India: A Global Leader in Maritime Gender Equality

A quiet revolution is taking shape in the vast expanse of the world’s oceans. The maritime industry, long seen as a bastion of masculinity, is undergoing transformative change that supports gender equality and diversifies the workforce globally. Women are breaking barriers in maritime roles, marking a key shift for the industry’s evolution into the 21st century.

The statistics reflect this change: the number of female seafarers in the Maersk fleet increased from 295 in 2021 to over 650 in 2024, with representation rising from 2.3% in 2022 to 5.5% in 2024.

In particular, Indian women make up a substantial part of Maersk seafarers worldwide, positioning India as a leader with over 350 women seafarers in its ranks.

This increase in female representation is more than a trend – it is a harbinger of a new era in maritime operations. By leveraging women’s unique perspectives and leadership styles, the industry stands to gain enormously.

Maersk is committed to this vision, stressing that the true measure of progress is not just in numbers, but in how deeply the organizational culture evolves to support these women and their success.

Maersk initiatives such as the Female Cadet Program, where recent batches have reached 50% female representation, and the pioneering Women’s Rating Program launched in 2023, which saw a 118% increase in the number of female trainees in -one year, helps to reshape the maritime workforce. However, the real work lies in dismantling the systemic barriers that have traditionally prevented women from thriving in this industry.

The personal journeys of women like Yuvarajalakshmi Bharathi and Sonia Sachin Agarwal bring this vision to life.

Yuvarajalakshmi Bharathi, a mother from Ratnagiri defied the odds to pursue her passion for sailing. Balancing her studies while working from home during the pandemic, she jumped at the opportunity for a general purpose (GP) assessment course. Although obtaining funding was a challenge, she persevered and her persistence led to an intern position at Maersk. Today, her story exemplifies the power of resilience and the untapped potential women bring to sailing when supported.

Similarly, Pune-based Sonia Sachin Agarwal was inspired by the dreams of her father and her boarding school principal, a former seafarer, to pursue a career in the merchant navy. After completing her GP qualification in 2023, she joined Maersk as a trainee and is now looking forward to her next assignment.

Both women embody the strength, ambition and promise that the industry can unlock by creating an inclusive environment.

To create a workplace where female seafarers can thrive, Maersk has implemented mentoring programs that provide invaluable guidance and support to newcomers. Women with years of experience at sea share advice, facilitating a nurturing environment that helps cadets and crew feel welcome and empowered. These networks not only promote professional growth, but also provide essential emotional support in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated.

More than just recruiting women, creating flexible career paths is critical, especially for those balancing multiple responsibilities such as family commitments. Programs that address these needs play a critical role in supporting women’s participation and encouraging retention in seafaring roles.

While progress in women’s participation is promising, sustaining this trend requires continued effort. Industry collaboration is essential, with companies, regulators and educational institutions working together to remove barriers and promote inclusion. Outreach programmes, targeted recruitment campaigns and educational initiatives are essential to inspire future generations of women to envision maritime careers. As more women become visible in sailing, societal norms will continue to evolve, gradually reshaping traditionally male-dominated fields.

According to a 2021 International Maritime Organization (IMO) survey, women make up just 2% of the global maritime workforce, with the majority working in the cruise sector. However, the trend is positive: most female sailors are now between the ages of 21 and 30, signaling that younger generations are starting to close the gender gap.

Oceans make up 70% of the Earth’s surface. Can we really claim gender equality if human activities on the oceans do not provide a level playing field for all? The answer is a resounding no.

As the oceans drive global trade and maritime trade recovers, a diverse seafaring community is sending a powerful message of equality – one that extends to both sea and land.

As more women take on maritime roles, the gender gap will continue to close, bringing new ideas, perspectives and leadership styles. For those women considering a career at sea, the message is clear: follow your passion. The maritime industry is ready to welcome, support and celebrate your journey to an equal future.

This article was written by Karan Kochhar, Head, Marine People Asia, Maersk.