The British Tugowners Association (BTA) is delighted to announce that nominations for the 2025 Tug Trainee of the Year Award are now open.

The BTA’s Tug Trainee of the Year Award, kindly sponsored for Sanmar Shipyards, is now live and open for nominations, and will award its the recipient at the BTA’s Annual Conference and Dinner in May 2025.

The BTA was delighted to present its inaugural Tug Trainee of the Year Award to Paul Buckley from Boluda Towage Europe at the Annual Conference. The award honoured Paul’s excellence, determination, and ability to overcome adversity. The judging panel was greatly impressed by Paul’s dedication and proactive approach to his training.

The BTA wishes to celebrate and honour trainees, and recently certificated candidates working in the UK towage sector who have shown exceptional dedication and attitude to their learning and career development.

Whether displaying academic or professional excellence, demonstrating determination or resilience, or overcoming personal difficulties or adversity, the BTA is looking for nominations across its membership from towage operators, crewing agencies, or training providers and colleges for suitable candidates.

Full details of the terms of eligibility and scope of the award can be viewed via the form attached below.

Nominations and guidance are being provided through partnership with the Marine Society and Sea Cadets (MSSC).

Nominations will remain open until 31 December 2024

Towage is vital and critically important to the current and future prosperity of the UK, and trainees, whether pursuing a career in towage to remain in the small vessel sector or continue on their certification progression to Master or Chief Engineer Unlimited, deserve recognition and praise for their efforts.

Ruchan Civgin, Commercial Director of Sanmar Shipyards, commented:

“We at Sanmar are delighted to be sponsoring the British Tugowners Association’s Tug Trainee of the Year Award. The tug and towage industry are going through significant changes and the people currently undergoing training and who will join in years to come, are a vital part of our industry’s future.

The skills and knowledge they are learning will drive forward the fundamental changes that will lead us to a safer, cleaner, and sustainable tug and towing industry. They have an exciting future ahead of them and we at Sanmar are proud to support the BTA through recognising future talent and leading the way ahead.”

Queries should be directed to Robert Merrylees, rmerrylees@ukchamberofshipping.com.