AP-Moller Maersk, Maersk Tankers, DFDS Group, Norden and Torm are the five companies announced to join Denmark’s new “Charter for more women in shipping” initiative, in favor of attracting more women in the shipping industry.
Specifically, Jacob Meldgaard, CEO, Torm, stated that 35% of women is included in the company’s workforce, while 1% is the number representing women’s presence onboard. Similarly, Jan Rindbo, CEO, Dampskibsselskabet Norden, commented that the company currently deploys 1% of women who work at sea, while a 35% is seen at the land-based workforce.
The same challenging issue has been reported by Maersk, with 2% of women working at sea, and a 35% at land.
Christian M. Ingerslev, CEO, Maersk Tankers commented that
The number is too low, and we must do something to change it.
Given that the challenges that the maritime sector is facing are hard to deal with, as decarbonization, digitalization, and recruitment of qualified personnel, the industry has to become more innovative and sustainable.
At the same time, DFDS is welcoming this initiative highlighting that women will have a crucial contribution onboard vessels.
Norden added that it is necessary to have more than one women on each crew, adding that they will develop new procedures concerning how they interview and opt for new employees.
It is commented that the new initiative is an important statement and is a word turned into action, and a major step towards diversity.
Therefore, diversity is the key as it drives better decision-making and innovation.
