A Seafarer's View of a Global Tide of Inclusion

For those of us who've spent years sailing across oceans, there are very few moments ashore that feel as energising as being in a room full of people who truly understand what the maritime world stands for.

- 

New trends

The Maritime SheEO Conference 2025, held in Mumbai from October 28 to 30, was one such moment – a gathering that didn't just discuss change, but demonstrated it.

This year's edition brought together over 500 participants from more than 20 countries, creating a melting pot of experience, culture, and conviction. What struck many of us immediately was the near-equal gender ratio. In an industry where women have historically been few on the bridge, this balance felt symbolic of the direction in which the tide is turning. It wasn't about replacing one group with another; it was about sailing forward together as one crew.

The conference theme – Believe. Achieve. Lead. – echoed through every conversation. As a seafarer, the message felt familiar. At sea, belief is what gets you through your first heavy weather. Achievement comes with every safe port call. And leadership is tested not by rank, but by readiness to take responsibility. At SheEO, these ideas were applied to careers, organisations, and the future of maritime itself.

Day One — A Deck Full of Possibilities