Sofia presented a paper at the International Congress of Maritime Arbitrators in Hong Kong. Her paper analysed the human rights and commercial implications that a ban on ransom payments to pirates could have on the shipping industry. Sofia's presentation was very well-received by representatives of the shipping industry and maritime arbitrators who agreed with the adverse impact that the ban could have on maritime interests. 

 Sofia's participation in the event was funded by an IAA Travel Award by Policy Bristol, a travel grant by the Alumni Foundation of the University of Bristol and the University of Bristol Law School.