Hapag-Lloyd has launched a new initiative called Shefarer, in collaboration with Jebsen PTC, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (Germany) GmbH, and Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd., aimed at enhancing gender diversity in the maritime sector. This program seeks to inspire more women to enter maritime careers while also providing robust support systems for female crew members already on board. The partners have pledged to ensure that women constitute at least 20% of all future cadet intakes, particularly focusing on the international crew pipeline and emerging Filipino maritime talent.
As part of the Shefarer initiative, designated vessels will be introduced where multiple female seafarers will work together across various departments and ranks. This approach aims to normalize the presence of women in operational roles, including cadets, engineers, officers, and captains, rather than treating them as anomalies within crews. Alongside recruitment efforts, Hapag-Lloyd is investing in improved onboard facilities, such as separate changing rooms, showers, and toilets for women, to foster a more inclusive working environment.
Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director Fleet at Hapag-Lloyd, emphasized that the Shefarer Program is designed to create solid structures that encourage women to pursue long-term maritime careers. Currently, women make up only 5.71% of Hapag-Lloyd’s seafaring workforce, with four female captains representing 4.6% of the fleet’s total captains. The Shefarer Programme is part of Hapag-Lloyd’s broader strategy to elevate the profile of maritime careers and attract new generations of skilled professionals to the shipping industry.
