Hapag-Lloyd launches Shefarer Program to boost women crew, targets 20% female cadet hires
Women currently account for 5.71% of Hapag-Lloyd’s crew.
GLOBAL – Hapag-Lloyd has launched the Shefarer Program to increase women’s participation in the maritime industry through focused recruitment efforts, dedicated onboard support, and better working conditions at sea.
The company said the initiative, introduced in collaboration with partners including Jebsen PTC, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (Germany) GmbH, and Marlow Navigation, is designed to encourage more women to build long-term careers in the maritime industry and to strengthen their presence and visibility across its fleet.
Recruitment Targets and Specialized Vessels
As part of the programme, the company will ensure that at least 20% of new trainee intakes are female cadets. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with maritime training organizations.
The programme will also introduce selected Shefarer vessels, where several women seafarers will work together across functions and ranks. According to the company, this ensures that women on board are seen as a natural part of the crew, whether as cadets, officers, engineers, oilers, or captains.
Infrastructure Upgrades for Female Seafarers
In addition, the company said it is investing in separate changing rooms, showers, and toilets in all new buildings entering service in the coming years to improve the working and living environment for women at sea.
These infrastructure upgrades address practical barriers that have historically discouraged women from pursuing maritime careers.
Direct Statement from Leadership
“We are creating concrete structures to help more women enter the maritime industry and build long-term careers at sea,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director Fleet at Hapag-Lloyd.
She said mixed crews strengthen communication, collaboration, and mutual respect on board, while the company aims to increase women’s visibility and create more career opportunities across its fleet.
Industry Perspective
Without a doubt, workforce diversity directly impacts operational performance. Women currently account for 5.71% of Hapag-Lloyd’s crew.
Additionally, a more diverse and stable workforce reduces crew turnover, improves vessel operations, and enhances supply chain reliability. The 20% target for female cadet hires expands the talent pool at a time when global shipping faces crew shortages
As Hapag-Lloyd implements this programme across its fleet, the company positions itself as an employer of choice for female maritime talent, potentially improving crew quality and operational stability for perishable cargo carriers.
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