- Report finds progress but persistent barriers in inclusive leadership pipelines.
- Societal expectations, company culture, and relationships hinder diverse leaders.
- Stories of exclusion reveal systemic discrimination in maritime careers.
A recent report from the Global Maritime Forum sheds light on how outdated norms and exclusionary practices are holding back the maritime sector from tapping into its full leadership potential. Titled Diversifying Maritime Leadership, this study is grounded in 108 in-depth interviews with leaders from both sea and shore, reports Global Maritime Forum.
Progress and Ongoing Challenges
The findings reveal a mix of hopeful progress and persistent hurdles in building inclusive leadership pathways. Even with increasing awareness, the journey toward leadership diversity is still hindered by systemic issues.
Three Key Barriers to Leadership Diversity
The interviews brought to light three main areas where obstacles remain:
- Societal norms and expectations that influence who is deemed fit to lead
- Company cultures and policies that unintentionally put underrepresented groups at a disadvantage
- Professional networks that can either uplift or marginalise capable leaders
Real Stories of Exclusion
Interviewees shared compelling stories of discrimination and lost opportunities: women engineers being asked to take notes instead of contributing their expertise, cadets stuck with cleaning duties, young parents leaving due to a lack of family support, and LGBTQ+ leaders feeling the need to hide their identities for safety.
Industry Challenges and Talent Shortage
These barriers come at a time when the maritime sector is grappling with significant workforce challenges. By 2026, a shortage of 90,000 trained officers is expected, all while the industry is also dealing with the upheavals brought on by decarbonization, digitalisation, and automation.
Building Bridges for Inclusive Leadership
This report not only highlights the high cost of exclusion but also points out three essential bridges that can help diverse talent flourish:
- Mentorship
- Inclusive policies
- Supportive professional networks
Path Forward for the Maritime Sector
In conclusion, simply hiring diverse leaders isn’t enough. Companies need to create the right structures and everyday practices that empower these leaders to thrive. By breaking down barriers and reinforcing these bridges, the maritime sector can tap into hidden leadership potential, boost workforce satisfaction, and ensure its long-term sustainability.
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Source: Global Maritime Forum
