UK shipowner International Nuclear Services (INS) has set a target for women to make up 10% of its workforce as it steps up diversity efforts.
The operator of three specialist nuclear transport vessels, and its subsidiary Pacific Nuclear Transport Ltd (PNTL), have signed up to Maritime UK's Women in Maritime programme.
It said women make up just 2% of the world’s 1.2m seafarers.
INS has eight female employees, with three in management positions.
"Despite being slightly ahead of the international average, both INS and PNTL are determined to see even more women join the ranks," the company added.
INS will work towards the 10% target over the next five years.
The group wants more women to join and aims to see more promoted to middle and senior management roles.
"INS/PNTL has set out some ambitious goals, and I will continue to work hard to help and support them. Hopefully, women on board our ships will become the norm and not the exception," said Kate Allen, a second officer at PNTL.
"Helping to create a diverse maritime workforce is important to me, because at sea we are all one. We represent everyone and everything, and work together to create a unique and dynamic workforce."
More work to be done
INS is part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group.
Clients include the UK Ministry of Defence, the US Department of Energy, EDF Energy and Japanese utility companies.
INS operations director Peter Buchan added: "Our equality, diversity and inclusion record is extremely important to us. We are pleased with what we have been able to achieve so far, but realise there is still more to be done."
Buchan said the company wants to play an active role with Women in Maritime.
"We want to be able to celebrate a more diverse workforce, where women are more visible than ever before, and joining Women in Maritime is a big step towards achieving that goal," he said.
Chrissie Clarke, programme manager for Maritime UK, said it is a pressing time to focus on diversity in shipping.
“Maritime UK is determined that this process be robust and more than a simple designation,” she said. “We look forward to
working with INS/PNTL to support the realisation of their new action plan.”
