MAERSK Line and former midshipman Hope Hicks have resolved Ms Hick’s litigation case against the company for sexual assault and harassment on one of its ships.
Ms Hicks brought a lawsuit against Maersk Line (MLL) in June this year. She alleged the company failed to protect her from rape while stationed on board Maersk’s Alliance Fairfax as a cadet in 2019.
A joint statement from Ms Hicks and Maersk Line (MLL), published 18 November, suggests the case has now been settled.
According to Maersk, attorneys for both parties have mutually agreed that neither side will disclose details of their agreement.
Ms Hicks said in the statement that leadership at MLL had expressed the need for change.
“It is important to me that my case has brought greater awareness of the issue of sexual assault and harassment at sea,” she said.
“The changes that MLL has proposed are an important first step, but there is still a lot of work to be done in the maritime industry.”
MLL CEO William Woodhour said, “We want to be absolutely clear that the events Ms Hicks describes are unacceptable”.
“No matter who and where you are, those who work with us must feel safe and protected in our work environment.”
MLL said the company has initiated a full program of training, reporting and accountability internally.
It also said it is working externally with “all industry stakeholders” to include its industry partners, labour unions, the maritime administration, maritime academies and the US Coast Guard in the training.
Maersk said the parties agree all industry partners need to work together to ensure all the company’s mariners “are provided with a respectful and safe work environment at sea”.
MLL is a US vessel operator and a wholly-owned subsidiary of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
