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A message from John Rowley, CEO, Wallem Group on International Day for Women in Maritime 2024
The IMO International Day for Women in Maritime 2024 is both a celebration and a renewed call to action for our industry as it acknowledges its progress and opportunities in addressing gender imbalance.
IMO's commitment to progress is enshrined in UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality), however global commitments are open to interpretation, while it is also fair to recognise unconscious bias as a widespread phenomenon.
Fortunately, substantive work is being done to promote the recruitment, retention, and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector, whether as seafarers, maritime professionals, or in leadership positions.
IMO’s award of consultative status to WISTA International, for example, provides a platform to benchmark the pace of change and we look forward to reviewing the 2024 Women in Maritime Survey against research in 2021.
We must accept that our own organisation remains one of gender imbalance. However, given that Wallem’s vision for shipping is that “the future is human,” it will be no surprise to learn that I wholeheartedly endorse this year’s over-arching IMO theme of Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety.
We can also say that Wallem has been working hard to change across our divisions, and enable Wallem women to bring forward their perspectives, concerns, and innovations. We are proud members of WISTA across a number of countries.
In fact, in recently inviting a number of women working at Wallem to reflect on their roles, we asked what we have been doing right and what more we can do.
If more than one of our respondents flagged up our industry as “male-dominated,” I was encouraged that responses described Wallem as an employer that recognises talent and passion regardless of gender, which is also inclusive and equitable on learning opportunities and promotion. I was also gratified that respondents acknowledged ‘gender equity’ as extending to leadership roles.
While the number of Wallem women seafarers admittedly remains small, I was also delighted to note that a culture of gender equality was also said to apply on board Wallem’s managed vessels.
And, while “nothing is impossible for women even in this male-dominated industry” – as one of our respondents puts it - we were reminded that there is room for improvement. Promoting non-discriminatory behaviour and upholding accountability demands continuous attention, our respondents opined, while decision-making – too - is an area for inclusivity.
We also know that gender bias and stereotyping are everyday occurrences, even in organisations committed to diversity and inclusion.
I share this feedback here to encourage the collaborative approach so often invoked when maritime voices express themselves as in favour of progressive attitudes. If it does not qualify as what our marketing friends describe as ‘through leadership,’ I am content to offer it as an invitation to ‘joined up thinking.’
John Rowley,
CEO, Wallem Group
Wallem Group joins in celebrating the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime
Meet some of the amazing women shaping the future of the maritime industry. Click the images below to be inspired by their stories.
Kennis Lee
Head of Procurement, Wallem Group
Wallem is committed to promoting equitable learning opportunities and ensuring inclusive access to all roles, including leadership roles, regardless of a person's gender. As Wallem Group Head of Procurement, I have felt the benefit of this policy first hand.
I entered the maritime industry following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather, who were both proud seafarers, and my first role was as a technical assistant at a ship-management company. I was drawn to procurement as a dynamic area of the business environment where each day brings fresh challenges. We may be procuring similar products or services every day, but a variety of approaches are needed.
Starting in a junior position and working my way up to a leadership role has had a positive impact on myself-confidence. Like many women, I can be too modest about my strengths, when it’s important to acknowledge and continuously develop them. I’m grateful to my mentor for helping me to improve my self-esteem, identify my talents and passions, and recognise my value and potential.
Procurement is a challenging profession, but it’s also one in which people can develop a variety of skills and achieve a great deal if they push themselves to step outside of their comfort zone. Success depends on turning failure into a positive experience – a stepping stone towards our goals. By analysing and learning from our failures, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and opportunities for growth.
Another key ingredient in success –both personal and company-wide – is safety. As head of my division, I must lead by example, keeping my workstation clean to avoid accidents but also encouraging open dialogue so that team members feel comfortable to raise any health and safety concerns. In addition, communicating the importance of workplace ergonomics is integral to preventing musculoskeletal issues, enhancing comfort, and promoting overall well-being.
