Maersk’s Gender Diversity Surge: Indian Women Seafarers Rise to Over 350 in Three Years
A.P. Moller – Maersk, a global leader in logistics, has made impressive strides in fostering gender diversity in the Indian maritime sector. As part of its ‘Equal At Sea’ initiative, the company has increased the number of Indian women seafarers from just 41 in 2021 to over 350 in 2024. This achievement reflects Maersk’s commitment to equal gender representation in the seafaring community and its broader global efforts to break traditional barriers in the maritime industry.
Driving Equality in Maritime Careers
Launched in 2022, the ‘Equal At Sea’ initiative aims to address the historical underrepresentation of women in the maritime industry. By promoting diversity and creating an inclusive ecosystem, the program has transformed the recruitment and retention of female seafarers. Maersk’s 45% intake of women cadets in 2024 demonstrates their progress towards achieving gender equality by 2027.
H.E.-Freddy Svane Ambassador of Denmark to India
H E Freddy Svane, Ambassador of Denmark to India, emphasized the importance of diversity in the shipping industry, stating, “The seas know no gender. By championing diversity in maritime careers, Maersk is not only steering towards equality but also charting a course for innovation and growth in the shipping industry. Denmark and India, as maritime nations, must lead this tide of change.” He added, “This industry-wide effort to create more opportunities for women in maritime careers will undoubtedly strengthen our global shipping community and drive progress and sustainability in the years to come.”
Industry Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration
The ‘Equal At Sea’ conference held in Mumbai showcased Maersk’s leadership in gender diversity. The event, attended by industry leaders, explored challenges such as workplace culture, gender biases, and inclusion. Key segments included discussions on ‘Sustainable Equality’ and ‘Myth or Reality: Women Onboard’, with insights from pioneering women who have excelled in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Key Milestones in India’s Seafaring Community
India has been a focal point of Maersk’s gender diversity initiative. Among the key accomplishments:
Indian women seafarers surged from 41 to over 350 in just three years.
Women cadets represent 45% of the total intake in 2024, with the Nautical division already surpassing 50%.
The Women Rating Programme, launched in 2023, has trained 70 women seafarers in India.
Karan Kochhar, Marine People, Asia, Maersk
Karan Kochhar, Head of Marine People, Asia, Maersk, highlighted the company’s mission, stating, “Our continuous efforts and immense support from the industry has started realising the future of creating an equitable environment at sea for women to thrive in. Through our initiatives, we have successfully inspired more women in India to choose seafaring as a career. Getting to 45% has been a great team effort within Maersk and across the industry. Now is the time to keep the momentum up and strive to ensure that the women recruited are also retained in the fleet.”
Global Impact of ‘Equal At Sea’
Globally, Maersk has seen its women seafarers more than double from 295 in 2021 to over 650 in 2024. The percentage of women in Maersk’s seafarer pool grew from 2.3% in 2022 to 5.5% in 2024. This demonstrates Maersk’s leadership in driving gender diversity across international maritime careers.
Benefits to the Maritime Industry
The success of ‘Equal At Sea’ is expected to benefit the entire maritime industry, including shipping companies, port operators, maritime education institutions, and ship management firms. With more women entering the workforce, the initiative helps to create a balanced workforce, improving innovation, teamwork, and decision-making.
This push for gender equality also supports sustainability goals, aligning with international efforts to make the industry more equitable and inclusive. By fostering diversity, the shipping sector will be better equipped to attract and retain talent, improve operational efficiency, and promote long-term growth.
A Step Towards a More Inclusive Future
Maersk’s ‘Equal At Sea’ initiative is more than a corporate program—it’s a movement toward transforming an industry traditionally dominated by men. With continued focus on recruitment, retention, and collaboration with maritime stakeholders, Maersk is steering the global maritime sector toward a future of equal opportunity, sustainability, and progress. As the company continues to break barriers and set new standards, the maritime industry is poised for a more inclusive and dynamic future.
Role of Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) ande DG Shipping
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), alongside DG Shipping, plays a crucial role in encouraging other maritime companies to adopt inclusive and gender-diverse practices, similar to Maersk’s ‘Equal At Sea’ initiative. MoPSW can actively promote these initiatives by establishing guidelines for recruitment diversity, offering incentives for companies that show progress in gender equality, and integrating these objectives into broader maritime policies. DG Shipping, as the regulatory body overseeing India’s maritime workforce, can further enforce compliance by mandating regular reporting on diversity metrics, supporting maritime education institutions in training female cadets, and encouraging equal opportunities across seafaring roles. By leading through policy-making and strict oversight, these authorities can ensure that the private sector prioritizes inclusive recruitment, enhancing the overall competitiveness and sustainability of India’s maritime sector.
