After a 10-month project phase, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has successfully completed the Diversity@Sea project, a global initiative by the ‘All Aboard Alliance’ aimed at fostering gender and cultural diversity within the maritime industry.
As part of this programme, four female seafarers from different countries were part of the multinational crew on BSM-managed container vessel, “Charlotte Schulte”. As one of twelve companies that committed a pilot vessel to this initiative, BSM explored ways to improve onboard experiences for seafarers of all genders. Each pilot vessel had at least four female seafarers and a wide variety of nationalities on board. The participating crew received regular surveys on topics such as mental health, working conditions, and employment challenges for female seafarers.
Preliminary findings from the project, compiled by the Global Maritime Forum, highlight key focus areas for industry-wide improvement, including:
- zero tolerance for abuse and harassment,
- improving work-life balance,
- upgrading onboard facilities, such as enhanced internet and social connectivity.
The insights—drawn from 400 seafarers and over 50,000 data points—will contribute to a comprehensive industry report and guidelines, set to be published by the Global Maritime Forum in April 2025.
Junie Cantoneros, 35, from the Philippines and Chief Officer on the container vessel Charlotte Schulte, mentioned that she has witnessed significant progress for women on board since the beginning of her career. She stated that more women are taking on leadership roles and that greater efforts have been made to create an inclusive work environment. She acknowledged that challenges remain but noted that the focus on equality and respect has grown much stronger, making the maritime industry more supportive and unbiased.
As opportunities for women continue to expand, and with the right training, support, and leadership, there is no reason why an all-female crew cannot be a reality at some point
… Junie Cantoneros added.
The Diversity@Sea pilot is one of BSM’s initiatives to attract more women to seafaring professions. Launched by the ‘All Aboard Alliance’, an initiative by the Global Maritime Forum, the programme aims to improve gender and cultural diversity onboard.
BSM has also introduced initiatives such as improved working conditions, a mentorship program linking female shore staff with women at sea, and policies supporting an inclusive shipboard culture.
Eva Rodriguez, Director HR Marine at BSM, claims that there is still a long way to go in addressing gender imbalance. “You need perseverance to achieve true diversity at sea. But we will not relent, because we have talented and ambitious female seafarers who deserve encouragement and support”.
