Hapag-Lloyd has launched the Shefarer initiative, in collaboration with Jebsen PTC, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, and Marlow Navigation, to enhance gender diversity in maritime careers. The program aims to inspire women to join the sector, ensuring at least 20% of future cadet intakes are female, while also improving onboard facilities for women.
The maritime industry faces workforce shortages, making diversity essential, especially for women’s participation in seafaring. The International Chamber of Shipping’s guidelines highlight women’s challenges at sea. Despite comprising 19% of maritime jobs ashore, women are only 1% of active seafarers, underscoring the need for supportive policies and environments.
Women in Greece are making strides in the shipping sector, comprising 7.8% of seafarers—a notable increase from previous years. This shift is driven by modern demands for skills in technology and cybersecurity, as maritime schools adapt. As a result, women’s involvement is reshaping the industry’s future and addressing workforce shortages.
The maritime sector has made progress in gender diversity, with over 176,000 women employed globally. However, women comprise only 19% of the workforce and just 1% at sea. Addressing women’s health, particularly during physiological transitions, is crucial for fostering a diverse and effective maritime workforce, as highlighted in recent reports.
The second Women in Maritime survey by the IMO and WISTA reveals a significant rise in female employment, from 151,979 in 2021 to 176,820 in 2024. Despite this, women comprise just under 19% of the workforce, with alarming disparities in roles, particularly among seafarers, where only 1% are women.
