The maritime sector is preparing to confront hard data on its inclusivity record this November. New research will shine a spotlight on workplace diversity, inclusion, and safety for seafarers and shore-based employees alike. According to the International Transport Workers Federation, less than two per cent of seafarers worldwide are women. Government figures show a higher figure in the UK (around 16 per cent), but this is weighted towards lower-ranked officers.
The figures on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are to be unveiled at the fourth annual DEI in Maritime Conference in London. The event will offer a candid assessment of progress and shortcomings. With the industry grappling with talent shortages, the findings are expected to guide recruitment and retention strategies.
Data at the heart of the debate
Reporting the gender imbalance is a challenge that WorldCargoNews.com adddressed earlier this year. Taking the matter furthger, the conference, scheduled for 18–19 November, will see the publication of the “DEI in Maritime Annual Review 2025”. This sixth edition compiles membership survey data from across the sector. Heidi Heseltine, founder and CEO of the Diversity Study Group (DSG), said the maritime sector is suffering a global skills shortage. “It is only through leveraging accurate DEI data and learning from other sectors that we can accelerate our people and culture programmes.”
Organisers are looking beyond the industry’s own boundaries. Senior leaders from global finance, international law, and professional sport will bring lessons in building inclusive, high-performance cultures. The idea is to benchmark maritime against sectors that have already invested heavily in diversity and culture. “Maritime doesn’t operate in isolation, although sometimes it can feel that way,” Heseltine explained. “What maritime needs to understand most is where it sits in the international market of talent and culture right now and how to drive progress.”
Expert voices on inclusivity
Confirmed speakers include Jack Guest, former global director of group inclusion at HSBC, Kathleen Russ, former managing partner of a global law firm and current chair of England Hockey, and Shruti Saujani, equality, diversity and inclusion senior lead at the Football Association in England. All three will share strategies that have delivered measurable impact in demanding industries. “By interrogating the latest DEI data and learning from industries like law, finance and professional sport, we can pinpoint what works and accelerate change that benefits both people and business,” said Heseltine.
Organisers say the discussions could not be more timely. Shipping faces an impending drain in global talent, with competition from more progressive industries adding pressure. The London event will seek to provide actionable responses to these challenges. “Latest news reports on the impending drain in talent suggest maritime simply can’t wait any longer to know how it compares with other sectors, but hopefully with the very latest data, analysis, and expert insights, we will get the answers we need,” said Heseltine.
There’s a planned “goldfish bowl” debate with DEI leaders from outside the maritime sector, along with a deeper analysis of data for both seafarers and shore staff. A members-only session on 19 November will focus on practical implementation. The UK still provides a large contingent of seafaring professionals on the world’s oceans. The latest government figures estimate that 23,700 UK seafarers were active at sea in 2024, a decrease of two per cent compared to the 2023 figure.