Skip to Main Content

Maritime Facts and Figures: WOMEN IN MARITIME

Information sources and statistics relating to maritime and shipping

IMO

 

"Empowering Women in the Maritime Community" was the World Maritime Day theme for 2019. The theme provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to highlight the important contribution of women all over the world to the maritime sector. 

The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), meeting for its 120th session at IMO Headquarters in London, endorsed the theme, following a proposal by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.   “IMO has a strong commitment to helping achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and continues to support the participation of women in both shore-based and seagoing posts, in line with the goals outlined under SDG 5: 'Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls',” Mr Lim said.  Read More 

Organizations

Inaugural International Day for Women in Maritime


The first International Day for Women in Maritime was held May 18 2022.  The proposal to establish an International Day for Women in Maritime was approved by IMO's Technical Cooperation Committee (TC) in September 2021 and subsequently endorsed by the IMO Council in November 2021.  The inaugural IMO International Day for Women in Maritime focused on the theme "Training-Visibility-Recognition: Supporting a barrier-free working environment”. Read More

Below are links to media coverage relating to international events celebrating the day.


  1. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure launched “She of Caliber” initiativeZawya.  23 May 2022.
  2. Mauritius marks first ever International Day of Women working in maritime industryGovernment of Mauritius.  19 May 2022.
  3. News: Maritime UK launches Global Women in Maritime Series.   Maritime UK. 18 May 2022.
  4. On the International Day for Women in Maritime, University President Shares Her Experiences and Hopes.  Pew Charitable Trusts.  18 May 2022.
  5. Women in the maritime industry celebrated.  Government of Australia. 18 May 2022.
  6. Maritime Authority Of Jamaica Official Wants More Women Leaders In Industry.  Jamaica Information Service. 18 May 2022.
  7. Celebrating the inaugural International Women in Maritime Day, The Mission to Seafarers publishes Women Seafarers Report.  Mission to Seafarers 18 May 2022.
  8. Women Seafarers - Report 2022Mission to Seafarers. 18 May 2022
  9. Women breaking the ceiling in male-dominated maritime jobs.  Business Daily (Kenya). 18 May 2022.  
  10. Breaking the stereotype.  Borneo Bulletin (Brunei Darussalam).  18 May 2022.
  11. Celebrating the International Maritime Organization’s first International Day for Women in Maritime.  Standard Club. 18 May 2022.
  12. Belgian Shipping features daily nominee to celebrate first International Day of Women in Maritime.  Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association. 18 May 2022.
  13. UN marks first ever international day spotlighting women working in the maritime industry.  UN News. 18 May 2022.  
  14. Women are climbing the maritime career ladder, Caribbean port official saysWorkBoat. 17 May 2022.  
  15. Liberia IMO Rep Pushes for More Women in Maritime.  New Republic Liberia. 17 May 2022.  
  16. Greece 2022: Women with their hands on the helm. Lloyd’s List. 17 May 2022.
  17. International Day for Women in Maritime: VDR sees need for action.  German Shipowners' Association. 17 May 2022.  
  18. It’s time women steer maritime sector to achieve blue economy gains.  The Star (Kenya).  16 May 2022
  19. Women who have chosen sailing as a career have broken stereotypes: MoS External Affairs and Culture.   Government of India. 14 May 2022. 

Media Coverage 2022


Below are links to selected content, from the global media, which relate to Women in Maritime.


