Lessons from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine about human sustainability is the theme of this year’s essay competition run by the non-profit Global Maritime Forum.

This fourth edition of the Future Maritime Leaders essay competition for writers aged between 18 and 30 will focus on the human aspect of the sustainability agenda to 2030, and how it impacts people both at sea and onshore.

“Human sustainability will be a strategic priority for the maritime industry,” said Christine Loh of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and chair of the competition judges.

“The essay competition is a unique opportunity for the industry and for maritime decision-makers to learn from leaders of the future and their ideas as to what we need to do to significantly improve on human sustainability.”

Contestants have to submit essays of no more than 1,000 words by 30 April, with the results announced in early August.

The winners will have the opportunity to go to New York in September for this year’s summit of the forum, which promotes the sustainable development of seaborne trade. The top 30 contributors will be invited to a strategy seminar on human sustainability in 2030.

Judges also include Shell’s Karrie Trauth; Steve Cotton, head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation; Rajesh Unni, founder of Synergy Marine; Seacor’s Oivind Lorentzen III; and past essay winner Camille Simbulan of AMOSUP.

“This is a unique opportunity which will give you the chance to engage with various industry leaders and influential decision-makers with your valuable views and contribute towards the enhancement of our industry,” said Pinak Dandapat of Eaglestar Marine, and one of the winners of the Future Maritime Leaders essay competition in 2021.

Competition details can be found on the Global Maritime Forum website.