Each year The Nautical Institute remembers Captain Christof Ferdinand Lüddeke FNI when it announces the winners of the prestigious award instituted in his memory. As a master mariner with a distinguished sea-going career and a globally respected author and legal expert in maritime claims, it is highly fitting that his deep belief in professional integrity, clarity of practice, and the value of education lives on through this prize.

For the year 2025, The Nautical Institute can announce that the winner of the Lüddeke Prize is John Emmanuel Espiritu, MAAP & IMEC, Philippines, with joint runners-up, Danny Christian Jumayao, John B Lacson Colleges Foundation, Philippines and Cadet MD. Mehedi Hasan, Bangladesh Maritime University. It is particularly fitting that two of the three winners hail from the ‘seafaring capital of the world’ – The Philippines.

For John Emmanuel, the reward recognises not only his success but that of his country. “I am deeply grateful to be the recipient of the 2025 Lüddeke Prize by The Nautical Institute. This recognition is not just a personal achievement, rather a reflection of the lessons, values and standards set by the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific in shaping cadets to become world-class seafarers, contributing to the Philippines’ growing credibility in the global maritime industry.”

Fellow Filipino, Danny Christian, was joint runner-up and is also highly appreciative of his prize and has a message for all maritime students, “The Lüddeke Prize 2025 is one of the most beautiful plot twists in my journey – a blessing as I draw near the end of my academic chapter. Life will test and knock us down, but it is by choosing to stand up, keeping our faith in the Lord, and giving our best each day that dreams endure. To my fellow Filipino youth: a dream only becomes impossible the moment we stop chasing it -so fight for it.”

Sharing the runner-up prize is Cadet MD Mehedi Hasan, who studied at the Bangladesh Maritime University, “Receiving this prize is a profound honour for me. It affirms my commitment to professionalism, leadership and excellence at sea, and inspires me to serve the global maritime community with integrity, responsibility, and lifelong dedication to learning.”

Captain John Lloyd FNI, CEO of The Nautical Institute, said: “The Nautical Institute’s Lüddeke Prize highlights the important role of knowledge and leadership in shaping the future of maritime operations. I wholeheartedly congratulate this year’s nominees and winners for their outstanding contributions and thank our members and supporters for their commitment to learning, sharing best practice and promoting operational safety across the maritime community. Recognising Captain Lüddeke’s legacy, we encourage continued support in helping future generations of seafarers thrive.”

John Emmanuel was awarded £250 GBP in gift vouchers while the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific was awarded Nautical Institute books, up to a value of £1,000 GBP.  Meanwhile both Danny and Mehedi each received £100 GBP in gift vouchers, and their respective maritime institutions were awarded Nautical Institute books up to a value of £500 GBP.