A tidal wave of creative and critical thought among the next generation of maritime professionals has been uncovered, as the winners of a new essay competition were ­revealed.

Environmental sustainability and digitalisation emerged as ­central issues for many of the 140 participants who submitted ­entries for the first Future Maritime Leaders essay competition organised by the Global Maritime Forum.

The three winners — from ­Nigeria, China and Denmark — ­addressed climate change, trade flows and the impact of digitalisation on ship crews.