Hapag-Lloyd has launched its Shefarer Program to increase the share of women working at sea and support more long-term career opportunities across the maritime industry.
The initiative is being carried out with Jebsen PTC, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (Germany) GmbH and Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd. It focuses on attracting women to seagoing roles while providing stronger development support on board.
A key part of the program is trainee recruitment. Hapag-Lloyd said at least 20% of new trainee intakes will be female cadets. The target will also apply to its international crew pipeline, including young Filipino talent.
The company will introduce selected Shefarer vessels, where several women seafarers will work together across different ranks and functions. These may include cadets, officers, engineers, oilers and captains. The aim is to make women a visible and established part of shipboard teams rather than isolated exceptions.
Hapag-Lloyd is also improving onboard facilities. All newbuildings entering service in the coming years will include separate changing rooms, showers and toilets.
Women currently account for 5.71% of Hapag-Lloyd’s crew. Four women captains are also sailing for the company, representing 4.6% of its captains.
Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director Fleet at Hapag-Lloyd, said the program is designed to create practical structures for women entering maritime careers and to support broader opportunities across the fleet.
