London, 1 December 2023 – The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) UK hosted a landmark event at The In and Out Naval and Military Club in central London to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry. The evening featured distinguished speakers and highlighted initiatives to address the gender gap in seafaring.
This was a unique Charity Black Tie event to provide funding for a female cadet.
The event started with an opening address by Lord Mountevans, Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Committee, Maritime.
Key speakers included Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, who emphasised the need for increased diversity within the shipping industry. Platen commended WISTA for its efforts in empowering women in maritime and stressed the importance of showcasing the industry as a viable career option for everyone.
Heather Enness, a Merchant Navy Medal Winner and passionate advocate for women at sea, shared her experiences and highlighted the crucial role of education in attracting more females to the industry. Enness encouraged volunteers to engage with schools, emphasising the positive impact of inspiring students to consider a career at sea.
Commander Helen Coxon, a distinguished Royal Navy officer, shared her inspiring journey from approaching the recruiting desk to assuming command of the Type 23 Frigate HMS ST ALBANS in early December. Her story underscored her enduring passion for the maritime profession.
Phil Parry, Chairman of Spinnaker, addressed the pressing issue of a seafarer shortage and announced that WISTA UK is raising funds to cover the cost of a Female Maritime London Officer Cadet Scholarship (MLOCS) cadet’s three-year training. MLOCS, established in 1992, supports young individuals aspiring to become merchant navy officers.
The event concluded with the closing address by Elpi Petraki, (pictured above) President of WISTA International.
The event showcased the industry’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and diverse maritime workforce. WISTA UK’s initiatives, combined with the shared experiences and insights of the speakers, underscored the need for collaborative efforts to overcome challenges and pave the way for a vibrant and equitable future in the maritime sector.
It was a quite remarkable turn-out with WISTA-UK members and guests coming from all over the UK, notably from Newcastle, Liverpool, Southampton, North and South Europe… Interestingly there was a strong Greek presence from WISTA ladies from all over the UK and Greece! All sectors of the Shipping World were more than well represented, including the media shipping fraternity!!!
Some companies had tables and understand it was a sold out event immediately same was announced. Congratulations to ABS, LR, Gard, OCIMF, The ICS, CJC, SPB, Waves Group and Mills & Co for having company tables for their members and guests.
The good cause, stressed by Phil Parry, for the scholarship a female cadet, paid off! A great and thoughtful initiative.
Lastly, the menu was well selected but also well prepared, served and more than presentable- very arty! What a starter that was: parmesan reggiano croquette, the main course marinated chicken supreme …and as for the sweets… oh well, blackberry and apple winter eton mess. Appropriately, were also the white and red wines; Bravo!
…and finally, the top shots of the evening:
We now look forward for WISTA-UK’s next events and in particular the 50th Anniversary next summer; watch this space!