  1. Marine Log’s Top Women in Maritime in 2022: The full interviewMARINE LOG.  20 December 2022
  2. Over 100 women speakers have joined the IMO and WISTA International Speakers Bureau in the first month since the launchAll About Shipping.  13 December 2022.
  3. Battling InequalityMarine Professional (IMarEST).  2 December 2022.
  4. Few shipping companies offering careers to women, conference toldLloyd's List.  28 November 2022.
  5. National spotlight turns on Gender-Based Violence at SA’s inaugural maritime sector seminar in Cape TownSouth African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).  23 November 2022.
  6. WISTA Bermuda Celebrates 6th Anniversary.  Bernews (Bermuda).  23 November 2022.
  7. Shipping’s Attempt to Hire More Women Runs Into a Macho CultureBloomberg.  23 November 2022.
  8. WISTA, Maritime SheEO collaborate to drive leadership skills for women in maritime.  Safety4Sea.  23 November 2022. 
  9. Haastrup bemoans gender gap in maritime industry as IMO advocates inclusion.  Guardian (Nigeria).  23 November 2022. 
  10. Maersk enters harassment settlement with second female cadetShippingWatch.  22 November 2022.
  11. What about women seafarers’ rights?  Safety4Sea.  21 November 2022.
  12. Søren Skou after Hope Hicks settlement: "Best outcome for her and for everyone"ShippingWatch.  21 November 2022.
  13. Maersk settles with Hope Hicks in harassment caseShippingWatch.  18 November 2022.
  14. Gender Inclusiveness: WMU Commends NIMASANigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).  8 November 2022.
  15. Elpi Petraki has been appointed the new president of WISTA InternationalWomen's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA). 27 October 2022.
  16. Discrimination against female seafarers 'unacceptably' widespreadNautilus International. 27 October 2022.
  17. Women seafarers experience onboard gender-based discrimination, harassment and bullying – a shocking maritime report revealsWomen's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA). 24 October 2022.
  18. Ann Fenech elected President of the Comite Maritime InternationalMalta Independent. 23 October 2022.
  19. ‘I want more female seafarers to break the glass ceiling,’ says Wilhelmsen Ship Management’s first woman captainTradeWinds. 19 October 2022. 
  20. Wilhelmsen Ship Management has conferred their first female Korean captain, Captain Lee Eun RanCyprus Shipping News. 18 October 2022.  
  21. #Journey to COP27: Pacific Women negotiators state their case for 1.5 worldSecretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). 15 October 2022.
  22. Women in Norwegian shipping say what they really think about workplace diversityTradeWinds. 30 September 2022.
  23. Svitzer launched training program for women seafarers Safety4Sea.  30 September 2022. 
  24. The 2022 Women in the Law of the Sea Conference successfully closes with a renewed commitment to empowering women in marine sciences and ocean affairsInternational Seabed Authority (ISA). 29 September 2022.
  25. New platform highlights women’s leadership in tackling global challengesUN News. 20 September 2022.
  26. Podcast: Maritime Masterclass with Caroline Yang, Hong Lam MarineSeatrade Maritime News.  15 September 2022.
  27. Sea change! Female cadets sail in marine engineering at Cusat, go placesNew Indian Express.  7 September 2022.
  28. ESL bemoans limited diversity as it welcomes first female masterTradeWinds.  7 September 2022.
  29. Without investment, gender equality will take nearly 300 years: UN reportUN News.  7 September 2022.
  30. Maersk to seek settlement in harassment cases – could lead to million-dollar compensation for two womenShippingWatch.  5 September 2022.
  31. Call to change perceptions on historical role of women in shippingLloyd's Register.  1 September 2022.
  32. Career Paths: Gudrun Janssens, Royal Belgian Shipowners AssociationSafety4Sea.  18 July 2022.
  33. Percentage of female seafarers remains unchanged in 40 yearsSeatrade Maritime News.  13 July 2022.
  34. Catherine Smith, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings LimitedShipping Podcast.  1 July 2022.
