On May 24 in Zurich, industry leaders from across the global maritime value chain came together to launch the All Aboard Alliance, which will provide a platform for collaborative action to make the maritime industry more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
The backdrop for setting up the All Aboard Alliance is the fact that global seaborne trade relies on millions of people working in the maritime sector – on shore and at sea. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and in light of changing demographics and increased global competition for talent, the maritime industry must step up its collective efforts to improve on diversity, equity and inclusion to expand the available talent pool.
“The All Aboard Alliance endeavors to significantly improve diversity, equity, and inclusion measures across the board. It is imperative at this pivotal time, where a diversity of skills and competences is paramount to innovating our way through the continuous evolution and developments in decarbonization, digitalization, and automation,” says Mikael Skov, CEO of Hafnia and Co-Chair of the All Aboard Alliance.
The All Aboard Alliance is designed around five principles which member companies are encouraged to implement in internal policies, procedures, and leadership practices:
1. Appoint a business sponsor to lead and ensure accountability of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
2. Equip and educate people to understand their role in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace – from senior leaders through to line managers and team members.
3. Create and maintain an organizational culture of equity and belonging where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute and to thrive.
4. Capture relevant data and develop insights to evaluate progress and to evolve strategic objectives.
5. Communicate commitment and progress externally on an annual basis.
Member companies will report annually on actions and progress on each principle. In addition to committing to take action within their own organizations, members of the All Aboard Alliance set out to work together to make progress across the industry.
26 companies have committed to lead the transformation towards a more diverse, inclusive, and attractive maritime industry, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone: Anglo-Eastern, Ardmore Shipping Corporation, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, Bureau Veritas, Caravel Group, Cargill Ocean Transportation, Danaos Corporation, Dorian LPG, Fednav Limited, Fleet Management, G2 Ocean, GasLog, Gorrissen Federspiel, Hafnia, Höegh Autoliners, Höegh LNG, International Seaways, Lloyd’s Register, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ocean Technologies Group, Purus Marine, South32, Svitzer, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, TURTLE GO, and VIKAND Solutions.
Photo credit: iStock/ goc
