Harwich Haven Authority’s first all-female launch crew are urging more women to take on a career in maritime.
Flexible Coxswain Lucy McGain and Marine Apprentice Jorden Gleave help keep trade moving through the Haven ports of Felixstowe, Mistley and Harwich, by ensuring Marine Pilots can safely board and disembark some of the world’s largest, deepest and greenest container vessels.
Jorden said: “I started in February last year, so have been a marine apprentice for just over a year now.
“My job is very diverse – no one day is ever the same. One day I could be out on the pilot boats launching and landing, or boarding pilots onto big container ships that are coming into the port.
“The next day I could be in the yard – so there’s a diverse range of tasks we get to do.
“Once you are in the industry you realise how big it actually is and how many job roles there are out there for us.”
Latest figures revealed nationally just 16% of UK seafarers are women.
And according to Maritime UK, despite having contributed £214 billion to the UK economy in 2020, only 21% of those working within the transport sector are female.
Within maritime, the exact representation of women remains largely unknown, highlighting the challenge faced in attracting, recruiting and retaining diverse talent.
However, Harwich Haven Authority (HHA), one of the UK’s major trust ports, is bucking the trend, with women filling roles across the organisation at all levels – including a female Chair of the Board, a female CEO and several female pilots.
CEO Sarah West, said: “Maritime is an extraordinary industry – on the water and beyond.”
“I’ve been fortunate to build a fascinating career within it and I would love for more women to see the possibilities this sector holds and to feel empowered to pursue them.
“At Harwich Haven Authority, we’re proud to be challenging industry norms.
“We have women working across all levels and all our operations, which is a clear sign that change is possible when the right opportunities are offered.
“But we know there’s more to do, and we remain committed to breaking down any barriers that may still exist.
“At HHA we’re focused on making the Haven the best place to trade and work. By investing in our people, we’re helping shape a more inclusive, skilled and vibrant talent pool for the sector across both Essex and Suffolk.”
Lucy was initially worried about a career in the sector as she had little maritime experience before starting an apprenticeship two and a half years ago.
“It’s not a barrier to you getting a job in the maritime industry,” she said. “If you can get on an apprenticeship, I highly recommend those because they will teach you everything from the ground up.”
