2025 Maritime Industry: The Rise of Women Leaders
Women in Shipping: Breaking Waves in 2025
Shipping has always been the heart of global trade, but for many years, women were hardly seen in this industry. Social barriers and old mindsets kept them away from ships and shipping offices. But times have changed. In 2025, women are making bigger waves than ever before.
What was once a male-dominated field is now seeing women take charge as ship captains, engineers, port managers, and business leaders. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), women still make up only about 2% of the world’s seafarers — but that number is growing every year. More women are joining maritime academies, leading shipping companies, managing ports, and shaping policies at the highest levels.
Empowered Women, Stronger Industry
Today, global organizations like WISTA International, the IMO Women in Maritime program, and national maritime bodies are working hard to bring more women into the industry — and help them stay. Companies are also realizing that diversity is not just good for reputation — it’s smart business. Mixed teams bring fresh ideas, better decisions, and help build a culture where innovation and sustainability thrive. Many women are also stepping up as mentors, helping young professionals grow and pushing for more equality in shipping.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Workplace
Progressive shipping companies know that it’s not enough to hire women — they need to create safe, supportive places where they can succeed. Mentorship programs, leadership training, flexible work options, and strong anti-harassment policies are helping more women build long-term maritime careers.
Women Leading the Way at Tangar
At Tangar Ship Management, we are proud to have remarkable women who are breaking barriers and rising to top positions in the shipping industry. Their dedication, leadership, and resilience inspire us every day. We are honored to support and celebrate these women who prove that the future of shipping is stronger and more inclusive when women lead the way.
Case Study 1: India’s First Woman Ship Captain
Captain Radhika Menon shattered stereotypes by becoming India’s first woman to command a merchant vessel. Rising through the ranks in a male-dominated industry, she made history not just for breaking barriers but for her extraordinary courage at sea.
In 2015, she led a daring rescue of seven fishermen stranded in the Bay of Bengal during a fierce storm — an act that earned her the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, making her the first woman in the world to receive this honor.
Captain Menon’s journey is a beacon for women in shipping — proof that the waves of change are unstoppable when courage and determination lead the way.
Case Study 2: A Wave Breaker
Captain Aisha Rahman is a perfect example of this new wave. She joined the maritime industry 15 years ago, when seeing a woman on the bridge was rare. Despite facing bias and few opportunities, she worked her way up from cadet to Master Mariner, supported by her company’s diversity programs and WISTA’s mentor network. In 2025, she commands one of the biggest container ships in her fleet, mentors’ young women cadets, and speaks globally about inclusion and sustainability. Her journey shows how investing in women breaks barriers, builds strong teams, and pushes the industry towards a brighter, more equal future.
Today’s women in shipping are not just working — they’re leading. They’re breaking waves, steering change, and showing the world that the ocean of opportunities is open to everyone.
