Award recognises and encourages the next generation of maritime professionals

The Nautical Institute is calling on all maritime students and cadets to put themselves forward for nomination for the 2026 Lüddeke Prize, an annual award celebrating achievement, professionalism and commitment among the next generation of maritime professionals.

Entries are open until 27 November 2026.

The prize commemorates Captain Christof Ferdinand Lüddeke FNI, a master mariner with a distinguished seagoing career who went on to become a respected author and legal expert in maritime claims.

His commitment to professional integrity, clarity of practice and maritime education continues through an award designed to encourage young people beginning their careers in the industry and recognise those demonstrating the qualities on which the future of the maritime profession depends.

Captain John Lloyd FNI, Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute, said: “The maritime industry will depend on a new generation of professionals who are technically capable, committed to learning and prepared to take responsibility throughout their careers.

“The Lüddeke Prize gives us an opportunity to recognise people at the beginning of that journey. It celebrates achievement, but it also reflects Captain Lüddeke’s belief in education, professional standards and the importance of continuing to develop throughout a maritime career.

“We would encourage maritime students from around the world to take part and give us an insight into their ambitions, their experiences and the contribution they hope to make to our industry.”

The international nature of the prize was reflected in the 2025 awards, when John Emmanuel Espiritu of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific and IMEC in the Philippines was named winner, with Danny Christian Jumayao of John B Lacson Colleges Foundation in the Philippines and Cadet MD Mehedi Hasan of Bangladesh Maritime University named joint runners-up.

Reflecting on receiving the 2025 prize, John Emmanuel Espiritu said: “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.”

Joint runner-up Danny Christian Jumayao encouraged other maritime students to continue pursuing their ambitions: “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.”

Cadet MD Mehedi Hasan added: “Receiving The Nautical Institute Maritime Student of the Year – Lüddeke Prize 2025 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.”

Applications for the 2026 Lüddeke Prize close on 27 November 2026.