“There are a lot of issues to deal with: Capt. Lasota and the criminalisation of seafarers being first, and this requires lots of leadership from many different people. We have to work together and collaborate, which has been especially important since the global pandemic commenced in March, and the industry was able to work together in the face of adversity get our seafarers home safely.

“InterManager’s Maritime Champions Club was one idea, which helped seafarers and their families, and helped ship and crew managers to understand where we are, what we do, and how we do things.

“The shipping industry is blessed with good people, and I am very proud to have worked in this industry for the past 35 years. I would like to thank all those people who helped me and who made me who I am today, and who have made it possible for me to receive this award. Thank you.”