  35. Girls At Sea.  Loop Pacific. 28 June 2022.
  36. Saraki tasks women maritime practitioners on industry devt.  The Sun (Nigeria).  25 June 2022.
  37. Changing misconceptions: North Star ensures more women become seafarersTradeWinds. 23 June 2022.
  38. EDITORIAL: Cadet’s story of rape at sea should challenge our gentle approach to empowerment.  DCN - Daily Cargo News (Australia). 23 June 2022. 
  39. Hope Hicks case not an isolated incident, shows need for practical change in shipping.   ITF Seafarers. 23 June 2022.
  40. Jamaica salutes seafarers’ journeys on the Day of the SeafarerHellenic Shipping News. 23 June 2022.
  41. Robert Uggla on sexual offences aboard Maersk ships: "I am ashamed".   ShippingWatch. 22 June 2022.
  42. Bridging shipping’s gender pay gap.  Splash 247.com. 22 June 2022.
  43. WISTA Hellas seminar shines spotlight on challenges faced by women at sea.  Hellenic Shipping News. 22 June 2022.
  44. Sexual offences on Maersk ship investigated as criminal case.  ShippingWatch. 17 June 2022.
  45. Sexual abuse and harassment ‘systemic’ on ships.  Lloyd's List. 17 June 2022.
  46. AU to host Women in Blue Economy Workshop.  Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).  15 June 2022
  47. "Midshipman-X" Reveals Her Identity in Suit Against Maersk Line Ltd.  Maritime Executive. 14 June 2022. 
  48. Maersk sued by two women in rape and sexual harassment case.  ShippingWatch. 14 June 2022.
  49. Let’s talk women in maritime.  Seatrade Maritime News. 9 June 2022.
  50. Marina vows support for women in maritime industryManila Times.  25 May 2022.
  51. National Maritime Day: Why are We Still Asking if Women Belong at Sea?  Maritime Executive.  22 May 2022.
  52. Alice Amundsen Vice President, Senior Adviser, GardShipping Podcast.  20 May 2022.
  53. Mauritius marks first ever International Day of Women working in maritime industryRepublic of Mauritius.  19 May 2022.
  54. Guyana honours longstanding women in maritime sectorLoop.  19 May 2022.
  55. UN marks first ever international day spotlighting women working in the maritime industry.   UN News.  18 May 2022. 
  56. Breaking the stereotypeBorneo Bulletin (Brunei Darussalam)18 May 2022.
  57. 18. A.P. Moller – Maersk announces India’s first Women Seafarers’ Cadet Programme.  Economic Times (India). 18 May 18 2022
  58. Belgian Shipping features daily nominee to celebrate first International Day of Women in MaritimeRoyal Belgian Shipowners’ Association18 May 2022.
  59. Women in the maritime industry celebrated. Government of Australia.  18 May 2022.
  60. Women need to step up in maritime industryMalaysian Reserve.  18 May 2022.  
  61. On the International Day for Women in Maritime, University President Shares Her Experiences and Hopes.  Pew Charitable Trusts.  18 May 2022.
  62. Women breaking the ceiling in male-dominated maritime jobsBusiness Daily (Kenya).  18 May 2022.
  63. Celebrating the International Maritime Organization’s first International Day for Women in MaritimeStandard Club.  18 May 2022.
  64. News: Maritime UK launches Global Women in Maritime SeriesMaritime UK.  18 May 2022.
  65. Celebrating the inaugural International Women in Maritime Day, The Mission to Seafarers publishes Women Seafarers ReportMission to Seafarers.  18 May 2022.
  66. Maritime Authority Of Jamaica Official Wants More Women Leaders In IndustryJamaica Information Service.  18 May 2022.
  67. What changes do women want to make the industry a fairer place to work?  Tradewinds.  18 May 2022.
  68. Saudi Arabia celebrates International Women’s Day in Maritime SectorSaudi Gazette (Saudi Arabia).  18 May 2022.
  69. Shipping | International Day for in Maritime to promote training and visibility.  The Gleaner (Jamaica).  17 May 2022.
  70. Liberia IMO Rep Pushes For More Women In MaritimeNew Republic (Liberia).  17 May 2022.
  71. International Day for Women in Maritime: VDR sees need for actionGerman Shipowners' Association17 May 2022.
  72. Women are climbing the maritime career ladder, Caribbean port official saysWorkBoat.  17 May 2022.
  73. First woman to command US aircraft carrier didn’t even know she could get the jobCNN.  17 May 2022.
