The Mission to Seafarers announces winners of Seafarers Awards 2024

The Mission to Seafarers, a leading international seafarer welfare charity, has announced its international Seafarers Awards 2024 winners. This year’s prestigious awards ceremony, held on 11 October 2024 at the Fairmont Singapore Hotel, Singapore once again highlighted the vital role of seafarers and those dedicated to improving their welfare.

Now in its seventh year, the Seafarers Awards have become a cornerstone of the Singapore and world maritime calendar, showcasing the industry's unwavering commitment to recognising and celebrating the extraordinary efforts made by individuals and organisations in support of seafarers. The evening brought together maritime professionals from across the globe, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and appreciation for the seafarers who form the backbone of the maritime industry.

The Mission to Seafarers extends its gratitude to all sponsors for their support in making this event possible. Special thanks go to Founding Gold Sponsors Shell and BHP, Gold Sponsor PIL, Silver Sponsors Bureau Veritas, NorthStandard, Singapore Association of Seamen (SOS), ASP Ships Group, Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), West of England P&I Club, Fleet Management Limited, Reception Drinks Sponsor Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW), and Videography Sponsor Bahri Ship Management.

This year’s Awards ceremony marked the inaugural event for the Mission’s new Secretary General, The Venerable Dr. Peter Rouch, and did not disappoint. As with the previous year, 500 guests gathered, eagerly anticipating how the night would unfold and were entertained by homegrown talent between the awards. With an estimated combined value of S$16,000, the coveted raffle prizes included Formula 1 Grand Prix tickets, dining vouchers for Michelin Star restaurants, a 5-star luxury stay in Bali, and more. These prizes highlighted the significant value both industry insiders and supporters place on the work of the Mission and the seafarers they serve.

Congratulations to the winners of the Seafarers Awards Singapore 2024:

Seafarer Award – The seafarer who has made a significant contribution to welfare at sea.

• Winner: Captain Reda Elnadoury, Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG

• Highly Commended: Mahdi Pakzad, Researcher & Senior Marine Engineer Officer, Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) Group

Shore-based Award – The shore-based person who has made a significant contribution to seafarers’ welfare.

• Winner: Revd. Un Tay, Principal Chaplain, The Mission to Seafarers – Sydney, Australia

Cadet Award – The Cadet or Trainee who has made a significant contribution to seafarers’ welfare at sea or ashore.

• Winner: Christalove Agyin-Ayetse, Apprentice Deck Officer, Hafnia

• Highly Commended: Denvergil Morin, Deck Cadet, Saltgate Shipmanagement

Innovation Award – The company that has embraced a new programme, project, or training which has enhanced seafarers’ welfare.

• Winner: Bigyellowfish

Rescue Award - The Captain or Crew who has coordinated a successful rescue operation to save lives at sea.

• Winner: Captain Deepak Sharma, Master of MV True Confidence, Fleet Management Limited

• Highly Commended: The Crew of the Hafnia Petrel - Hafnia

Secretary General Award – The person or company who has shown sustained efforts to improve seafarers’ welfare at sea or ashore.

• Co-Winner: Captain Belal Ahmed, Chairman of the International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC) and Managing Director at Western Shipping Pte Ltd, and

• Co-Winner: Peter Lye, Executive Head of Marketing - Shipping & Safety, Anglo American Shipping Pte Ltd

Jan Webber, Director of Development at The Mission to Seafarers, said: “This year's Seafarers Awards highlights the profound dedication and remarkable achievements of those who tirelessly support seafarers’ welfare. The diverse and impactful contributions of our winners underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to address the evolving challenges faced by seafarers. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and commend everyone who has been nominated. We also thank the Sponsors and supporting companies who support this event.”

Teng Huar Lee, General Manager, Shipping and Maritime, Asia Pacific Middle East, Shell, commented: “We’re delighted to continue supporting the meaningful work of The Mission to Seafarers. By prioritising the wellbeing and safety of our seafarers, we are recognizing the importance of these unsung heroes and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our maritime industry. I urge the maritime industry to collaborate deeply to create a safer and more supportive environment for our seafaring community.”

Rashpal Bhatti, Group Procurement Officer for BHP, added: “Seafarers are the silent guardians of the global economy. Their courage and resilience make possible the trade that fuels our lives. We are so grateful and would like to thank them for their dedication and commitment.”

Lars Kastrup, CEO for Pacific International Lines (PIL), remarked: “At PIL, we are deeply committed to the welfare and development of our seafarers and we are proud to support the Mission to Seafarers. PIL actively fosters a positive shipboard culture, provides amenities such as high-speed internet access, mental health support, as well as quality accommodation and food to improve the quality of life of Seafarers.

“Our PIL Academy trains and nurtures the capabilities of our seafarers in tandem with technology advances, and promotes career growth that will help to attract the next generation of seafarers. We are therefore delighted to be the Gold Sponsor and present the Cadet award to grow the industry.”

The Mission is equally thankful to all who donated the sought-after raffle prizes, including Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Intriq Journey, ATPI Singapore, JAG Restaurant, Anglo American, Singapore Polo ClubThe British Club, , ASP Crew Management, , , , Willow, Mag’s Wine Kitchen, Fullerton Bay Hotel, and Fairmont Singapore Hotel, as well as Capt. Mike Meade from the Nautical Institute and Capt. Frederick Francis from The Mission to Seafarers Singapore.