Lüddeke Prize

Celebrating the maritime leaders of the future

We are proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 2025 Lüddeke Prize, Nautical Institute maritime student of the year.

This respected award celebrates the greatest achievement in maritime studies and recognises students who have demonstrated the highest standards of professional excellence, dedication and positive contribution during their maritime studies.

The prize was established through the generous grant from Captain Christof Lüddeke, a maritime leader whose career was defined by his integrity and persistent commitment to advancing the maritime profession. Captain Lüddeke believed in empowering future generations of seafarers and maritime professionals through education, sharing of knowledge and mentorship, values that fully align with The Nautical Institute’s mission.

Who can be nominated

The award is open to students who have excelled during their studies from:

The Nautical Institute Command Diploma Scheme
GlobalMET (a student nominated by a member of the GlobalMET community)
IAMI (a student nominated by a member of the IAMI community)
The World Maritime University (maritime or maritime-related studies)
Recognised maritime institutions with at least 10 Nautical Institute members among their student body

Prizes

First prize: Nautical Institute books valued up to £1,000 for the winner’s maritime institution, plus £250 in gift vouchers for the winning student.
Joint second prize (two awards): Nautical Institute books valued up to £500 for each runner-up’s institution, plus £100 in gift vouchers for each runner-up.

Selection criteria

Nominees should have:

Achieved excellence in their academic or practical maritime studies
Made a significant contribution to the extra-curricular activities of their institution

How to nominate

Nominations should be submitted via this online form:

Student's First Name *

Student's Last Name *

Student's Email Address *

Name and Address of Your Institution *

Your Name (Nominator) *

Your Email Address *

Your Position at the Institution *

Please describe how your nominee has achieved excellence in his or her academic or practical studies *

Please describe how your nominee has made an active contribution to the extra-curricular activities of his/her Institution *

All nominations must be endorsed by the Head of Centre, Principal, or Curriculum Leader of the nominating institution.

Nominations will be considered by a sub-committee appointed by The Nautical Institute and approved by the Institute’s Nominations Committee.

Key dates

Closing date for nominations: Friday 28 November 2025
Winners announced: Monday 2 February 2026

The Lüddeke Prize is more than an award...

It is a recognition of excellence in the future of the maritime profession.

We invite maritime educators and institutions worldwide to nominate their most outstanding students and help us celebrate the leaders of tomorrow.

Previous Winners

" I felt proud of myself when Capt. John Lloyd awarded me the prize personally. I am happy to be the first person from Albania to be awarded a honourable prize and I believe I am giving a good representation of my home country. What I want to say to cadets and maritime students as potential winners is try to make a professional network, learn from experienced fellows and at the same time engage in various discussion to show potential! "

Rei Misa: recent winner of the Lüddeke Prize and an alumnus of Liverpool John Moores University.

Join us today...