Irakli Sharabidze
Captain Irakli Sharabidze
Master Mariner / Ph.D / Maritime Expert
Captain Irakli Sharabidze brings over 25 years of distinguished maritime experience both at sea and ashore. As a Master Mariner, Marine Superintendent, Internal Auditor, and academic leader, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of maritime education, training, and operational excellence in Georgia and beyond.
After serving at sea in various ranks up to Captain with leading international shipping companies, including Columbia Shipmanagement and Eastwind, Captain Sharabidze transitioned into shore-based leadership. He held the position of Marine Superintendent and Internal Auditor, responsible for crew training, shipboard safety, ISM/ISPS compliance, and internal vetting preparations.
In 2008, he was appointed General Director of ASP Crew Management Georgia Ltd, and later served as Deputy Director of the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia, where he contributed to national maritime development and port supervision.
From 2012 to 2022, he served as the Rector of Batumi State Maritime Academy, where he led institutional reforms, enhanced international partnerships, and modernized maritime training systems in alignment with IMO and EU standards.
Currently, Captain Sharabidze is the CEO and Co-Founder of Meridian Maritime Training Center and College, a leading institution focused on the training and retraining of seafarers, development of competency-based programs, and promotion of maritime safety culture. Under his leadership, the center has become a regional hub for excellence in maritime education and certification.
He holds a Doctorate in Mining and Geoengineering, a Master’s degree in Marine Navigation, and has authored numerous scientific papers on maritime operations, environmental challenges, and alternative fuel technologies.