Discrimination and missed opportunities hold maritime leaders back Report

February 12, 2026

A Global Maritime Forum report based on 108 in-depth interviews with maritime leaders reveals how outdated norms and exclusionary practices prevent the maritime sector from realising the full potential of its talent.

The report, ‘Diversifying Maritime Leadership’, outlines three overarching barriers to career advancement within the sector:

  • Societal norms and expectations that shape perceptions of who is “fit” to lead

  • Company culture and policies that unintentionally disadvantage underrepresented groups

  • Professional relationships that can either empower or marginalise capable leaders

Interviewees shared stories of discrimination and missed opportunities: women engineers asked to take notes instead of contributing technically, cadets assigned only cleaning duties, young parents leaving due to lack of family support, and LGBTQ+ leaders concealing their identity for fear of safety, to name just a few.

READ IT HERE

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