Hapag-Lloyd has launched the Shefarer program, an initiative aimed at sustainably increasing the proportion of women in the maritime sector. The German shipping company has agreed with its partners Jebsen PTC, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (Germany) GmbH, and Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd a series of measures to attract more women to professional careers at sea and to provide specific support for their development on board.
One of the central elements of the program is the promotion of young talent. From now on, at least 20% of the new recruits in training must be female cadets. This goal will also apply to the international crew chain, particularly to young talent from the Philippines.
Another relevant component of the initiative is the designation of the so-called Shefarer ships. On these vessels, several female mariners will be deployed together in different roles and ranks. The objective is to ensure that women on board are not perceived as exceptions, but as a natural part of the crew, whether as cadets, officers, engineers, oilers, or captains. Additionally, Hapag-Lloyd is investing in the installation of changing rooms, showers, and separate restrooms in all new constructions that will enter service in the coming years, in order to improve working conditions and livability for women at sea.
"With the Shefarer program, we are creating concrete structures to help more women access the maritime sector and develop long-term professional careers at sea," said Silke Lehmköster, managing director of Hapag-Lloyd's Fleet. "Mixed crews strengthen communication, collaboration, and mutual respect on board. Our goal is to increase the visibility of women at sea and generate more professional opportunities for them across our fleet."
Currently, women represent 5.71% of Hapag-Lloyd's crew. In addition, four women captains currently sail for the company, representing 4.6% of the total captains in the German shipping company.
The Shefarer program is part of Hapag-Lloyd's long-term strategy to make maritime careers more attractive and visible, while also seeking to attract qualified young talent for the industry.
