German container carrier Hapag-Lloyd announced the launch of the Shefarer Program to increase the proportion of women in the maritime industry.
The initiative is being implemented with Jebsen PTC, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (Germany) GmbH and Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd, with a focus on encouraging more women to pursue careers at sea and supporting their professional development on board.
A central objective of the programme is to promote young talent. At least 20 per cent of new trainee intakes are to be female cadets.
The programme also introduces selected Shefarer vessels where multiple women seafarers will serve together across various roles and ranks.
This approach is intended to ensure that women are recognised as a regular part of the crew across positions, including cadets, officers, engineers, oilers and captains.
Hapag-Lloyd is further investing in facilities on newbuildings, including separate changing rooms, showers and toilets, to improve living and working conditions for women on board vessels entering service in the coming years.
With the Shefarer Program, we are creating concrete structures to help more women enter the maritime industry and build long-term careers at sea
Managing Director Fleet at Hapag-Lloyd
Women currently represent 5.7% of Hapag-Lloyd’s crew, while four women captains account for 4.6% of the company’s captains.
The Shefarer Program forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to strengthen the visibility of maritime careers and attract qualified young talent.
