Maritime UK celebrating International day for Women in Maritime 2024

This year, like any other Maritime UK is taking a stand to support women in our sector, urging the industry to get involved in Women in Maritime Day. International day for Women in Maritime 2024 (18th May) celebrates women in the industry and is intended to promote the recruitment, retention and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector.

This day shines a spotlight on the progress our industry has made over the last year, but also the changes we as an industry need to make to support women. This year’s theme ‘Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety’ recognises the crucial role women play in enhancing safety measures, whether through their roles as seafarers, maritime professionals, or in leadership positions.

For a sector worth over £116 billion in the UK alone, statistics still show that there is a significant imbalance across maritime.  With only 17% of all port workers being women, according to the ‘BPA Gender Diversity in Ports 2021 Survey’ and the BIMCO/ICS 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report states women represent only 1.2% percent of the global seafarer workforce. A driving force that there is still more work to be done to make a change within our industry. 

Lord Davies, Maritime Minister at the Department for Transport said: “Diversity is key for the success of any workplace, helping to foster a culture of increased creativity, profitability, and inclusive decision-making.

“Today celebrates the women throughout the maritime sector who not only strengthen the industry through their day-to-day work but act as role model for the thousands of young girls across the country who want to pursue a career in maritime.”

Scarlett Black, Head of Programmes at Maritime UK commented: “Women in Maritime Day is vital to showcase the work that is underway to try and get more women into the sector and Maritime UK remains absolutely resolute in supporting a more diverse and inclusive workforce, but we all know much more work needs to be done. We are continuing to promote our programmes and adapt as best we can to support our industry in making steps towards a more inclusive workforce.”