Last month marked International Day for Women in Maritime 2025. Woman Unclouded caught up with Karin Orsel who was awarded the 2025 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Gender Equality Award, as well as Claudia Vella Casagrande, secretary general of the Malta International Shipowners’ Association (MISA), who has long championed greater diversity, equity, and inclusion across the sector in Malta and beyond.
An ocean of opportunities
Karin Orsel began her career in shipping at the age of 18, and by 23 she had co-founded MF Shipping Group. The group began with six vessels and now counts over 55, employing more than 1,000 crew and 80 office staff. As CEO for over 20 years, Karin – from the Netherlands – has focused on building a more inclusive workplace, by recruiting diverse talent, mentoring new entrants and backing initiatives to broaden women’s access to the sector.
What attracted you to the maritime industry?
I entered the maritime industry quite unexpectedly at the age of 23, when I had the opportunity to take over a bankrupt company together with two partners. It was a leap of faith.
What immediately drew me in was the energy — no day is ever the same. I was inspired by the passion of the people, the international environment, and the chance to meet people from all over the world, each bringing different perspectives. That’s what has kept me going for more than 30 years. Winning the IMO Gender Equality Award is a huge honour. But for me, it’s not just about personal recognition — it’s a shared achievement. It belongs to everyone who has walked this journey with me.
At the same time, I’m very aware that we’re not there yet. In many places around the world — and under certain political leadership — we sometimes see steps backward when it comes to gender equality. That makes it even more important to keep pushing forward. This award is a sign that change is possible — and that we have the strength to drive it, especially when we do it together. In the end, it always comes down to people. That’s what keeps me grounded and motivated every single day.
What’s your vision on promoting the maritime industry as a career in Europe, Malta and globally?
I believe the maritime industry offers incredible opportunities — in Europe, in Malta, and all around the world. That’s why it’s so important to actively encourage young people — especially women — to consider a career in this field. Maritime is vital to the global economy and has huge potential for growth, especially with the shift towards digital innovation and sustainable solutions.
But to truly promote the industry, we have to do more than talk about opportunities. We must create a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone — regardless of gender, background or experience. That means tackling bias, addressing unacceptable behaviour, and making sure people feel seen, heard and supported. A career at sea or in the maritime sector should never come at the cost of dignity or safety.
We need to make role models more visible, invest in mentorship, and offer training that reflects the needs of today’s diverse talent. Across Europe, in Malta and globally, the conversation around gender equality is gaining momentum — and that’s great. But visibility alone isn’t enough. For me, this is a call to action. Words must turn into action.
“We need to make role models more visible, invest in mentorship, and offer training that reflects the needs of today’s diverse talent.”
Even small steps can lead to big change. We must stay committed to building a workplace culture that values every voice. Especially now, with growing labour shortages, we can’t afford to leave anyone behind.
Companies that invest in safety, respect, inclusion and sustainability will not only attract more people — they’ll also build trust, resilience, and long-term success. Because the future of shipping must be for everyone.
Why should more women be encouraged to join the maritime sector, and how?
We need more women in maritime — not just because it’s fair, but because it makes the whole sector stronger. Diversity brings fresh perspectives, new skills and better decision-making. If we want to build a future-proof, innovative and resilient maritime industry, we simply can’t leave half the talent behind.
But we can’t just expect women to join — we need to create an environment where they feel safe, respected and supported. That starts with action. Make space for women, break down bias, and be serious about tackling issues like harassment and exclusion.
We need more visible female leaders, strong mentorship, equal opportunities and flexible working conditions. Even small changes — like proper gear for women or open conversations about inclusion — can make a big difference.
To women, I say: be yourself, speak up, and take your space. You belong here. This sector offers real opportunities, and while the road isn’t always easy, your voice and your presence make a difference. Stay determined, stay visible, and know that you can help shape the future of maritime. Now is our time.
To men, I say: we need you on board. True progress happens when we work together. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue — it’s everyone’s responsibility. Be an ally. Support your female colleagues, speak up when something isn’t right, and lead by example. Inclusion doesn’t mean losing something — it means we all gain.
What are the benefits of inclusion for the maritime sector?
Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a smart strategy for the future.The maritime sector offers a wealth of careers – ‘an ocean of opportunities’ — engineering, sustainability, digitalisation, maritime law, offshore energy, and more. But such opportunities need to be showcased to the youngsters and they also must be matched with equity.
“We need more visible female leaders, strong mentorship, equal opportunities and flexible working conditions. Even small changes — like proper gear for women or open conversations about inclusion — can make a big difference.”
Diverse teams bring broader perspectives, more creativity, and better decision-making. That’s exactly what we need in a fast-changing, global industry like shipping.
By embracing diversity and inclusion, the maritime sector can become more resilient, innovative, and competitive.
If we want the maritime sector to truly thrive, we need to make it inclusive. That means breaking down barriers and making sure everyone — no matter their gender, background or experience — has an equal chance to grow and succeed.
This article continues with Making Waves: all hands on deck for Maltese women, in which Women Unclouded talks to Claudia Vella Casagrande, secretary general of the Malta International Shipowners’ Association (MISA).
A note about Karin: Karin currently serves as president of the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) and chair of the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), and is on the boards of several major industry bodies, including the International Chamber of Shipping, INTERTANKO, and the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners. She was formerly president of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) and its Netherlands chapter.
This article was written by Claudia Calleja for Woman Unclouded, an exciting platform that seeks to uncloud women-related issues by sharing experiences and expertise. It’s packed with thoughts and truths, advice for our daughters and regular news round-ups. Enjoy all of Claudia’s advice and wisdom for women living in Malta (and beyond) today at www.womanunclouded.com.
