Our client Sandra Welch, CEO of Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS), writes in Seatrade Maritime about the importance of levelling the playing field to recruit and retain women in maritime by addressing their health and safety requirements. She brings to light the importance of initiatives such as the provision of feminine hygiene products onboard and at ports.

Key takeaways from the article:

• Efforts to encourage women to join and remain in the maritime industry are increasing, and this was deemed a priority by Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in his 2025 new year message. However, retaining skilled women seafarers remains a challenge.
• These challenges are multifaceted, from pre-conceived notions of seafaring as solely a career for men, ongoing concerns around harassment and bullying (including sexual harassment), safety issues such as a lack of properly fitted PPE for women, through to the current backlash against diversity and equity as a result of changing global political dynamics.
• Through feedback from multiple female seafarers, SHS identified a lack of feminine hygiene products in many existing facilities and welfare provisions onboard vessels and in ports. This was confirmed by data from the survey conducted by the Seafarers’ International Research Centre at Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd on the welfare needs of women on cargo ships.
• This lack of access leads to stress and discomfort for women seafarers, which can affect their concentration and performance, potentially impacting workloads of other crew members and in turn company culture.
• SHS is taking action with its Feminine Hygiene Project, providing essential products to women seafarers by working with the Queen Victoria Seafarers Rest, London International Cruise Terminal and the Port of Tilbury London.
• Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International pointed out that forward-thinking ship operators understand the importance of investing to attract more women to the industry, which will help fill the recruitment gap and benefit them in the long run.
• Ship operators and ports are urged to continue to address this issue, demonstrating commitment to diversity and improving operational efficiency. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are crucial for creating a truly inclusive maritime industry.

By addressing the specific healthcare needs of women seafarers, we can ensure they feel valued and supported, leading to greater retention and a more diverse and thriving maritime workforce.

To read the full article visit: https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/crewing/levelling-the-playing-field