THE Danish operator set to take over Jersey’s ferry services next month has launched a programme to increase female representation in maritime roles traditionally dominated by men.
DFDS’s Waves of Talent initiative aims to address the gender imbalance in the industry, where women represent just 2% of deck and engine positions according to the International Maritime Organisation.
The programme provides female students with hands-on training aboard DFDS vessels and is already operating in Türkiye and Morocco, where female representation in deck and engine positions has risen from 4.4% in 2023 to 6.6% by late 2024.
The ferry operator said it aims to increase female representation in deck and engine departments to 20% within five years and hopes to encourage more young Jersey women to consider careers as seafarers.
DFDS vice-president Gemma Griffin said: “We recognise the need for change and have set an ambitious goal to increase the percentage of female seafarers in our deck and engine departments to 20% by 2030.
“We fully intend to continue this focus in Jersey, encouraging more young females to explore the career opportunities available as a seafarer.
“We hope our efforts inspire the local maritime community to explore ways of empowering women and creating inclusive opportunities, further strengthening the industry both locally and globally.”
The announcement comes ahead of International Women’s Day, which DFDS described as “an opportunity to celebrate progress and drive further action”.
