The French shipping company CMA CGM has successfully doubled the number of women working as seafarers in just one year through its She Sails program. This achievement is a significant step in an industry that has often faced challenges with gender diversity.
Launched in December 2024, the program has increased the number of female seafarers on CMA CGM ships from 200 to 403 by the end of 2025, which is a 101% rise. Building on this success, the company is now aiming for 1,000 women at sea by the end of 2030.
Christine Cabau Woehrel, the Executive Vice President in charge of Operations and Assets, stated, “In just one year, our program has shown its effectiveness: the results have exceeded our expectations. More women are reaching key positions, their career paths are speeding up, their confidence is growing, and our teams are becoming more diverse and effective.”
The program's success is supported by a network of 42 ambassadors in 19 countries and partnerships with maritime academies in Abu Dhabi and India. Additional agreements are being developed in the Philippines and Indonesia to help bring more female cadets into the industry.
Career growth has been a major focus, with 74 promotions noted over the year. Eight women moved to senior officer positions, which are the four highest levels of responsibility aboard ships, while 48 moved from cadet to junior officer roles. Notably, one woman was promoted from deckhand to qualified deckhand, a first for the company.
The She Sails program is built on three main pillars: attraction, promotion, and retention. It offers internships and mentoring for female students in maritime education while promoting equal growth opportunities, fair pay, and protection against harassment for existing employees.
The initiative is aimed at women seafarers, female students in maritime studies, and those interested in sea careers, presenting maritime work as an exciting and rewarding path that combines adventure, global exposure, and professional passion.
CMA CGM has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving real gender diversity and equal opportunities in its operations. The company continues to work towards supporting women in maritime careers and transforming the global merchant navy.