Former ABS chief Wiernicki named Chairman of SHIPPINGInsight Leadership Roundtable

Christopher Wiernicki, former Chairman and CEO of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), has been named Chairman of the SHIPPINGInsight Leadership Roundtable, an invitation-only forum bringing together senior maritime leaders to continue the conversation around the future of the U.S. maritime industry.

The Leadership Roundtable will take place October 14, 2026, in Houston, Texas, as part of SHIPPINGInsight PROJECT 2027: Catalyzing the U.S. Maritime Industry into Action. PROJECT 2027 will bring together leaders from across shipping, ports, shipbuilding, technology, energy, workforce development, finance, and government to focus on the challenges and opportunities involved in strengthening the U.S. maritime industry. Powered by AMIC (American Maritime Industrial Coalition), the output from both the Conference and the Leadership Roundtable will be a document containing industry's perspective on what needs to happen next to revitalise the US maritime industry.

As Chairman of the Leadership Roundtable, Mr. Wiernicki will guide a focused discussion among invited industry leaders, helping to build on the issues raised during the October 13 PROJECT 2027 program and move the conversation toward meaningful industry engagement. The Roundtable will feature two discussion sessions followed by a summary of key takeaways and next steps.

Mr. Wiernicki’s experience across classification, shipping, technology, academia, and corporate governance will provide a broad perspective as Roundtable participants examine the issues facing the U.S. maritime industry and identify areas where industry leadership and collaboration can help advance the goals of PROJECT 2027.

"We are honoured that Dr. Wiernicki has agreed to participate and guide our Leadership Roundtable," stated Carleen Lyden Walker, Chief Evolution Officer of SHIPPINGInsight and Co-Founder of AMIC. "Chris' visibility into the state of play in Washington DC and industry gives him a unique perspective on how to move forward on this matter of national, economic and energy security."

The Leadership Roundtable represents the second phase of PROJECT 2027's broader conversation. The October 13 program will bring together maritime stakeholders for discussions focused on U.S. maritime priorities, cargo and infrastructure, the U.S.-flag fleet, shipbuilding, workforce, investment, innovation and other elements of maritime revitalization. The following day's invitation-only Roundtable will provide an opportunity for industry leaders to continue those discussions in a more focused setting.

For more information and to register for SHIPPINGInsight 2026, visit www.shippinginsight.com.