Pratik Bijlani –
The maritime industry has long been viewed as one of the world’s most demanding and traditionally male-dominated professions. Yet across shipping, logistics, marine services and port operations, a visible shift is underway as more women step into leadership positions, technical roles, and decision-making spaces. Against this backdrop, Marex Media is preparing to host the 5th Edition of the Women in Maritime Celebration & Awards (WIMCA) 2026 on 16 May in Mumbai, bringing together maritime professionals, industry leaders, changemakers and supporters for a platform focused on recognition, dialogue and meaningful action.
Held under the theme “Empowering Women in Maritime: From Vision to Action,” WIMCA 2026 aims to move conversations beyond symbolic representation and toward practical industry-wide progress. The event will feature inspiring talks, quick-fire conversations, awards and recognition, along with networking sessions designed to encourage stronger collaboration across the maritime ecosystem. This year’s edition will also feature an All-Women Board of Advisors, underlining the event’s commitment to inclusive leadership and stronger representation within the industry.
The programme has been designed to address both opportunity and reality. Sessions such as “Tides of Tension – Impact of Global Geopolitics on Women at Sea and Ashore” and “Candid Conversations – Open Dialogue on Challenges in Shipping” are expected to encourage honest discussions around the operational and personal challenges women continue to face across maritime sectors. Another special segment, “Inspiring Women of Maritime Families,” will focus on the support systems and journeys behind successful maritime careers.
WIMCA 2026 carries deep significance because it encourages women to believe in their own capabilities and pursue opportunities with confidence. Stressing the importance of creating an industry environment where women feel empowered to speak up, lead and grow professionally without hesitation, Ms. Renuka Nayar, Chairperson of the WIMCA 2026 Board of Advisors, remarked, “Women should never feel they are less than men. With support, opportunity and confidence, they can become strong leaders, shape future generations and drive a more progressive maritime industry.”
The importance of mentorship and visible role models was also highlighted by Ms. Ritu Chaudhari, Director of Enmarol, who sees platforms such as WIMCA as essential in helping young women envision long-term careers in shipping and logistics. In her view, training and encouragement remain central to building a stronger and more balanced maritime workforce. “Women can stand shoulder to shoulder with men in maritime, and with focused training, mentorship, and inspiration from leaders, they will excel and contribute even beyond expectations,” she said.
That emphasis on long-term support is shared by companies already working to improve inclusion across their operations. Seaspan has been actively employing women on board its vessels globally for more than a decade while also engaging with young cadets through outreach initiatives in India. Capt. Dinesh Jairam, General Manager at Seaspan, believes the industry must continue backing diversity with practical support systems and leadership opportunities. “Diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA. By supporting women through mentorship, financial assistance and leadership opportunities, we can build a stronger, balanced and future-ready maritime workforce,” he remarked.
For Marex Media, the platform represents more than an awards event. Capt. Kamal Chadha, Managing Director of Marex Media, explained that WIMCA was created to generate visibility for women in maritime while encouraging companies to embrace merit-based inclusion. He believes genuine change will come only when opportunities are supported by action and industry participation. “Women in maritime need more than lip service; they need opportunity, visibility, and merit-based inclusion, and events like this help inspire real change across the industry,” he said.
The growing participation of women across logistics and trade sectors was also reflected in the views shared by Ms. Chaitaly Mehta, Director of EKF Global Logistics Pvt Ltd. She emphasized that while the industry is gradually becoming more inclusive, women themselves must continue taking initiative and participating actively in leadership spaces and industry discussions. “Women-centric platforms build awareness, confidence, and visibility, but real progress happens when women seize opportunities, speak up, and help drive the inclusion our industry needs,” she observed.
The event is being supported by a broad cross-section of the maritime and logistics industry. Seaspan joins as Event Partner, while Maersk supports the initiative as Industry Ally. The Changemakers supporting the event include Anglo Eastern Ship Management, Navitera, Great Eastern Shipping Company, Enmarol Petroleum India and Ace Insurance. Visionary support comes from Dockendale Ship Management, while prize contribution partners include Renata Partners, Rex Legalis and Sadhav Shipping. Supporting allies include Apex Chemicals, Dynacom, EKF Global Logistics, Elite Mariners, Main Mast, MASSA, MUI, Seaarland, Shail & Partners and Samarth Marine.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve amid changing workforce expectations and global challenges, WIMCA 2026 seeks to reinforce an increasingly important message — that diversity, inclusion and leadership development are no longer optional conversations, but essential elements in shaping the future of global shipping.
Marex Media