By Vineet Gupta

Anglo-Eastern’s commitment to safety, inclusion, and growth of women seafarers in the maritime industry.

The maritime industry is evolving, and women are at the helm of this transformation. International Women’s Day 2025, with its theme Accelerate Action, serves as a powerful reminder that progress is not just an aspiration—it is a commitment. Today, more women than ever are charting successful careers at sea, leading with expertise and resilience.

368 women seafarers deployed under our banner: At Anglo-Eastern, we are not just opening doors—we are redefining the very foundation of seafaring. Our commitment is clear: to create an environment where women in maritime careers don’t just succeed but set new benchmarks. We made this possible through our Anglo-Eastern Women of Seas (AWOS) programme that supports our women seafarers. Through strategic recruitment, training and development, well-being initiatives and women inclusive programmes, we are shaping a future where women seafarers thrive in the maritime industry.

Our journey begins with a comprehensive onboarding process that sets the tone for our commitment to safety and inclusion. Our women seafarers receive detailed briefings about the company's DEI initiatives/gender balance that creates a safe space where every woman can thrive.

Ensuring a safe and harassment-free environment for women seafarers on board is a top priority. We have stringent policies in place, backed by regular gender-sensitisation training and anti-harassment protocols to create a secure work atmosphere. Our women seafarers know they are protected and supported in any situation.

Monthly connects with women seafarers while on board, providing a forum for women to discuss their challenges and share feedback. We aim to connect and address any concerns in real time. In addition, we have established a dedicated committee to address women’s concerns. This body functions as an advisory and support group, resolving grievances, and ensuring any issues raised by women seafarers are promptly addressed. Our Anglo-Eastern Women of Seas (AWOS) programme ensures safety and comfort, and offers them to grow professionally. Our programme includes mentorship, career development initiatives, and connects which are growth-focused discussions.

Our Well-being team, a pioneer in leading the AWOS programme at Anglo-Eastern, comes from different areas of expertise from social sciences and humanities. The team is committed to providing a safe and inclusive culture for all seafarers, strengthening the company's DEIB efforts, and bringing gender balance on board our vessels. The maritime world isn’t just changing; it is evolving into a space where women lead, innovate, and inspire.

Women in seafaring aren’t the future; they are the present, shaping the industry today.

(The author of this article is managing director of Anglo-Eastern Ship Management India, the Indian subsidiary of Hong-Kong headquartered shipping conglomerate, Anglo-Eastern Group)