Looking ahead, I will continue to work towards the recognition of Procurement as a strategic partner within the organisation, develop mutually beneficial relationships between suppliers and stakeholders, and oversee the professional and personal growth of my team members.
Leila Trinidad
Crewing System and Process Manager, Wallem Ship Management
Having enjoyed success as a financial auditor for a Big-Four accounting firm in the Philippines, I made the move into the ship-management business as Chief Accountant for a Japanese owner’s in-house ship-management company. My career then took me overseas to Singapore and eventually to Wallem Shipmanagement in Hong Kong.
At Wallem, my role evolved beyond finance: I became part of the business process management team initially as Business Process Analyst and now serve as Crewing System and Process Manager. My duties include handling crewing projects, facilitating training, creating instruction manuals, proposing policies and procedures, and preparing business cases and feasibility studies.
In my 18 years in ship management, I have implemented several processes, accounting and crewing systems including procure-to-pay and crew management process mapping; the company’s first crew payroll manual; automated seafarer appraisal and training logs for promotion and pre-hire briefing; training and e-learning modules; digital document signing; the ShipMoney e-wallet for our Russian and Ukrainian seafarers; and a systematic Cash-to-Master request and payment process.
By streamlining and digitalising business processes, we minimise the administrative burden on crew to reduce fatigue and thereby promote well-being and enhance safety.
Seafarer welfare and safety are our top priorities, but gender equality is also a crucial consideration. When I first entered the ship-management industry, I noticed that almost 80% of my colleagues were male, and according to the 2021 BIMCO/ICS Seafarer Workforce Report, women make up just 1.2% of the global seafaring workforce. The positive is that this represents a 46% increase from when the previous report was compiled in 2015, so the situation is improving.
Wallem actively encourages women officers to join its managed ships and is striving to significantly increase female representation in the next five years. Among Wallem’s employed seafarers, just 0.6% are female, but this also looks set to improve.
From my perspective, Wallem provides ample opportunities for promotion and new avenues for growth, while the work–life balance has improved following the introduction of work-from-home arrangements. There remains scope to further promote the inclusivity of women – especially in decision-making and by promoting non-discriminatory behaviour. I was recently awarded a scholarship in support of my admission to the Executive MBA degree at the S P Jain School of Global Management, an Australian Business School, ranked #7 in Asia Pacific (Bloomberg Business Week Best B-Schools 2023-2024).
I urge young, talented women with or without a seafaring background to give ship management a try. Even for those like me, who have no experience working at sea, shipping can offer a hugely fulfilling career. It is a vast business, and aside from ship management, there are opportunities in agency, broking, chartering, supply, building, and more. To those who truly want to understand the industry and broaden their horizons, I recommend working for a ship manager like Wallem.
Senella D'souza
Assistant Crewing Manager, Wallem Group
Despite initially considering a career in banking or insurance, I was steered towards shipping because of the deep connection I felt with the industry from a young age. My father and other relatives had worked in shipping, and their influence – particularly the stories they told me when I was growing up – played a significant part in my decision.
What also appealed to me was the prospect of being part of a dynamic sector that plays a crucial role in global trade and connects people from diverse backgrounds. The idea of contributing to the efficient management and deployment of seafarers, ensuring their well-being and the smooth operation of vessels, resonated with my desire to make a meaningful impact.
I had my interview with Wallem in June 2015, and although I wasn’t initially selected, I received an unexpected call from the company later that year asking if I was still interested in joining. It felt like the perfect alignment of fate and opportunity, and I confirmed my interest without hesitation. Almost nine years later, my career ambitions continue to be driven by a passion for learning, growth, and making a positive impact.
Working in a male-dominated field has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve encountered instances of gender bias and stereotyping, but I’ve also been fortunate enough to work with individuals – and in an organisation – committed to diversity and inclusion. By demonstrating competence, professionalism, and a strong work ethic, I’ve been able to earn respect and credibility among my peers and colleagues.
Nevertheless, I recognise the importance of advocating for gender equality and creating opportunities for women to thrive in the maritime industry. For its part, Wallem offers flexible work arrangements including the possibility to work from home, which is essential for women with young families, and provides equal opportunities for career advancement.
