Dr. Nikos Mikelis graduated in naval architecture from the University of Newcastle and obtained Master's and Doctorate degrees from University College, London University.

He has worked in ship classification; then for a shipping company as superintendent, technical manager and then director; and as an independent consultant. In 2006 he joined the International Maritime Organization, where currently he is Head, Marine Pollution Prevention and Ship Recycling in the Organization's Marine Environment Division.

In the past he has served as Council Member of INTERTANKO, Chairman of the "INTERTANKO Safety, Technical & Environmental Committee", member of the "Safety of Navigation & Protection of the Marine Environment Committee" of the Union of Greek Shipowners, and Chairman of the London Greek Technical Committee of Det norske Veritas.

He has written around 50 learned papers and numerous articles in the maritime press.

He is a freeman of the City of London.