- Ms. Karin Orsel, CEO of MF Shipping Group, wins the 2025 IMO Gender Equality Award.
- Award Ceremony: Scheduled for May 2025 during the International Day for Women in Maritime.
- She was recognized for her dedication to gender equality and inclusivity in the maritime industry.
Ms. Karin Orsel, the co-founder and CEO of the Netherlands-based MF Shipping Group, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 IMO Gender Equality Award. The prestigious award honors individuals who have contributed outstandingly to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the maritime industry, reports IMO.
Karin Orsel: 2025 IMO Gender Equality Award Recipient
The IMO Council endorsed Ms. Orsel’s selection during its 133rd session, which was held in London from 18 to 22 November 2024. The award ceremony will coincide with the celebrations of the International Day for Women in Maritime on 18 May 2025.
A Trailblazer in Maritime Leadership
Ms. Orsel began her career in the maritime sector at the age of 18 and co-founded the MF Shipping Group at 23. Under her leadership, the company expanded from managing six ships to overseeing a fleet of over 55 vessels, with a workforce of more than 1,000 seafarers and 80 office employees.
Her tenure as CEO spans over two decades, during which she has fostered an inclusive work culture, emphasized diversity in recruitment, and championed mentorship programs. Ms. Orsel has actively contributed to initiatives promoting diversity and empowerment within the maritime sector.
Global Advocacy for Equality and Sustainability
Beyond her role as CEO, Ms. Orsel has served in prominent positions, including:
- President of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) International.
- Member of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) boards, INTERTANKO, and the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR).
- Current President of the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) and Chair of the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).
Through these roles, she has advocated for gender equality, seafarer welfare, and sustainability in the maritime industry.
Letters of Commendation
In addition to Ms. Orsel, the IMO Council awarded Letters of Commendation to five nominees for their contributions to women’s empowerment in maritime:
- Ms. Flavia Takafashi (Brazil): For integrating gender considerations into regulatory frameworks and advocating diversity in education and policy.
- Captain Chunpei Zhan (China): As China’s first female ocean-going vessel captain, she champions equal employment opportunities for female maritime graduates.
- Ms. Katy Ware (ICS): Known for her leadership in fostering diversity and mentoring women in the maritime industry.
- Ms. Elvia Adelina Bustavino Cedeño (Panama): For initiatives such as ensuring gender parity in scholarships and organizing “Coffee with MAMLa” events.
- Ms. Jung Min (Republic of Korea): Vice-President of WIMA Korea, who implemented training programs for female maritime officers, leading to their employment in international shipping.
About the IMO Gender Equality Award
Established in 2023, the IMO Gender Equality Award recognizes individuals, regardless of gender, who have made significant strides in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in maritime.
Nominations are made by Member States, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the IMO.
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Source: IMO
