The 2026 edition of the ‘ocean tribute’ Award, organised by boot Düsseldorf and the German Ocean Foundation, will be presented during the Blue Innovation Dock at boot Düsseldorf in January 2026. Since its launch in 2017, the award has become a recognised international honour for initiatives that protect oceans, lakes and rivers through innovation, research, education or campaigns to reduce pollution.

Applications for the 2026 award have now closed. Submissions will first undergo a technical evaluation by the full jury. The panel includes meteorologist and maritime ambassador Monika Breuch-Moritz; Professor Michael Orbach, anthropologist and maritime policy advisor; Professor Hartmut Graßl, Chairman of the Association of German Scientists; Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Düsseldorf; Robert Marx, President of the European Boating Industry and boot Düsseldorf; Shamim Wasii Nyanda, environmentalist and founder of the Doors of Hope Foundation in Tanzania; and Leonie Beck, open water swimmer, multiple world and European champion and Olympian.

After the jury’s evaluation, public voting will open in November 2025. The three finalists will be presented during boot Düsseldorf, and the winner will be announced in a ceremony on the Blue Innovation Dock stage.

Read the full press release here.