"Breaking Waves: Women Navigating the Shipping World"

"Breaking Waves: Women Navigating the Shipping World"

For centuries, the maritime world has been seen as a man’s domain—captains, engineers, port operators, and charterers were almost always men. But the tides are changing. Today, more women are making their mark at sea and on shore, reshaping the shipping and logistics industry. Still, their journeys are filled with both inspiring victories and persistent challenges.

As Captain Radhika Menon, the first woman captain of the Indian Merchant Navy, once said: “The sea has taught me resilience, patience, and courage. These are qualities every leader must have, no matter the gender.”

Women Making Waves

From commanding vessels to leading global shipping companies, women are proving their place in an industry long resistant to change. Captain Belinda Bennett made history as the world’s first Black female cruise ship captain, breaking barriers of both gender and race. In India, Captain Shalini Singh became one of the first women to take command of an oil tanker, demonstrating that skill and grit matter more than stereotypes.

On shore, women are leading in boardrooms and port operations. Sabrina Chao, former chairperson of Wah Kwong Shipping, highlighted how strategic vision and adaptability are critical in a volatile shipping market. Similarly, Despina Theodosiou, co-CEO of Tototheo Maritime, has become a global voice for women in the industry through her leadership at WISTA International. These stories remind us that the sea rewards competence, not convention.

Against the Current

Even as more women step into the maritime world, the journey is far from smooth sailing. Cultural barriers often fuel doubts about whether women can thrive in the demanding, high-pressure world of shipping. The challenge of work-life balance adds another layer, as long voyages and irregular schedules make it tough to manage family responsibilities. Perhaps most striking is the issue of representation—according to the IMO, women make up just 2% of the world’s seafarers, and most of them are concentrated in cruise shipping rather than cargo or tankers.

As Despina Theodosiou, President of WISTA International, powerfully put it: “The biggest challenge is not about capability, it’s about opportunity.” Her words remind us that while women have the skill, what they need most are the open doors.

Turning the Tide

The good news? Change is happening. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched the “Women in Maritime” program to boost representation through training and leadership opportunities. Organizations like WISTA International are building global networks of female professionals, while many shipping companies are setting diversity targets and creating mentorship programs for women joining the industry.

Ports and maritime academies are also beginning to actively recruit women, offering scholarships and specialized training. These initiatives are slowly but steadily transforming the industry into a more inclusive space.

The Future is Inclusive

The maritime industry is on the cusp of transformation. With more women breaking barriers at sea and on land, and with stronger global initiatives supporting them, the industry is finally learning to value diversity as a strength.

The sea, after all, does not discriminate. It rewards skill, resilience, and leadership—qualities women bring in abundance. The challenge ahead is clear: build an industry where talent defines opportunity, not gender.

As the saying goes in maritime circles: “A rising tide lifts all ships.” The same is true for shipping—when women rise, the whole industry sails forward.