Oldendorff Carriers and BHP Launch Initiative to Boost Diversity in Maritime Sector
Oldendorff Carriers (Oldendorff) and BHP have joined forces to tackle the pressing issue of gender diversity in the maritime industry, where women currently represent only one percent of the global seafaring workforce. This collaborative initiative aims to broaden access to maritime careers and make the industry more inclusive. The partnership was highlighted during Oldendorff’s recent visit to BHP’s FutureFit Academy in Perth, marking the beginning of a series of knowledge-sharing efforts between the two organizations.
The FutureFit Academy is a cornerstone of BHP’s strategy to attract and develop talent in various sectors, including mining. It focuses on creating training pathways and qualifications that enhance career opportunities. As part of this initiative, BHP will also evaluate Oldendorff’s cadetship program to gain insights into its success and effectiveness. This collaboration is expected to yield valuable lessons that can be applied to enhance diversity across both organizations.
Commitment to Gender Balance and Inclusion
Scott Bergeron, Managing Director Fleet at Oldendorff, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive maritime industry. He noted that while Oldendorff has achieved near gender balance in its shore-based offices, there is a renewed focus on increasing female representation in seafaring roles. The partnership with BHP is seen as a vital step in advancing these diversity efforts. By sharing experiences and best practices, both companies aim to create more inclusive pathways for women in maritime careers.
Emma Roberts, Vice President of Maritime & Supply Chain Excellence at BHP, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of training pathways in developing diverse workforces. She stated that expanding the appeal of maritime careers to a broader demographic is essential for enhancing organizational performance and meeting business needs. BHP has set ambitious goals to achieve gender balance across its workforce, aiming for at least 40 percent representation of women by the end of 2025.
Oldendorff currently employs 150 female seafarers across various ranks and departments, with plans to increase this number to 200 by the end of 2026. The company’s Global Cadet Program, which supports diversity objectives, includes around 200 trainees from 21 nationalities and has maintained gender parity in cadet intake for three consecutive years. This initiative is designed to ensure that women have equal opportunities to advance in maritime careers, both at sea and on land.
FutureFit Academy: A Model for Workforce Development
BHP’s FutureFit Academy has emerged as a leader in diversifying the technical and maintenance workforce in Australia. The academy offers nationally recognized qualifications that support operational continuity and workforce sustainability. Since its inception, it has produced 1,340 graduates, with an impressive 81 percent being female and 21 percent Indigenous. The academy’s success underscores the importance of targeted training programs in fostering a diverse and skilled workforce.
BHP has made significant strides in gender diversity since 2016, bringing an additional 10,000 women into its workforce. The company’s commitment to achieving gender balance is evident in its strategic initiatives and partnerships, such as the collaboration with Oldendorff. Together, these organizations are not only addressing the gender disparity in the maritime sector but also setting a precedent for other industries to follow.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this one are crucial for creating a more inclusive environment that attracts talent from all backgrounds. The partnership between Oldendorff and BHP represents a significant step toward achieving greater diversity and equality in maritime careers.
