We hosted our annual Seafarers’ Awards, Singapore on Friday 6th November, for the first time in an online ceremony. The welfare of seafarers has become an acute concern during the Covid-19 pandemic, and one which has been particularly exacerbated by the difficulties in crew changes.
The five awards given to individuals and organisations recognised the significant contribution made to seafarer’s welfare over the past year. The judges received many high quality nominations and all the winners were very well deserved.
Proceedings were opened by Capt Rob Walker, Chairman, The Mission to Seafarers Singapore, who spoke of the challenges of the industry this year and the need for welfare and support for seafarers and families, both at sea and on shore.
Announced by a range of respected industry figures, the winners of the five categories were as follows:
Seafarer’s Award – The seafarer who has made a significant contribution to welfare at sea (presented by Rashpal Bhatti, VP, Maritime & Supply Chain Excellence, BHP Billiton Marketing Asia Pte Ltd)
Winner: Capt. Jaswinder Singh, Fleet Management Ltd
Highly Commended: Capt Vinod Kumar, ASP Ships Group
Shore-based Award – The shore-based person who has made a significant contribution to seafarers’ welfare (presented by Nick Potter, General Manager, Shipping & Maritime, Asia Pacific Middle East at Shell Trading)
Winner: Bjørn Højgaard, Anglo-Eastern Univan Group
Innovation Award – For the company who has embraced a new programme, project or training which has enhanced seafarers’ welfare (presented by Capt Mike Meade – CEO M3Marine, Councillor of SSA and VP of Nautical Institute)
Winner: Thome Group
Highly Commended: North of England P&I Club
Cadet Award – for the Cadet or Trainee who has made a significant contribution to seafarers’ welfare at sea or ashore (presented by Esben Poulsson, Chairman ICS, Vice President Mission to Seafarers)
Winner: Jarin Chowdhury, ASP Ships Group
Secretary General Award – The person or company who has shown sustained efforts to improve seafarers’ welfare at sea or ashore (presented by Soon Kok, Chaplain Singapore)
Winner: Frank Coles, Wallem Group
Highly Commended: Elizabeth Bleynat, former Mission to Seafarers intern
Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers, said:
“It has been a dramatic and unprecedented year for the maritime industry. We are all acutely aware of the significant challenges and difficulties that seafarers have faced. Thanks to all who provided nominations – the level and quality of applications was outstanding. We salute the heroism of seafarers and we salute too all those who have stood alongside them and advocated on their behalf in the midst of these dark times. We will also continue to argue for the universal recognition of our own maritime welfare frontline workers as a vital resource for seafarers.”
“We would also like to thank our award judges, Esben Poulsson, Jim Moran, Mike Meade and Marlon Rono, for their time in judging the awards.”
Captain Rob Walker, Chairman of MtS Singapore, added:
“This year has been one of significant challenge across the world and The Mission has adapted quickly to provide the variety of support needed all around the world during such a difficult time and under different regional restrictions. The support we have received from our regular partners and the generosity we have witnessed through extraordinary donations from corporate entities and individuals has been tremendous and thank everyone for their support of our mission but also of our seafarers.”
Thanks go to all our sponsors who made this event possible, particularly Wallem Group which sponsored the glass awards presented to our winners.
The next Singapore Seafarers Awards Dinner in 2021 will take place on 6 November 2021 at Singapore’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It is supported by gold sponsors Shell and BHP, along with silver sponsors North P&I, SOS, SMOU, and Bureau Veritas. The event will open with a drink reception sponsored by HFW.
After months of limited social engagements, we anticipate the event being popular with both the Singapore and International maritime community. We are welcoming nominations for the awards.
Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers, said:
“If you know a colleague, crewmate, seafarer, or perhaps a member of shore staff who cares and contributes to the wellbeing of our seafarers, we want to hear from you. This is an opportunity to acknowledge those who have gone the extra mile in supporting those who work far from home in one of the most unhospitable environments during some of the most challenging circumstances we have known.”
For more details on booking a table for the awards, download the flyer here.
Nomination forms for the majority of the Mission Awards are available to download here.
The Innovation Award form is separate and is available to download here.
The deadline for applications is Friday 3 September 2021. Please return to events@missiontoseafarers.org
