Photo Competition for Seafarers 2024

59 seafarers in this year's Danish photo competition

In 2024, 59 seafarers submitted 298 images to the photo competition. This is about the same number as in 2022, when we received 283 images from 50 seafarers.

The judges were Royal Arctic Line's chief officer Kim Eggers, photography teacher Jens Kostrup, and photographer Olle Thorup.

This is the second year we have found winners in the four categories: Picture of the Year, Life on Board, Nature, and Maritime Environment. In addition, a photo that stands out in the judges' opinion is chosen. 

The judges were pleased with this year's selection of images and said:

“We were pleased to see photos with crew members depicting life on board, both during working hours and after hours. Overall, the quality of the pictures is high, and they have varying subjects. Geographically, the photos also range widely. You experience the diversity of maritime life.  This year, we have received photos from previous contributors, and new ones have been added. This year we have also received images representing the educational environment, and we are pleased that the interest in documenting life at sea with all its facets is also present in the next generation."

SEA HEALTH & WELFARE thanks all participants for the great photos, which you can see on the website. We hope the photos will inspire others to participate in the 2025 competition, to which you can already submit photos now. Read how to submit photos here.  

The prize for Photo of the Year is a gift worth DKK 4.000 sponsored by The Danish Maritime Fund. 

We share all photos with the foundation which uses the photos on their website and other social media.

Tap the picture to see it in a larger version.

Photo of the Year in The Danish Photo Competition for Seafarers 2024
Photographer: 4th officer Frederic E.H. Vernersen, GEORG STAGE

Title: "Lady and the Tramp"

We have chosen “Lady and the Tramp” because it combines a great technique with a lovely atmosphere. The photo makes you smile because it is filled with joy, spreading a positive mood to the viewer.

Prize: A gift worth DKK 4,000 sponsored by Den Danske Maritime Fond (The Danish Maritime Fund) 

We asked Frederic how he takes photos, and this is what he answered:

Where was your photo taken?
The photo was taken on the training ship GEORG STAGE at the galley on the main deck.

Why did you take the photo?
When I told the students about the photo competition, suddenly, there were a lot of good ideas for how we could depict life on board in a creative way—and it was the picture with the menu we chose to go with.

Did you expect to win an award?
I didn't expect to win, but I thought the image was so good that there might be a chance.

How often do you take pictures?
I take pictures every time I'm out sailing, but I also take many pictures at home—almost daily.

What type of camera do you use?
Sony a7 iv, lens: Sony FE4 24-105 mm

Life on Board

Photo of the Year in The Danish Photo Competition for Seafarers 2024
Photographer: 4th officer Frederic E.H. Vernersen, GEORG STAGE

Title: "Lady and the Tramp"

We have chosen “Lady and the Tramp” because it combines a great technique with a lovely atmosphere. The photo makes you smile because it is filled with joy, spreading a positive mood to the viewer.

 Prize: A gift worth DKK 1,000 

Nature
Title: "The World at my Feet"

Photographer: Chief engineer Rune Pedersen, MALERAQ ARCTICA

The photographer has “seen” a breathtaking "picture" he wants to share with the rest of us. We are high up and experience a fantastic perspective. Upon close inspection, the small stones at the photographer's feet become houses in a Greenlandic settlement. It all becomes possible in the clear Arctic light.

Prize: A gift worth DKK 1,000  

We asked Rune how he takes photos, and this is what he answered: 

Where was your photo taken?
The photo was taken in Ukkusissat, which is a small Greenlandic settlement with 155 inhabitants located in the Uummannaq fjord.

Why did you take the photo?
A few of us needed to get some air away from the ship. The weather was great, so we went for a walk on the mountain to enjoy the view of the settlement and the ship.

Did you expect to win a prize?
No, definitely not, but it's a nice picture that I think puts the ship and life in perspective.

How often do you take pictures? 
At work I mostly take pictures to update our Facebook group “Friends of MALERAQ ARCTICA”. There are many people at home who enjoy being able to keep up with what we're up to.

What type of camera do you use? 
iPhone 15 Pro.

The Maritime Environment
Title: "The Meeting"

Photographer: Chief steward Flemming Hemdorff, GEORG STAGE

The photo is a dramatic clash of eras—new and old. It invites a conversation about the new and the old: What is beautiful, and what is ugly? What is sustainable, and what is not?

Prize: A gift worth DKK 1,000  

We asked Flemming how he takes photos, and this is what he answered: 

Where was your picture taken? 
In the Baltic Sea.

Why did you take the photo?
I just saw a great subject.

Did you expect to win an award?
I was hoping to be considered as I thought it was a great picture myself.

How often do you take photos? / What type of camera do you use?
I take a lot of pictures. Unfortunately, my normal camera is broken, so this was taken with my iPhone 12 Mini.

"The Joker" - the photo that stands out
The title: "Tight Quarters"

Photographer: 3rd engineer Esben Fræer, MALIK ARCTICA

The machinist crawled into hiding. Is he napping or working? And if so, what is he doing? This image calls to the imagination—what's going on here?

Prize : A gift worth DKK 500 

We asked Esben how he takes photos, and this is what he answered:

Where was your photo taken?
The photo was taken in the engine of the MALIK ARCTICA, during a lay-up in the Port of Aalborg.

Why did you take the photo?
I thought it looked so funny with the engineer's legs sticking out from the slightly inaccessible place.

Did you expect to win an award?
No, I don't expect that kind of thing; otherwise, you would often run around and be disappointed.

How often do you take photos?
I like to take pictures when we're not too busy on board. It's only occasionally that I succeed.

What type of camera do you use?
I use a mirrorless Olympus with a few different lenses. I like to use old lenses; they can often give some fun effects. Sometimes, I use my cell phone. The best camera is always the one you have with you when the right subject suddenly presents itself.

In the running in the category Life on board
Title: "Craftsmanship"

Photographer: 4th officer Frederic E.H. Vernersen, GEORG STAGE

In the running in the category Life on board
Title: "Chief Steward Fishing"

Photographer: 4th officer Henrik Houkjær Jonsson, DANMARK

In the running in the category Nature
Title: "Ship dogs"

Photographer: Chief Officer Jens Birk Christensen, NANOQ ARCTICA

In the running in the category Nature
Title: "Sea Smoke Morning"

Photographer: Captain Brian Sørensen, LAURA MÆRSK

In the running in the category Nature
Title: "Power of the Night Sky"

Photographer: Master Jorge Zermeno, TORM DISCOVERER

In the running in the category Nature
Title: "The Kraken"

Photographer: Chief mate Marcus MacDonald, SKANDI HANDLER

In the running in the category The Maritime Environment
Title: "Waiting"

Photographer: Engineer Xiao Lei, MAREN MÆRSK

In the running in the category The Maritime Environment
Title: "The Fanø Ferry"

Photographer: AB Lars Klitaggard, The Fanø Ferry

In the running in the category The Maritime Environment
Title: "The Perfect Light Symmetry"

Photographer: Second officer Alrio Niño Corona, ELEONORA MÆRSK

In the running in the category The Maritime Environment 
Title: "After a long day's work in Esbjerg"

Photographer: Chief mate Marcus MacDonald, SKANDI HANDLER

In the running in the category The Maritime Environment
Title: "Anchor Chain Locker"

Photographer: Chief officer Karl Paolo B. Dote, NORD VOLANTE