New York, NY – July 28, 2025– The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is proud to announce that Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), will serve as the keynote speaker for NAMEPA’s 2025 Annual Conference, taking place October 30th at SUNY Maritime College in Bronx, New York. Mr. Wiernicki will also be honored with NAMEPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the evening’s Awards Dinner Program in recognition of his decades of visionary leadership and service to the maritime industry.
His keynote will analyze the foremost changes facing the global shipping community. In an era defined by regulatory transformation, digital innovation, geopolitical shifts, and urgent resiliency demands, Mr. Wiernicki will offer strategic insights into how maritime leaders can navigate uncertainty.
“Today’s maritime world is transforming rapidly,” said Carleen Lyden Walker, CEO of NAMEPA. “Chris Wiernicki’s leadership and depth of experience embody the spirit of progress NAMEPA champions. We are honored to welcome him as our keynote speaker and to celebrate his extraordinary industry impact with our Lifetime Achievement Award.”
“It is an honor to be recognized by NAMEPA and to contribute to this year’s conference. NAMEPA’s leadership in championing environmental stewardship and industry collaboration continues to support the drive for cleaner seas” stated Wiernicki. “This recognition reflects the shared commitment of many across our industry who are driving innovation in maritime operations. I am proud to be part of this community.”
Mr. Wiernicki is a naval architect, engineer, and respected industry leader with extensive expertise in marine and offshore design, safety management, technology, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and emissions reduction strategy. As Chairman and CEO of ABS and Chairman of ABS’ Affiliate Companies, he has guided one of the world’s leading classification societies through a period of transformative change. His public service includes time on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), and he has been recognized with prestigious honors including the Vice Admiral Emory S. “Jerry” Land Medal and the Admiral of the Ocean Seas Award. Most recently, he received the Silver Bell Award from the Seamen’s Church Institute. He holds degrees from Vanderbilt University, George Washington University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and has been inducted into several academic and professional halls of fame.
The NAMEPA Annual Conference convenes leaders from across the maritime spectrum — including commercial shipping, government, and academia — to explore the industry’s most pressing challenges and its path forward. The 2025 event will examine the convergence of regulatory pressure, technological disruption, and talent development, while celebrating those leading the charge in environmental protection, collaboration, and sustainability.
The day-long event will conclude with the Annual Marine Environment Protection Awards Dinner, recognizing companies, individuals, and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in marine environmental protection and stewardship — including the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Wiernicki.
About NAMEPA
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a maritime industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake, and river resources. For more information, visit www.namepa.net