V.Group Photography Competition unveils worthy winner

Last year we launched our very first photography competition and invited all colleagues to enter an image that told a story. We were overwhelmed with the number of photographs received and the high standard of entries. The competition was such a success that we decided to run it again this year. In the current climate, it’s never been more important to launch positive initiatives which serve as a welcome distraction for crew that have been working tirelessly in challenging conditions.

The theme of this year’s competition was Life at Sea/Teamwork and we asked entrants to send us a picture that depicted this theme in action.  Once again, our colleagues certainly didn’t disappoint, and we received more than 150 entries which included pictures of vessels, people, landscapes – each and every one telling a story in its own right.

It was incredibly difficult to choose a shortlist as it was clear that a lot of time and thought had gone into so many of the entries.  Once the final 22 were chosen, they were uploaded to the V.Group Instagram account where we asked our followers to cast their votes.

There was a clear winner – Hugo Clech, a Second Officer on the DHT China which is affiliated to V.Group’s office in France.  Hugo was awarded a $500 travel voucher from Global Marine Travel.  His photograph, depicting the DHT China’s captain and second mate having a boxing sparring session on deck, attracted an impressive 600 votes.

Talking about Hugo’s win, Regis Adnet, General Manager, V.Ships France SAS, commented:

“With so many amazing entries this year, I am delighted that the winner, Hugo Clech, is an officer on board the DHT China, which is affiliated to our Nantes office. Hugo’s image perfectly captured the spirit of teamwork which comes in to play on board a vessel, where the crew operate as one team at all times, even when enjoying some leisure time. It’s a fantastic image and a worthy winner of our photo competition for 2020.”

Allan Falkenberg, CEO, Crew Management and Offshore, V.Ships, said:

“The last few months have been challenging for the V.Ships crew and for the seafaring community in general due to restrictions imposed by COVID-19. The photo competition has a been a positive initiative which has helped to drive engagement and provide a welcome distraction particularly for crew members who have been awaiting change. We’re delighted to have received so many contributions and the superb quality gave our judging panel a dilemma when selecting the shortlist. I’d like to thank all participants and those who voted on Instagram. My heartfelt congratulations go to all shortlisted entrants and our winner Hugo Clech.”

 

We also received positive feedback from other seafarers who had taken part in the competition:

“I would like to thank V.Group for organising such a good photo competition. Now I have an opportunity to put my old camera to good use again. With all this COVID-19 business, there is no more shore leave at ports and, as a result, no photography – well, only sunrises and sunsets at sea ;)”

Sergei Zinovjev, Able Seaman on board Clipper Brunello (Dania Ship Management)

 

“Working with different nationalities is always a challenge for everyone but, once we embark onboard, all seems normal and friendly and all adapt inherently.  Thanks for your endeavours to encourage the sailing sea staff skills in photography.”

Shashi Kumar, 2^nd Officer, DHT Sundarbans (under V.Ships France)

 

“It’s a really nice activity for all the seafarers around the world, keeping in mind the safety aspect as well.  I really loved spending time clicking photos and participating in the competition.”

Fahad Bhombal, Deck Cadet, MV Sirocco (V.Ships Mumbai)

 

When there is no shore leave due to COVID-19, taking photos is what best we can do stay positive.
Clifton Michael Pereira, Third Engineer, MT Olmeca (V.Ships Mumbai)

 

My pictures reflect ship staff standing with high moral in this  global COVID-19 pandemic, challenging times which will surely pass, and all sailing staff continue with professionalism and patience during this demanding period.”

Capt. Kulvir Singh, Master, MT Leyla K (V.Ships Mumbai)

 

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to enter the competition and to those that cast a vote. To view all the shortlisted entries, please visit our Instagram account: v.group_official.

 Ends