, to become one of the most influential engineering and offshore leads in the industry. Dr Huang is a regular member of the advisory panel of Riviera’s Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Exhibition & Awards and produces insightful presentations at these conferences and those held in Singapore and Dubai. Being an industry leader, Riviera asked Dr Huang questions about her career and perspectives on the offshore and maritime sector.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the marine industry?

In my childhood, female scientist Marie Curie inspired me to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) studies. After received a PhD in engineering, I joined American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Europe division in London, providing engineering plan review and approval in 1998.

What are your responsibilities in your current role?

In my current role as ABS director for global offshore and the classification society’s OSV market-sector lead, I provide strategic insight and direction on changing market conditions that drive client initiatives and programmes within the sector, including support vessels to the oil and gas industry and the offshore windfarm sector.

“I provide strategic insight and direction on changing market conditions”

Was there anyone who inspired or encouraged you in your career?

In my career, mentors provided coaching and guidance. I had opportunities to gain broad experience in engineering and technology, now business development in delivering solutions to clients and learning from leadership examples.

What have been some of your biggest hurdles along the way?

I will not say these are hurdles. Managing the work-life balance was my biggest challenge as a working mum when my kids were young. Luckly, I received great support from my family, friends and colleagues. When I look back, this was a wonderful experience.

What do you see as the biggest challenges for your company and the maritime industry?

I see the biggest challenge for the maritime industry right now as being to attract talent to this industry and motivate them to develop skills embracing innovative technologies.

What would you say to young people thinking of a career in the maritime or offshore industries?

Be initiative-taking, know what you want while planning to push your boundaries, be willing to learn and look for new ways to make an impact.

At the Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference 2025, in London, UK, Dr Huang delivered a presentation on the latest offshore power and charging opportunities for a clean future. This included a summary of the main offshore charging concepts and applications, a review of the technology and its maturity, the capabilities, benefits and applications of the latest technology and the commercial and economic incentives for implementing them.