Yang Ming Participates in Women Seafarers Forum to Support Female Maritime Career Development

Yang Ming Participates in Women Seafarers Forum to Support Female Maritime Career Development

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) is committed to fostering a gender-equal workplace and has long been dedicated to recruiting and cultivating professional female maritime talent. In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): Gender Equality, Yang Ming participated in a Women Seafarer Workshop and Forum organized by National Taiwan Ocean University's Maritime Development and Training Center from October 14 to 15. During the event, Yang Ming shared its practices and achievements in women seafarers' career development, professional training, and onboard environment, with the aim of encouraging more young women to break gender stereotypes and explore maritime career opportunities.

According to statistics from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), women account for approximately 1% of the global seafarer workforce. Amid the ongoing shortage of seafarers, increasing women's participation in shipping can help broaden the maritime talent pool. At the forum, senior female maritime professionals from Taiwan and Korea shared their career experiences, while Yang Ming was represented by female seafarers of different ranks and levels, including Chief Officers and Engineers. Yang Ming also continues to improve the onboard working environment in response to the practical needs of female seafarers, including optimized shipboard space arrangements and dedicated women's restrooms. The Company also promotes a respectful onboard culture, prevents sexual harassment and discrimination,and maintains accessible channels for feedback and reporting.

Women currently account for approximately 7% of Yang Ming's Taiwanese seafarers and serve across both deck and engine departments, from cadets to management-level roles. Through partnerships with maritime institutions, campus recruitment, onboard internships, and comprehensive training programs,Yang Ming provides equal learning and career development opportunities regardless of gender. The Company currently has two female Masters, four Chief Officers, and one First Engineer in management-level positions. Yang Ming also provides shore-based and overseas assignment opportunities, enabling seafarers to continue applying their maritime expertise while balancing career and family needs.

Yang Ming hopes that the exchange of ideas and experiences will further promote professional development among women in maritime careers. Looking ahead, the Company will continue working with industry, government, and academia to foster a more inclusive and supportive maritime workplace, attract diverse talent, and contribute to the sustainable development of the shipping industry.