Women in maritime should be recognised for merit, not gender

On the International Day for Women in Maritime, Irene Rosberg, programme director at Copenhagen Business School, has called for a shift in industry culture. While celebrating progress, the discourse emphasizes that female seafarers should be recognized strictly for their professional merit rather than gender-based initiatives. As the global shipping industry faces a talent shortage, the focus must remain on competence and operational excellence, ensuring that every professional aboard vessels like the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller is evaluated on technical skill alone.

The push for gender equality aligns with the broader objectives of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), which mandates fair treatment and non-discrimination in recruitment and employment practices. Compliance departments must ensure that onboard policies strictly adhere to these international standards, preventing bias in career progression. Furthermore, integrating diverse talent is essential for meeting the rigorous safety standards outlined in SOLAS Chapter V and MARPOL Annex VI, as high-performing, diverse crews are statistically proven to enhance safety management systems and overall vessel compliance.

For navigating officers and masters, this shift requires a commitment to meritocratic leadership during daily operations. These professionals must ensure that performance appraisals and promotion recommendations are based exclusively on technical proficiency, bridge resource management skills, and adherence to safety protocols. By fostering an environment where merit is the sole currency, navigating officers can improve team cohesion and operational efficiency, ensuring that the most qualified individuals are always at the helm of modern merchant vessels.