MARITIME industry leaders have formed a new alliance aimed at creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive maritime environment on shore and at sea.
The All Aboard Alliance was launched in Zurich this week, comprising 26 companies and co-chaired by Su Yin Anand, head of shipping at Australian resource company South32.
According to the Global Maritime Forum, the alliance was established under the reality that global seaborne trade relies on millions of people working in the maritime sector, both at sea and on land.
The alliance encourages the maritime industry to step up its collective efforts to improve its culture in the aftermath of the pandemic and in light of changing demographics and increased competition for talent.
“To retain its competitiveness and to successfully deal with the challenges headed our way, the maritime industry needs to increasingly work together to retain existing talent and attract new,” Ms Anand said.
“The All Aboard Alliance is here to lead and facilitate this transformation through the collaboration and actions of its member companies, and to take the immediate steps needed to move from intent to action with an impact.”
Five principles are integral to the alliance, which member companies are encouraged to implement in internal policies, procedures and leadership practices.
Firstly, companies are encouraged to appoint a business sponsor to lead and ensure accountability of diversity, equity and inclusion within the organisation.
Secondly, they are encouraged to equip and educate people to understand their role in fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.
Thirdly, companies should create and maintain an organisational culture of equity and belonging where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute and to thrive.
Fourthly, they should capture relevant data and develop insights to evaluate progress to evolve strategic objectives.
And finally, companies are encouraged to communicate commitment and progress externally on an annual basis.
Mikael Skov, Hafnia CEO and co-chair of the All Aboard Alliance, said the initiative endeavours to improve diversity and inclusion measures across the board.
“It is imperative at this pivotal time, [in which] a diversity of skills and competences is paramount to innovating our way through the continuous evolution and developments in decarbonisation, digitalisation, and automation,” he said.
Global Maritime Forum CEO Johannah Christensen said the official launch brought together industry leaders from across the maritime value chain to set the direction and level of ambition for the alliance.
The 26 member companies have committed to lead the transition toward a more diverse and attractive maritime industry, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.
Among the member companies are Anglo-Eastern, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, Cargill Ocean Transportation, Fleet Management, Hafnia, Höegh Autoliners, Höegh LNG, International Seaways, Lloyd’s Register, Mitsui OSK Lines, Ocean Technologies Group, South32 and Svitzer.
