Australian Maritime College student Ajayraj Thangarajan Sakunthala has won the 2025 Shipping Australia Prize!
Ajayraj, who is studying an MBA in Maritime Management – Maritime Logistics at the Australian Maritime College, was awarded the Shipping Australia-sponsored prize because of his demonstrated excellence and high achievement in his studies. He has received a cash prize and his academic transcript will be updated to show his achievement.
Shipping Australia (SAL) caught up with Ajayraj to congratulate him on his achievement and to find out more.
SAL: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Who are you? What’s your background?
AJAYRAJ: I am a seafarer from Kerala, India, with a decade of experience on oil tankers, having last served as a Second Officer. Even though shipping is a vast, global industry, it is surprisingly interconnected. A socio-political, technological, or environmental decision in one part of the world creates an immediate ripple effect across the entire global supply chain. I am drawn to this dynamic nature; it is unpredictable and challenging, but it forces you to stay sharp, adaptable, and professionally competent every single day.
While I valued my time at sea, I eventually felt limited in a purely operational role and knew I could contribute much more on the commercial side of the industry. That drive to make a bigger impact brought me to Tasmania, where I am now pursuing my MBA at the Australian Maritime College.
SAL: Congratulations on winning our Prize! Well-deserved! How do you feel?
AJAYRAJ: I was at home in Launceston with my five-year-old son, trying to brainstorm my research topic for the next semester. When the email came through, I had to read it twice just to believe it. I felt an overwhelming sense of validation. Leaving a secure, well-paid career as a Second Mate to become a student again was terrifying; I walked away from my ‘comfort zone’ with no guarantees. Winning this prize proved that the risk was worth the reward. It isn’t the finish line, but it is the confirmation I needed to know that espite the uncertainty of starting over, I am on the right path.
Shipping Australia is the voice of the industry, representing the major players who drive our $200 billion trade economy. To be recognized by such a peak body is not just an Honor; it is a powerful endorsement. It signals to future employers that I am successfully bridging the gap between my operational background and the commercial reality of shipping. This award validates my knowledge and adds immense credibility to my profile, putting my name directly in front of the decision-makers I aspire to work with.
SAL: what will you do with your winnings?
AJAYRAJ: I plan to spend it entirely on my wife and son. They left a comfortable life in India to join me here, accepting the financial tightness and uncertainty of student life just to support my dream. Their support allowed me to focus on my studies, so this reward belongs to them as much as it does to me.
SAL: tell us about the course you’re studying.
AJAYRAJ: I am studying the MBA in Maritime and Logistics Management at AMC. My journey to this course began while I was still at sea; I completed an Advanced Diploma in Ship Brokering and Chartered Vessel Operations from Lloyds Maritime Institute, achieving a 90% aggregate. That diploma opened my eyes to the financial and commercial logic behind every ship’s voyage. I realized that to truly transition from an operational role to a strategic one, I needed the formal education and rigorous training that only a specialized MBA from AMC could provide.
AMC is not just a college; it is a world-class research institution and a member of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU). I chose AMC specifically because the MBA program offers professional accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), which provides immense credibility and networking opportunities.
Australia was the clear choice because it is a global powerhouse in commodities, specifically coal, iron ore, wheat, and LNG. Furthermore, Tasmania is positioning itself at the forefront of the energy transition, with the upcoming Green Methanol exports from Bell Bay. As someone aiming to excel in the energy sector, being in the centre of this innovation is exactly where I need to be.
Tasmania is a hidden gem. Where else in the world can you study at a world-class maritime research institute with expert guidance at your fingertips, and then drive just 30 minutes to find yourself in a world-famous tourist destination? It offers the perfect balance. To unwind, we visit the vibrant beaches, scenic farmlands, and the beautiful parks for my son. My family loves the cool climate and the peaceful lifestyle in Launceston, but above all, the Tasmanian community has been incredibly welcoming to us.
SAL: Why did you decide to study maritime subjects? / Why do you want a maritime career?
AJAYRAJ: After ten years at sea, I often felt that my potential was being underutilized. Seafaring is primarily an execution-based job, you follow orders. I wanted to be in the other side of office who pass those orders. I became fascinated by the dynamic, fast-paced nature of the commercial sector, understanding why a ship goes where it goes and the economics behind it. I decided to quit my sea career to chase this ambition, and receiving this recognition from Shipping Australia confirms to me that I am on the right path.
SAL: What are your future career plans after you finish your course?
AJAYRAJ: Through my studies at AMC, I have become fascinated by the intricacies and dynamic nature of shipping finance and the commercial sector. My specific goal is to establish myself as a Chartering Manager in the energy sector. I know it is a long road to reach that level, but my philosophy is simple: approach it systematically, put in the hard work, and trust that the results will follow.
SAL: What one message or one piece of advice would you give to a person like you but a few years younger than you who is considering a career in the maritime industry or in studying maritime subjects at university? Why would you give that message / advice?
AJAYRAJ: Just start. The shipping industry is so vast that you don’t need to find your ‘perfect’ role on day one. Wherever you start in shipping, your experience is not going to be wasted. You can always realign your path later, be it into operations, supply chain, and procurement, shipping agency, brokering, maritime law, chartering, or port management. The beauty of this field is that it accommodates every skill set.
To those just starting: Don’t just chase the money. Understand your strengths first, then choose the sector that makes you excited to wake up every morning.
To seafarers looking to transition ashore like me: It is never too late. You are not starting from zero; your years at sea are a massive asset that the shore side needs. Do not fear the change. Take that first step to upskill yourself, and the industry will open for you.
SAL: What do you do in your spare time? Why?
AJAYRAJ: It varies depending on the time of year. Currently, during the summer semester break, I prioritize spending quality time with my wife and son. However, I am also using this downtime to get a head start on my upcoming research project regarding the Green Methanol supply chain. With Tasmania (Bell Bay) emerging as a key production hub, I am deeply interested in how this fuel will reshape maritime logistics and regulation. I find it exciting to research the ‘future’ of our industry even when I am off the clock.
