The shipping industry continues to demonstrate advancements in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), as stated in a recent report from the Diversity Study Group. Numerous companies, organisations, and alliances are actively initiating efforts to enhance inclusivity within their workplaces. They are taking significant strides towards creating equal career opportunities by establishing additional platforms that cater to individuals from all backgrounds. This progress has contributed to the development of a diverse talent pool, which bodes well for future leadership roles. Here are a few prominent examples within the shipping industry that actively promote DEI.
The All Aboard Alliance: The Alliance was established when industry leaders gathered in Zurich with a common goal: to foster a more diverse, equitable and inclusive maritime industry. This alliance serves as a platform for collaborative action, aiming to bring about positive change. The All Aboard Alliance revolves around five principles that member companies are encouraged to adopt and integrate into their internal policies, procedures and leadership practices. By doing so, they actively contribute to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the maritime sector.
The Maritime Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Innovation Lab 2022: This group represents a collaborative effort among industry leaders including Thome Group, Hafnia, Anglo American, RightShip, Rio Tinto and Wilhelmsen. Together, they have launched an innovative platform aimed at addressing DEI challenges in the maritime industry. This open competition invites interested participants to submit their ideas for consideration. Shortlisted teams will have the opportunity to participate in the innovation lab, refining their pitches in preparation for a ‘Dragon’s Den’ session with influential figures from the industry. The winning team and their idea will receive support, collaboration and funding from the partner organisations involved, facilitating the realisation of their concept.
International Maritime Organization and WISTA International: To address the issue of all-male speaking panels, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and WISTA International have joined forces to create the Maritime Speakers Bureau Platform. This initiative aims to put an end to the tradition of gender imbalance in maritime speaking engagements. The Maritime Speakers Bureau website actively encourages individuals to make a positive commitment by signing one or more of its pledges: for speakers, organisers and sponsors. By signing these pledges, individuals are demonstrating their dedication to recognising instances of diversity deficiency in events and taking appropriate measures to enhance inclusivity. The ultimate goal is to ensure that maritime events embrace diversity and promote inclusion by providing opportunities for a more balanced representation of speakers.
Mitsui O.S.K, Lines: MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines) has shown its endorsement of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), which are a set of action principles aimed at actively promoting the progress of women. MOL Group recognises the significance of diversity and inclusion, including the empowerment of women, as a pivotal factor driving growth. As such, MOL Group has incorporated these principles into its human resource strategy, making it an integral part of their overall approach to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. By embracing WEPs, MOL Group strives to create opportunities that empower women and leverage their potential as a catalyst for organisational growth.
Svitzer AMEA: On March 1, 2022, Svitzer AMEA marked a significant achievement by launching a training program specifically designed for women seafarers in Egypt. This program proudly welcomed 12 female cadets, representing a crucial step in the ongoing endeavour to enhance female representation within the AMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) region. Previously, there had been no female seafarers in the region. However, through dedicated efforts to bring about change, the region now employs 21 female seafarers, with more expected to join their ranks in the near future. The training program serves as a vital component of Svitzer AMEA’s commitment to fostering gender diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry.
Wilhelmsen Ship Management: Wilhelmsen Ship Management appointed their first female captain, Captain Lee Eun Ran. In order to continue making the maritime industry a welcoming environment for women, Ran stated: “I hope my achievement can inspire more female seafarers to consider seafaring.”
