From inclusion to impact: How diversity shapes Maritime’s future

April 20 ------ In a sector as global and complex as maritime, diversity is no longer a “nice to have”, it is a strategic imperative. Today, as the industry navigates decarbonization, digital transformation, and evolving regulatory landscapes, the need for a broader, more inclusive talent pool has never been clearer.

Yet, despite progress, women remain underrepresented, particularly at sea, where they account for only around 1% of the global seafaring workforce. Recent insights from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation report “All hands on deck: Securing the maritime future through diversity” reinforce a simple but powerful message: diversity is a driver for resilience, innovation, and long-term success. By sharing real-life experiences from women across different roles and geographies, the report not only highlights persistent barriers but also outlines practical steps toward meaningful change.

Turning dialogue into action

There is now a growing consensus across the industry on what needs to be done. The challenge is no longer identifying the issues, but implementing measurable, lasting solutions. Women featured in the report consistently emphasize the importance of:

• Improving visibility of women across all roles

• Embracing and promoting allyship

• Establishing mentorship programs

• Adopting gender policies with measurable goals

• Preparing women for leadership and board positions

• Using inclusive language in recruitment

• Tackling unconscious bias

• Measuring representation throughout organizations

• Harnessing innovation to promote inclusion

• Broadening the definition of leadership

• Challenging outdated traditions

• Designing workplaces and systems with inclusivity in mind

These recommendations align closely with wider industry findings, including the latest IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey, which highlights mentoring, training, and leadership pathways as key priorities.

Visibility: The catalyst for change

Among all recommendations, improving visibility stands out as a critical enabler. Visibility is not only about representation in numbers; it is about recognition, voice, and influence.

Industry leaders are increasingly echoing this message. Speaking recently, Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, stressed that both shipping and women must become more visible in modern society. Greater visibility, she noted, will naturally highlight their value and contribution to the economy and global trade. This visibility gap is also reflected in data. While organizations such as ESPO report encouraging progress – reaching 38% female participation in committees and nearly 48% in general assemblies – representation still varies widely across functions, with some areas lagging significantly behind.

The role of initiatives in driving progress

Encouragingly, momentum is building through targeted initiatives aimed at addressing structural barriers and creating pathways for women to enter and thrive in maritime careers.

A notable example is the collaboration between Oldendorff Carriers and BHP, which seeks to expand access to maritime careers through structured training and development programs. By leveraging training models such as BHP’s FutureFit Academy and exploring cadetship pathways, the initiative aims to make maritime careers more accessible and inclusive. Similarly, CMA CGM has set a clear and measurable ambition: to have 1,000 women at sea by 2030, an important signal of intent in an area where progress has historically been slow.

On the wellbeing front, Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS) has launched its Female Ambassador Program, offering mentorship and ongoing support to women at sea. With over 50 mentors trained and more than 100 female seafarers supported globally, the initiative addresses not only career progression but also the psychological challenges women face in a traditionally male-dominated environment.

These efforts are complemented by broader industry actions, such as the European Commission’s “Women in Transport – EU Platform for Change,” and recognition programs like the ESPO Award, which celebrate organizations actively promoting gender diversity.

Addressing the hidden barriers

Despite progress, significant challenges remain. Women in maritime often face a combination of professional and personal pressures—from unconscious bias and lack of representation to the expectation of constantly proving their competence.

Mental health experts warn that these cumulative pressures can impact confidence, wellbeing, and long-term career retention. Many women report feeling the need to “represent all women” onboard, while balancing demanding workloads and family responsibilities—often without the same level of support or sense of belonging as their male counterparts.

Addressing these challenges requires more than policies—it demands cultural change. Inclusive leadership, supportive onboard environments, and practical interventions such as anti-harassment measures and career re-entry programs are essential.

A collective responsibility

The maritime industry has reached a pivotal moment. Evidence clearly shows that gender diversity enhances financial performance and drives innovation; two factors that are critical as the sector faces unprecedented transformation.

Lessons from other traditionally male-dominated industries, such as aviation, demonstrate that progress is achievable through coordinated action, standardized training, and sustained commitment.

Ultimately, building a more diverse maritime workforce is not the responsibility of a single organization or initiative. It requires collective effort—across companies, institutions, and individuals—to turn good intentions into measurable outcomes.

Charting the course ahead

Diversity is not just about fairness—it is about future-proofing the industry. By improving visibility, investing in people, and embedding inclusion into every level of operations, maritime can unlock its full potential.

The message is clear: when women are given equal opportunities and support, they do not just participate—they lead, innovate, and transform.

And in doing so, they help steer the maritime industry toward a more resilient, inclusive, and successful future.

Source: safety4sea.com