  74. EMMA OKELLO: It’s time women steer maritime sector to achieve blue economy gains.  The Star (Kenya).  16 May 2022.
  75. Women who have chosen sailing as a career have broken stereotypes...  Government of India.  14 May 2022.  
  76. Coast Guard Admiral Becomes First Woman to Lead a US Military BranchMilitary.com.  12 May 2022.
  77. Regional forum advocates for greater inclusion of women in maritimeThe Gleaner (Jamaica).  12 April 2022.
  78. Shani Ben-David is the First Woman to be Appointed as Captain in the Israeli Merchant Marine. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. 10 April 2022.
  79. VIDEO: Top Women in MaritimeMarine Log.  7 April 2022.
  80. GPHA urges females to partake in Maritime coursesGhana News Agency. 4 April 2022.
  81. Port pro of the month: Anna Mihneva-Natova (BG)European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO).  31 March 2022.
  82. Women of the 9th annual World Ocean Summit: breaking barriers in the blue economyWorld Ocean Initiative (WOI).  25 March 2022.
  83. Dr Mbiah Urges Women To Take Over IMO LeadershipNews Ghana.  22 March 2022.
  84. American Club’s Ioannou to become the first woman P&I club chief executiveTradeWinds.  21 March 2022.
  85. Top Danish shipping positions filled by men – women represent just one in fiveShippingWatch.  18 March 2022.
  86. Full steam ahead! AMSOL driving progress in its gender diversity initiativesEngineering News (South Africa).  18 March 2022.
  87. Director of Port of Tema urges women in maritime and shipping industry to take part in IMO SheEO leadership programGhanaWeb.  16 March 2022
  88. This 25-year-old marine engineer spends months at sea and is the only woman on boardChannel News Asia.  15 March 2022.
  89. Why we need to do more to improve on diversity, equity and inclusion in maritimeLloyd's List.  14 March 2022.
  90. Will robotic and uncrewed vessels improve maritime’s gender imbalance?  Marine Professional (IMarEST).  11 March 2022.
  91. Podcast: In Conversation with Tan Beng Tee on International Women’s DaySeatrade Maritime News.  8 March 2022.
  92. Protection for women seafarers under the Magna CartaCebu Daily News (Philippines).  8 March 2022.
  93. OnWatch episode 8: See it to be it - Increasing gender diversity on boardGard.  8 March 2022.
  94. International Women’s Day: ‘Time is now’ for gender equalityUN News.  8 March 2022.
  95. Women in Shipping Watch: Expert thinking on empowering women in maritime industrySafety4Sea.  8 March 2022.
  96. Nautilus 'maritime barometer' reflects measures needed to remove career obstacles for female seafarersNautilus International.  8 March 2022.
  97. ICS launches online Charter to drive diversity and inclusion in shipping on International Women’s DayInternational Chamber of Shipping (ICS).  8 March 2022
  98. International Women’s Day : Honouring women in maritimeBahamas Maritime Authority (BMA).  7 March 2022.
  99. Second officer Cora Bonham talks perseverance and deep sea voyagesNautilus International.  6 March 2022
  100. New research to explore welfare needs of women seafarersSafety4Sea.  4 March 2022.
  101. On International Women's Day: Break the biasManila Times. 2 March 2022.
  102. Putting women on the maritime mapNautilus International. 24 February 2022.
  103. The future is bright for women in maritime industry – PLASS presidentGhanaWeb. 24 February 2022.
  104. Women dominate IBIA’s 2022 board electionsInternational Bunker Industry Association (IBIA). 21 February 2022.
  105. The allaboutshipping.co.uk 100 Top Women in Shipping for 2021All About Shipping. 18 February 2022.
  106. Over 50% of women seafarers suffer bullying and harassment: study.  Seatrade Maritime News. 15 February 2022
  107. Women Together: Taking real action will make shipping more appealing to a diverse range of talentsSafety4Sea. 17 January 2022.  
  108. Who is Captain Kate McCue?  Cruise Blog.  10 January 2022.
  109. After 224 Years of Service, USS Constitution Gets First Female CO.  Maritime Executive.  5 January 2022.
  110. National Action Plan for Women in the Somali Maritime Sector proceedingEUCAP Somalia. 4 January 2022.