Synergy's Photo, Video and Essay Contest 2025
Photos
Under two categories, the winning entries were as follows:
Our Ocean, Our Future
Showcasing sustainability and conservation in shipping, eco-friendly practices, and marine preservation.
Winner
C/CK Felix Antony Berlin
MT POINT LISAS
Runner-up
O/S Sunil Bari
MT PLATINUM JUBILEE
Silent Guardians
Highlighting essential but often overlooked maritime roles.
Winner
M/M Arun Kunhipurayil
MT BW TYR
Runner-up
Capt. Ronald B
MV SAKIZAYA CHAMPION
Videos
Strength in Unity
Celebrating teamwork, camaraderie, and collective spirit at sea.
Winner
Capt. Sandeep Singh
MT GH MADISON
Runner-up
A/B Sameer Shankar Devlekar
MV GENCO ENDEAVOUR
Essays
2025 Essay Contest Winners
This year’s essay contest drew an overwhelming response, with over 200 entries submitted from across Synergy-managed vessels. As in previous years, the judging panel faced a rewarding but demanding task, evaluating entries across two themes that reflect pressing global maritime concerns. Each essay was judged on originality, clarity, structure, and the strength of insight. The depth of thought, diversity of perspectives, and level of engagement displayed across the fleet once again reaffirm our belief in the power of seafarer voices to shape industry discourse.
The 2025 essay themes were:
– Navigating the Shadow Fleet: The dark fleet introduces complexities in global shipping, affecting compliance, safety, and geopolitics. How can the industry and regulators tackle these challenges while ensuring fair and transparent trade?– Green Shipping in a Changing Political Climate: Political shifts and policy reversals create uncertainty for emissions regulations and carbon pricing. How should our industry stay committed to its sustainability goals? What role do innovation, financing, and regulatory frameworks play in securing a greener future?
The winning entries are featured below, and the full essays can be accessed via the “Read Essay” buttons
Green Shipping in a Changing Political Climate
Winner
Deck Cadet Ashish Ranjan
MT D&K ABDUL RAZZAK KHALID ZAID AL-KHALID
A confident narrative linking geopolitics and green transition, with thoughtful reflections on Synergy’s role.
Winner
Deck Cadet Sunita Nimjongjit
MT MAERSK CURACAO
A clear and compelling call for inclusive decarbonisation, highlighting those at risk of being left behind.
Runner-up
Chief Officer Jasneet Singh
MT SEVERN
Presented in spoken-word verse rather than traditional prose, this bold and humorous entry offers a satirical yet thoughtful take on decarbonisation and the politics of green shipping—highlighting how individual creativity can spark broader reflection.
Navigating the Shadow Fleet
Winner
Captain Tanuj Syal
MT MAERSK CORSICA
A tightly structured and insightful piece exploring crew-level responses to shadow fleet activity, from traceability to whistleblowing.
Runner-up
Deck Cadet Keshav Shandilya
MT PETITE SOEUR
A forthright, well-argued essay advocating stronger global governance and collaborative regulatory action.
