International Seaways Partners with V. to Empower Female Cadets
International Seaways, Inc. , one of the largest tanker companies in the world, has partnered with V., a leading global ship management and marine services provider, to announce the launch of a newly developed Female Cadet Program. This joint initiative marks a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s ongoing efforts to improve gender diversity and foster a safer, more inclusive environment at sea.
As the shipping industry continues to confront persistent challenges such as workforce shortages, aging talent pools, and gender imbalance, this collaborative program stands out as a strategic and socially impactful solution. With women currently accounting for less than 2% of the global seafaring workforce, both companies see this initiative not only as a commitment to gender equity but also as a means to strengthen operational excellence by diversifying talent pipelines.
A Joint Commitment to Gender Inclusivity and Workforce Development
At the heart of this initiative is a shared vision between International Seaways and V. to create meaningful, long-term change in the representation of women at sea. Recognizing the systemic barriers that have historically limited female participation in maritime careers, both organizations have designed a cadet program that addresses these challenges through a combination of targeted support, infrastructure upgrades, and cultural transformation.
The inaugural intake of female cadets is scheduled to begin in September 2025. These cadets will be placed aboard two training vessels that have been specially selected and adapted to support their integration into the seafaring workforce. Key enhancements onboard include the addition of gender-specific facilities, the provision of workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) designed for women, and tailored health and wellness support programs.
One of the program’s most defining features is the active involvement of experienced female senior officers from the International Seaways fleet, who will mentor and guide the cadets throughout their initial rotation. This peer support structure aims to build confidence and ensure cadets have a strong network of allies during the critical early stages of their maritime careers.
Creating a More Supportive Onboard Environment
In addition to physical accommodations, International Seaways and V. are introducing a series of soft initiatives focused on improving the onboard culture. An onboard culture training module will be implemented across the participating vessels, emphasizing respect, safety, and inclusivity. The goal is to cultivate a professional environment where all seafarers—regardless of gender—can perform their duties without fear of discrimination or harassment.
These initiatives are not being introduced in isolation. Rather, they are part of a broader effort to develop a set of best practices that can be adopted more widely across the fleet and, ultimately, shared with the wider industry. Both companies are committed to collecting feedback and assessing the outcomes of the program to ensure continuous improvement.
Addressing the Maritime Skills Shortage Through Inclusion
The global maritime industry is currently grappling with a mounting shortage of skilled seafarers. As experienced personnel retire and fewer young professionals enter the field, the need for innovative workforce solutions has become increasingly urgent. By actively promoting maritime careers to women, International Seaways and V. aim to unlock a largely underutilized talent pool that has the potential to ease this labor crisis while bringing diverse perspectives and skills to the table.
Lois Zabrocky, CEO of International Seaways, emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing both inclusion and talent needs. “Female seafarers represent a wealth of untapped talent for the maritime industry,” she said. “We’re thrilled to be working with V. on this collaborative initiative to build a more inclusive and positive workplace. Attracting and retaining diverse talent is not just the right thing to do—it’s essential to the future of shipping.”
Zabrocky also highlighted the broader industry implications, stating, “On this occasion of International Day for Women in Maritime 2025, we call for all hands on deck in championing a safe and supportive workplace for everyone. We recognize that when people have equal opportunities to thrive in their roles, the entire industry benefits and grows.”
Industry Leaders Call for Collective Action
The Female Cadet Program reflects a broader trend within maritime leadership circles to rethink traditional seafaring norms and embrace more inclusive, forward-thinking practices. V. CEO René Kofod-Olsen echoed this sentiment, pointing to the commercial and strategic benefits of greater diversity.
“This program is not only a natural extension of our long-standing partnership with INSW, but it’s also a must-win battle for the entire industry,” Kofod-Olsen said. “Enhancing diversity on all fronts is a commercial and strategic advantage. It ensures we have the best talent in our teams and are able to deliver on our promise of operational excellence at sea.”
Kofod-Olsen further emphasized that cultivating gender-diverse crews is critical to the long-term sustainability of the maritime sector. He pointed out that companies that invest in diversity are more resilient, adaptable, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of global trade and logistics.
Building a Blueprint for the Future
As International Seaways and V. implement this program, they are also laying the groundwork for future industry adoption. The lessons learned, best practices established, and cultural shifts initiated through this collaboration may serve as a model for other maritime companies seeking to increase gender representation and build more inclusive work environments.
Beyond the shipboard experience, the companies also plan to evaluate the feasibility of expanding the program into other areas, such as shoreside roles, advanced officer training, and leadership development for female maritime professionals. The ultimate aim is to support female cadets not just through their first voyage, but throughout their entire careers.
A Long-Term Vision for Maritime Equality
While the Female Cadet Program is an important step forward, both International Seaways and V. acknowledge that achieving gender parity at sea will require sustained effort, cultural evolution, and industry-wide collaboration. The success of this initiative will depend on ongoing commitment, open dialogue, and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions.
As the maritime industry celebrates International Day for Women in Maritime 2025, this joint initiative serves as a timely reminder of what can be achieved when organizations align on a shared mission to break barriers and empower future generations.