Women in the maritime industry: History, challenges and steps forward

Seas without borders, but not for everyone

For centuries, women in the maritime industry were the exception rather than the rule. Although the sea symbolizes freedom and connection, the maritime sector long remained a male domain. Captaincies, shipping companies, and port jobs were traditionally reserved for men, while women rarely had the opportunity to participate.

In recent decades, however, the situation has been changing. Global initiatives, the growing need for labor, and a shift in perceptions are opening doors to greater inclusion of women in the maritime and logistics industry.

The history of women in maritime: From exception to turning point

In the past, women mostly appeared on ships accompanying men or as “hidden crew members.” It was only in the 20th century that the first official female captains and shipowners emerged.

One important milestone was the establishment of international organizations that promote women’s participation in maritime activities, such as WISTA (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association), founded in 1974. Today, WISTA is present in more than 50 countries and plays a key role in networking and educating women.

Current situation: How many women work in the maritime industry?

According to data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), women make up only about 2% of the world’s seafarers, most of whom work on passenger ships and cruise liners. In port operations, logistics, and administration, the numbers are higher but still far from equal.

Interestingly, in segments such as maritime logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain management, the share of women in the maritime industry is growing faster than on ships themselves. This shows that women are increasingly finding their place in areas where management, negotiation, and analytical skills are crucial.

Learn more about the maritime industry on our blog: Maritime Transport: The Backbone of Global Trade and Logistics.

Main challenges for women in the maritime industry

Although progress has been made, obstacles still remain:

1. Gender bias—the perception that the sea is a “man’s profession.”
   
   
2. Working conditions—long periods at sea, isolation, and demanding schedules.
   
3. Safety and discrimination—reported cases of harassment and unequal treatment.
   
4. Glass ceiling—lack of women in leadership positions within shipping companies.
   
5. Lack of mentoring programs—women often lack support and networks for career advancement.

Steps forward: How to increase women representation

Organizations and companies are increasingly investing in equality programs:

• Promotion of leadership—more women are taking on executive roles in shipping and logistics.
  
• Education and scholarships—maritime academies offer special programs for women.
  
• Mentoring programs—connecting young professionals with experienced female leaders.
  
• Safety policies—clear rules against discrimination and harassment.

Examples of good practices

• Maersk has launched recruitment programs for women in technical and operational roles.
  
  
• MSC invests in training women on ships and in ports.
• European ports are increasingly promoting equal employment and career development opportunities.

These examples show that change is not only a social imperative but also a business necessity—because an industry facing labor shortages cannot ignore half of the talented population.

Historic voyage: The first ship piloted by 26 women

The first female-led cruise began on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2020. Twenty-six women held most of the senior officer and management positions on the Celebrity Edge cruise ship.

The historic event was intended to increase gender equality in the maritime profession. Celebrity Cruises, which organized the trip, claims that since 2015, they have increased the number of female deckhands from 3% to 22%.

The team of 26 women from 17 different countries in the highest management positions in the ship’s command structure was led by American Captain Kate McCue.

“We are all motivated to close the gender gap at the company. Over the past several years, we have worked hard to hire as many women as possible in our industry,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the company’s president and CEO.

When it comes to human resources in maritime and transport, the focus is primarily on men, as these jobs are traditionally considered male roles. Women in the maritime industry are still underrepresented.

Fortunately, today women are also provided with equal education, they have the same professional qualifications and are trained to make and implement all decisions and management functions.

FAQ: Women in the Maritime Industry

1. What percentage of women work in the global maritime industry?
According to the IMO, women make up about 2% of seafarers, while in logistics and freight forwarding their share is growing and stands at around 20–30%.

2. What obstacles do women most often face in maritime work?
Gender bias, long periods of work at sea, safety challenges, and a lack of women in leadership positions.

3. How do organizations support women in the maritime industry?
Through education, scholarships, mentoring programs, safety policies, and equality initiatives.

4. In which segments of the maritime industry are women most represented?


Most of them work on passenger ships, in logistics, freight forwarding, and administration.

5. Why is the inclusion of women important for the maritime industry?
Beyond the issue of equality, the industry needs additional labor, and research shows that diversity increases innovation and business performance.

---

Conclusion

Women in the maritime industry are still a minority, but their importance is steadily growing. Historical barriers are gradually being dismantled, and today’s programs and initiatives show that the future of maritime must be inclusive.

In addition to contributing to equality, the inclusion of women brings practical benefits—from increasing the available workforce to enhancing leadership and innovation in the sector.

The maritime industry, which has connected the world for centuries, now has the opportunity to connect what matters most—equal opportunities for all.