This story is a translated version of an article first published by Kystens Næringsliv on March 7, 2025.
Written by Ulrik Øen Johnsen.
– We are here to stay, says Emilie, Marine Superintendent Trainee in Odfjell.
– It was somewhat by chance that I ended up in this job. The opportunity to travel for work and be at sea for extended periods appealed to me and seemed exciting.
A noticeable commitment to gender equality
Odfjell aims to ensure that one in three employees at all levels of the company will be women within five years. Speaking to Kystens Næringsliv, Stang says she sees an industry in transition.
– I already noticed it during my nautical studies. There were three or four girls in my class. Two years later, the number had more than doubled, Stang says.
The ambitious push for gender equality is evident in the workplace, Stang explains.
– This is something I also see in my work at Odfjell. More and more women are being hired and more are applying for positions.
Seeking different challenges
– What do you think is attracting more women to maritime education and careers?
- I think women are looking for different challenges beyond the typical ‘women’s jobs,’ where care professions dominate, Stang says.
At the same time, she believes many women could thrive in more physically demanding jobs.
– We want careers in physical professions where we can be active in ways that may not traditionally be expected of us, she says.
– Have you encountered any prejudices in your profession because you are a woman?
– Yes, mainly when it comes to physical work, where people might assume that women can't handle it. But I would say this has improved over the three years I've been working, Stang says.
A positive transition
Stang notes that having more women on board has required some adjustment for crews, but it has ultimately improved the work environment for everyone.
– It’s important to bring more women into the industry. The feedback I’ve received from those I’ve spoken with, and from those working on ships, is that the culture and work environment on board have improved since more women joined the crews, Stang says.
Odfjell has set a goal for 30% of employees at all levels of the company to be women by 2030. While fewer women than men currently apply for positions, VP of Corporate HR, Ingjerd Morland Nettestad, notes that positive changes are already underway.
– We have a stable organization and not many vacant positions, so balancing the gender ratio takes time. It is improving, but we still have a way to go in certain key functions and leadership roles, she says.
She adds that the proportion of female applicants is increasing, even though only about 25% apply for land-based positions.
A commitment from the industry
On March 4, 2025, the largest Norwegian maritime labor organizations signed a declaration with the government, committing to promoting greater gender equality in the maritime industry. The goal is to attract even more women to the field.
One of the key initiatives is that the government, through mentorship programs and collaboration with educational institutions, will highlight the opportunities available in the industry for everyone.
– By systematically working towards greater diversity and gender equality in the maritime sector, both the industry and the number of women entering it will benefit, said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Marianne Sivertsen Næss (Labour Party), to Kystens Næringsliv after signing the declaration.
Read the original article in Norwegian: Rederiet vil at en av tre sjømenn skal være kvinner.
