- ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki has been awarded the 2025 Silver Bell Award by The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) for his exceptional service to the maritime industry.
- The honor recognizes Wiernicki’s dedication to improving safety, upholding dignity, and protecting the lives of mariners worldwide.
- The award was presented at SCI’s 47th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner in New York City, attended by over 600 maritime professionals.
Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), has been honored with the 2025 Silver Bell Award by The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI). The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and lifelong service in advancing the maritime industry, particularly in areas of safety and seafarer welfare.
Recognizing the People Behind Maritime Progress
In a heartfelt speech delivered at the awards ceremony in New York City, Wiernicki emphasized the human dimension of maritime safety. “Safety is not just about procedures—it’s about people,” he said. “Seafarers are the unsung heroes of global trade, and this award is a tribute to their resilience, dedication, and the critical role they play in powering the world’s economy.”
Wiernicki underscored that behind every safe voyage are the lives, families, and futures being protected—calling for continued industry commitment to ensure seafarers’ safety and dignity.
The Seamen’s Church Institute’s Enduring Legacy
Founded nearly two centuries ago, SCI is a prominent maritime charity headquartered in New York. It partners with the maritime sector to improve the working and living conditions of seafarers and mariners, providing support both in the U.S. and internationally. The Silver Bell Award, now in its 47th year, is one of the organization’s most prestigious recognitions, celebrating leaders who have made significant contributions to maritime welfare.
A Milestone Moment in a Distinguished Career
The event, attended by over 600 guests from across the global maritime community, highlighted Wiernicki’s enduring influence in shaping a safer, more resilient maritime industry. His leadership at ABS has been marked by advocacy for innovation, classification excellence, and a people-first approach to safety at sea.
Wiernicki joins a legacy of industry icons who have received the Silver Bell Award—each recognized for advancing not only technical standards but also the human spirit of maritime service.
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Source: ABS
