The best in maritime journalism, literature and filmmaking has been celebrated at the Maritime Media Awards 2017.
More than 200 prominent members of the international maritime community and media gathered at the Institute of Directors in London to take part in the established annual event, now in its 22nd year.
The event, which was co-sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts, recognised those over the last year who have raised awareness of the importance of maritime affairs and the part the sea plays in the everyday life.
The Awards were presented by The First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC. The highest and most prestigious Maritime Fellowships were awarded to two individuals. Firstly, Ian Ballantyne, founder of Warships International Fleet Review for his unique role documenting the changing capabilities in navies throughout the world and for analysing the consequences for naval strategy.
Secondly, John Murray, Chief Executive of the Society of Maritime Industries for his consistent leadership delivering maritime industries back into national prominence.
The Judges’ Special Award for an outstanding contribution to raising maritime awareness was presented to the Sky News Science Team for their Ocean Rescue Campaign and their film Plastic Tide. While the Desmond Wettern Award for best maritime journalistic contribution went to Miranda Johnson of The Economist for her work investigating failures in ocean governance.
Further accolades included The Mountbatten Award for best maritime literary contribution was won by the late Reginald Cogswell for ‘Exeter – a Cruiser of the Medium Size’ a gripping account of action during the battle of the River Plate. The Donald Gosling Award for best Film and Documentary Award was won by Indian Films for their superbly made Vanishing Sail.
The First Sea Lord’s Digital Media Award went to British Antarctic Survey for their well-presented web site actively supported by digital media to promote public awareness in their work. The Desmond Wettern Fleet Award for best media communication was awarded to The RN Diving Squadron.
The event also marked the publication of Maritime 2017, with the theme “Can the Ocean recover?” a new magazine with wide-ranging article from across the maritime sector and the premiere of “Seaguard”, a short film about the national and international challenges of safeguarding the seas.
Admiral Sir Philip Jones, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said: “It’s wonderful to see the Maritime Media Awards continue to embrace new forms of media and the full breadth of our nation’s maritime interests.
“In just about every field – from ship brokering to ocean science – Britain remains at the centre of the maritime world. Meanwhile, with the impending arrival of the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, a new era has begun for the Royal Navy. Together, there is a huge opportunity for the UK to strengthen our nation’s security and prosperity, and to demonstrate international leadership.
“I’d like to congratulate our prize winners, together with all those nominated. We are truly fortunate to have so many diverse, creative and persuasive communicators to spread this message of maritime opportunity far and wide.”
Julian Parker OBE Chairman of the Maritime Foundation in rounding up the evening said: “Maritime awareness would not resonate throughout the world without media involvement. The Awards give recognition to those energetic contributors who have so successfully brought a more vital maritime dimension into our lives.”
The Maritime Media Awards Judging Committee includes a panel of 17 eminent maritime personalities.