Alongside gender equality, another key focus for Wallem is safety, with the company actively promoting a culture of accountability and proactivity in its workforce. By encouraging open communication, the reporting of safety concerns, and participation in safety initiatives, Wallem empowers its employees to play an active role in ensuring their own safety and that of their colleagues. Its unwavering commitment to safety not only helps to protect seafarers but also provides a strong foundation for the success of its maritime operations.
Ultimately, my ambition is to leave a legacy characterised by excellence, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the well-being of seafarers, fostering innovation, and driving positive change for a sustainable and prosperous future for the maritime industry.
To those with similar aspirations, I recommend taking the time to gain knowledge and practical experience, being flexible and adaptable, and embracing any opportunities for growth. By following these guidelines and remaining dedicated, you can position yourself for a rewarding and fulfilling career in the dynamic and exciting world of shipping.
Pony Chen
General Manager, Wallem Ship Agency China
With family in the fishing vessel segment and a friend working for a shipping company, I was always destined for a career in the maritime industry. My first role was as an agent for Seatrain Lines, where I established myself as a leading salesperson for a shipping carrier in Taiwan. Later, at Wallem, I took a lead as general manager China in the field of ship agency.
At Wallem Ship Agency China, we work with all vessel types calling at Chinese ports, including tramp ships, bulk carriers, multi-purpose vessels, container ships, ro-ro ferries, cruise ships, and naval vessels. My role involves collaborating with the group management team to develop new client relationships and maintain existing ones. I thoroughly enjoy both the collaborative and relationship-development aspects of my job.
As a group, our vision is to be the leading provider of technology-driven maritime solutions while operating in a customer-centric and transparent manner, and working to realise this vision helps to keep me focused and motivated. My time with Wallem has also taught me the importance of a safety- and services-oriented approach – as well as working towards a common goal.
I take pride in my achievements, and I feel they demonstrate that nothing is impossible for women even in this male-dominated industry. To other women pursuing a career in shipping, I would recommend staying patient, prioritising your happiness, and maintaining a positive outlook – and when carrying out your day-to-day tasks, always act with safety in mind. After all, safety is the most basic requirement for success.
Sweedal Baptista
Crewing Manager, Wallem Group
My career in ship management began in 2004. I had been drawn to shipping by the tales of life at sea told by my brother, a marine engineer, as well as by the industry’s importance to the global economy. If ever we needed a reminder of that, it came during the Covid-19 pandemic, when shipping kept the wheels of trade in motion while the world on shore came to a standstill.
Seafaring is a challenging career whether you look at it from the operational or technical point of view, while the unpredictability of the oceans can also be testing, but these are also reasons why it can be so exciting. Seafarers have to be able to make the right decisions in any given situation to protect their own well-being and that of their colleagues, as well as the interests of their employers.
It is the responsibility of ship owners and managers to support crew safety. For Wallem’s part, the company has a strong focus on the safety of both its seafarers and its onshore staff. It has an embedded safety culture and implements safety programmes which include regular fire safety drills to ensure employees are instructed on the use of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency stretchers. Search and rescue methods and first aid techniques are also demonstrated during these drills.
The company’s safety culture is also fully embedded ashore, with new joiners shown all emergency escape routes in the building on day one, while Wallem offices also have dedicated first aid providers whose training is refreshed on an annual basis.
Another key feature of Wallem’s culture is gender equality, which applies on shore as well as on board its managed vessels. The company has policies in place to protect its employees from bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment.
I have gained a great deal of knowledge during my time in the maritime industry. I aim to use it to further propel my career and overcome any challenges that come my way.
Kennis Lee
Head of Procurement, Wallem Group
Leila Trinidad
Crewing System and Process Manager, Wallem Ship Management
Senella D'souza
Assistant Crewing Manager, Wallem Group
Pony Chen
General Manager, Wallem Ship Agency China
Sweedal Baptista
Crewing Manager, Wallem Group
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