Coverage of the Ever Given wins the IMarEST inaugural Kevin Tester Award for Marine Journalism

Alex Christian, a UK based freelance writer has been awarded the annual Kevin Tester Award for Marine Journalism presented by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). Alex was selected as winner for his feature on the Ever Given: The Untold Story Of The Big Boat That Broke The World which appeared in WIRED magazine in June 2021.

The Institute’s Kevin Tester Award, honouring the Institute's former technical advisor and marine journalist, recognises the work of a journalist or team of journalists for exemplary reporting relating to a marine or maritime issue. It aims to identify and encourage high quality coverage of marine or maritime matters to bring about constructive change, increase public awareness and improve understanding. Entries are judged on originality and mastery of the subject, clarity in writing, relevance, reach and impact.

“Congratulations to Alex Christian. Our judges were very impressed with the originality and clarity with which Alex wrote his report of the Ever Given. Quality journalism like this, helps to raise awareness of often unseen marine and maritime issues and news, encouraging debate and understanding among the general public.” Gwynne Lewis, Chief Executive, IMarEST.

Alex Christian says: “I’m very happy to receive this award for what is one of my favourite freelance pieces; it had a lot of moving parts to it, required plenty of research and happened to be published just before the legal decision on the Ever Given was made. It was also my first longer-read for WIRED magazine.”

As part of his prize, Alex becomes an Affiliate member of the IMarEST for a year giving him access to a wide range of Institute activities including conferences, panel discussions and lectures.

Read Alex’s interview with the Institute’s Marine Professional Interactions newsletter.