Captain Irakli Sharabidze, PhD (born 28 January 1976) is a distinguished Georgian maritime professional, academic leader, and international maritime expert with over two decades of experience in maritime navigation, maritime governance, and maritime education.

He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Meridian Maritime Training Center (since 21 February 2022) and as a Professor at Batumi State Maritime Academy, contributing to the development of modern maritime education and professional training systems for seafarers.

From 2012 to 2022, Captain Sharabidze served as Rector of Batumi State Maritime Academy, where he led the strategic development and modernization of maritime education in Georgia. Under his leadership, the academy strengthened its international partnerships, improved training standards in accordance with IMO and STCW conventions, and expanded professional education programs for seafarers.

Earlier, he held the position of Deputy Director of the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia (2010–2012) under the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, where he contributed to the development of maritime legislation, port supervision, and the implementation of international maritime regulatory frameworks.

Captain Sharabidze has extensive professional experience in the global shipping industry. He served as Captain on internationally managed vessels, as well as Chief Officer, Second Officer, and Third Officer during his seafaring career. In addition, he held shore-based leadership positions including Marine Superintendent and Internal ISM/ISPS Auditor, responsible for crew training, vessel inspections, and maritime safety management systems.

He completed his maritime education at Batumi Maritime College (1990–1994) and Batumi State Maritime Academy (1994–2002), specializing in Marine Navigation. In 2016, he earned a Doctor Degree (PhD) from Georgian Technical University, with research focused on innovative technologies for extracting hydrogen sulfide from the Black Sea and its potential applications in energy production.

Captain Sharabidze is the author and co-author of more than 20 scientific publications, including research indexed in international academic databases, covering topics such as maritime transport systems, marine energy technologies, port infrastructure development, and environmental challenges in the Black Sea region. He also holds two registered patents issued by the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (SAKPATENT).

He actively participates in international maritime cooperation and professional organizations. Throughout his career, he has taken part in numerous international conferences, IMO assemblies, and maritime training programs across Europe and beyond.

For his significant contribution to maritime education and the training of professional seafarers, Captain Sharabidze has received national and international recognitions, including a Certificate of Honor for outstanding contribution to maritime education and seafarer training.

With a unique combination of academic leadership, maritime governance experience, and professional seafaring background, Captain Sharabidze continues to contribute to the advancement of maritime education, maritime safety, and the global competitiveness of seafarers.