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In celebration to the upcoming “International Day for Women in Maritime,” the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) actively supported Maersk Equal At Sea 2025.

Held at AMOSUP Convention Hall on 15 May 2025, the event features initiatives in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion; strengthening pool of women in maritime; inspiring success stories and challenges faced by the women seafarers.

MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted that expertise and resilience of Filipina women in seafaring are no longer concealed but they are emerging, leading and inspiring. In line with the directive of President Marcos to prioritize the welfare of Filipino seafarers, Malaluan shared that MARINA believes in unleashing the best in Filipino seafarers, “We are delighted to be actively contributing to a campaign that empowers women, that encourages them to dream, to lead, and to achieve in professions in every step of the maritime value chain” she said. The Administrator also talked about various challenges in the industry, and she recognized that MARINA and Maersk can collaborate in creating types of working culture where respect, inclusion and opportunity are the rule rather than exception.

Maersk Owner’s Representative Gungor Ates emphasized the importance of working together to create a pathway in relation to career advancement of women in maritime. He shared that Maersk intends to increase the number of their women seafarers.

Danish Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Franz-Michael Mellbin described women as the biggest source of inspiration. He acknowledged the success of women in the maritime industry. Ambassador Mellbin also encouraged both men and women seafarers to be part of the solution and not part of the problem in the maritime sector.

Meanwhile, pressing issues such as psychological safety onboard, sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH). in maritime and job opportunities among others were discussed during the panel discussion.

The International Day for Women in Maritime is being celebrated on 18th May every year.

View photos here