Women in Maritime Network

During the 2017 London International Shipping Week, then Maritime Minister Rt Hon John Hayes MP called for industry to address gender imbalance in the sector.

In 2018, Maritime UK established the Women in Maritime programme to address gender fairness, equality and inclusion within the maritime sector. A Taskforce was created to bring together leaders from across the maritime sector to identify practical steps to increase the number of women in maritime, and crucially within senior roles across its shipping, ports, marine and business services industries.

In 2019, the Minister for Transport released the Maritime 2050 People Route Map which celebrated the work of Women in Maritime and called for Maritime UK to expand on these foundations to develop Diversity in Maritime. Women in Maritime continues to operate as an open network, and we call upon the sector to get involved.

We know that achieving a balanced workforce at all levels in the maritime sector will undoubtedly improve culture, behaviour, outcomes, profitability and productivity.

Sue Terpilowski, Founding Chair of Women in Maritime Network, said:

“The need for fairness, equality and inclusion is clearer than ever and the maritime sector must embrace diversity because it’s the right thing to do.

“Equally there is a strong business case for action.

“The OECD has estimated that equalising the role of men and women in the labour market could increase GDP by 10% by 2030.

“There are women of all ages and abilities wanting to be a part of our maritime future and we must make sure we don’t waste any more time in not addressing this issue."