Growing Interest in Maritime Careers Among Women
Rising participation of women in Greek maritime professions is reshaping an industry long viewed as male dominated, as new figures from the 3rd NAT Report confirm a steady upward trend. Data from the 2024 administrative records indicate that Greece now stands among the highest performing countries worldwide in terms of female representation at sea.
The report shows that women account for 7.8 percent of the nations registered seafarers, notably exceeding the global rates of 1.2 percent in 2021 and 2.4 percent in 2022. Total registered female seafarers reached 2,048 in 2024 with 1,415 recorded in August alone. Almost the entire group 99 percent or 2,030 individuals consists of Greek nationals.
Recent studies point to a noticeable rise in the appeal of maritime studies among young women who increasingly view the sector as an attractive career path. Interest continues to grow in Greece where participation in Merchant Marine Academies is climbing even as global figures highlight the distance still to be covered before achieving full equality and broad representation.
Persistent Barriers and Key Challenges
Despite this momentum substantial obstacles remain for women seeking entry and long term careers in maritime professions. Research commissioned by NAT and carried out by the University of West Attica identifies several recurring challenges.
Lack of adequate information about career opportunities in shipping
Enduring stereotypes and misconceptions about maritime work being a male occupation
Difficulties balancing family responsibilities with sea going roles
Gender based disparities in employment terms including pay leave and benefits
Addressing these issues requires consistent communication targeted initiatives and coordinated intervention. NAT has already begun to implement measures aligned with these goals.
Best Practices to Strengthen Female Maritime Employment
The study highlights approximately 25 best practices grouped into 5 key categories designed to support womens employment at sea.
Awareness and empowerment programs encouraging entry and retention
Policies preventing and combating gender discrimination
Research examining working conditions and career prospects for women
Guides and manuals focusing on gender related aspects of maritime work
Award schemes recognising effective practices and achievements
NAT stresses that school outreach campaigns stronger maternity and work life balance support systems and zero tolerance policies on harassment can be quickly implemented across Greece.
A Comprehensive Action Plan for 2026
Increasing female representation in maritime roles will require an ecosystem shaped by cultural social and institutional shifts supported through continuous dialogue with industry stakeholders. NAT is developing a dedicated action plan for 2026 that will outline specific objectives implementation measures and flagship projects.
The state plays a central role in establishing the framework that ensures inclusion becomes a standard practice rather than an exception. NATs initiatives supported by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security complement nationwide efforts to make maritime careers more attractive led by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping shipowners associations and maritime unions.
Greeces significantly higher percentage of women at sea compared to international averages demonstrates that the regulatory environment is not restrictive and complies fully with European and international gender equality standards including IMO and ILO conventions. Additional tools are still needed however to address long term career retention periods of absence such as maternity leave reintegration and professional advancement.
NAT which has supported Greek seafarers for over 160 years intends to continue contributing actively to these efforts and reinforce the long term inclusion of women in the maritime sector.
