What began under the predecessor will continue under the current Maritime Coordinator: the exchange between the Federal Ministry of Economics and WISTA Germany.
The Federal Government’s Maritime Coordinator, Christoph Ploß, received a delegation from WISTA Germany– the German organization of the international network Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association – at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. At this meeting, the Maritime Coordinator informed himself about the concerns and needs of women in the maritime industry and promised them his support. This follows on from a format that was initiated under his predecessor Dieter Janecek.
One of WISTA’s main topics continues to be increasing the visibility of women in the maritime industry and making the industry more attractive, especially for women. The proportion of women who go to sea is currently only around 1.2% globally. This means that it has been at a very low level for years. The highest proportion that women have ever achieved worldwide was just 2%. At a national level, Germany is in a slightly better position with a female share of around 7%, but this is also a low figure – one that may not be sustainable. As WISTA delegate Sabine Zeller, Managing Director of the Vocational Training Center for Maritime Shipping, reported at the meeting with the Maritime Coordinator, the proportion of women in the dual training occupation of ship mechanics has fallen from 17% to currently 10%.
Concerns about the next generation
However, it was not only the low proportion of women in the maritime industry that was the topic of the meeting, but also the shortage of skilled workers and concerns about the next generation in general. WISTA member and Head of Fleet Management at Hapag-Lloyd AG, Silke Lehmköster, reported that not only are fewer women applying for jobs, but fewer and fewer young people in general and that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable applicants for open positions. She is specifically worried that she will no longer be able to fill vacancies in her department in ten to 15 years’ time.
However, the issue of a lack of young talent cannot be solved simply by making the industry more attractive. It is multi-layered and several adjustments need to be made. Using the example of Bremen University of Applied Sciences, Suzette Suarez, Professor of Maritime Law, explained that students from all over the world come to Bremen to study international subjects, but find it difficult to find internships. However, these are an important part of the course. According to Suarez, the main reason for this is language barriers.
Ploß promises support
The fact that some young people are not being trained in the first place is also due to the threat of course closures. At the meeting, student Lara Tondt reported on the situation at Hamburg University of Technology. The shipbuilding course there is in danger of dying out. Because student numbers have fallen rapidly, professorships are not to be filled. This would mean the loss of an important training location for Germany and further exacerbate the existing shortage of skilled workers.
The Maritime Coordinator not only listened to the concerns of the delegation, which reflected the broad maritime spectrum – from shipping companies to ports, shipbuilding, logistics and pilotage through to universities – but also pledged his support. He said it was important to him to get more women interested in the maritime industry and to create the right framework conditions. He wanted to bring the issues that move WISTA to the attention of the federal government and the ministries.
It is important to him to change the mindset so that the maritime industry is perceived as an industry of the future – especially in today’s world. And not just on the coast, but throughout Germany, says Ploß.
Those who would like to learn more about WISTA can also listen to the podcast featuring WISTA Germany President Cathrin Prikker:
Women in the Maritime Industry. Interview with Cathrin Prikker, President of WISTA Germany
