The evening event for February 2025 was concluded, where:
Stela Spiraj, Senior Regulatory Affairs Engineer ABS
George Nikolaidis, Regulatory Affairs Engineer ABS
made a presentation on the topic of:
“From Maritime Incidents to Ship Regulations, ABS Regulatory Affairs”
Presentation Summary:
The shipping regulatory framework can be complex, as it is subject to a wide range of international, national, and regional laws, regulations, and industry standards.
In today's rapidly evolving maritime industry, the importance of safety and security cannot be overstated.
This presentation will explore the critical lessons learned from two significant safety incidents and their impact on maritime regulations, specifically the SOLAS Convention. Additionally, we will examine a cyber security incident that revealed vulnerabilities in systems, prompting a reevaluation of cyber safety measures in maritime operations.
By analyzing these incidents, we aim to showcase how real-world challenges lead to enhanced regulations, ultimately fostering a safer and more secure maritime environment for all.
About the Speakers:
Mrs. Stela Spiraj is a naval architect and marine engineer with nine years of experience in the shipping industry. In 2022, Stela joined ABS as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Engineer and serves as the ABS representative on the IACS Safety Panel. She holds a Master of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Stela is skilled at communicating effectively to address the challenges of maritime regulations.
Mr. George Nikolaidis holds a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens. As part of the EU-funded 'RETROFIT55' project, he developed a vessel performance monitoring tool utilizing machine learning techniques and authored several research papers on the subject. Currently, Mr. Nikolaidis works as a Regulatory Affairs Engineer at ABS, where he engages with flag administrations, monitors local regulatory requirements, and specializes in maritime cybersecurity regulations.
The presentation can be found below: