The Danish Maritime Authority, with the support of Danish Shipping, has nominated Gemma Griffin, VP, Head of Global Crewing, DFDS, for the 2027 IMO Gender Equality Award.

Gemma Griffin is behind Waves of Talent at DFDS. Through the initiative, DFDS works to bring more women to sea – through training, mentoring and job opportunities. And it is working. The share of women in Deck & Engine roles at DFDS has more than doubled in just a few years.

“Gemma’s work shows how diversity can be built into the core of how we operate as an industry. So, it’s not just about ambition, it’s about implementation and doing the work. I really hope that Gemma’s work will inspire the industry as a whole on this very important topic. She truly deserves to win this prize,” said Nina Porst, Executive Director of Sustainable Ships and Skills at Danish Shipping.

The IMO Gender Equality Award is awarded to an individual or individuals, irrespective of their gender, who, either in their personal capacity or as re­p­re­sen­ta­ti­ves of their respective institutions, have made significant contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the maritime sector.

“I think what she’s done with the Waves of Talent is that she’s taking it all the way from the beginning, from the schools to the employment on board our own vessels. So, seeing the full chain and then being personally invested in all the steps and all the individuals who’s been part of it is really what makes it different compared to many other initiatives,” said Sofie Lindegaard, Director, Head of Group Sustainability, DFDS

When Gemma began her career in shipping, she was often the only woman in the room and could see no women in the engine room or on deck. She saw a clear need for change.

“You know, we’re all very good at talking and you know, we need to turn that talking into real action. And the only way of turning something into action is to actually just get out and do it. Hire those women, pay for their training, give them an opportunity, make space in your organization for them. That’s all it takes. It’s not rocket science,” said Gemma Griffin, VP, Head of Global Crewing, DFDS.

It takes courage to challenge habits. It takes perseverance to create lasting change. And it takes strong role models like Gemma. And that is why Gemma Griffin is nominated by Denmark for the 2027 IMO Gender Equality Award.

DFDS won the 2025 Danish Shipping DEI-Award.