Finally, a first

Finally, a fi rst!

Scott Ritchie, General Manager of Wilhelmsen Ship Management Korea presents the Certifi cate of Appointment to Capt Lee Eun Ran.

Wilhelmsen Ship Management has conferred our fi rst female Korean captain, Captain Lee Eun Ran. It has been a long journey and a steep learning curve for us to reach this point, as shipping has remained a male-dominated industry.

Our initiatives to introduce diversity on board vessels began in 2010. We wanted to build a solid foundation to provide a sustainable pipeline of female seafarers by striving to establish best practices and standardization.

“Shipping remains a male-dominated industry and being a seafarer once myself, I fully understand the challenges. Acknowledging it isn’t easy is the fi rst step. Working out ways to create an environment where female cadets and offi cers can thrive is crucial,” said Scott Ritchie, General Manager, Wilhelmsen Ship Management Korea. “This is our fi rst female captain and certainly not the last. We are confi dent our framework and support system will see more Korean female offi cers advancing to senior positions. One aspect we are working on is to create opportunities for female seafarers to maintain their jobs while being able to raise their children,” said Lee Dae Woo, Deputy General Manager, Wilhelmsen Ship Management Korea.

Due to its robust education system and the cohesiveness of maritime universities working with shipowners and managers, Korea is suitable for Wilhelmsen Ship Management to grow our female seafarers’ base and meet the global seafarer supply crunch

“As one of the few female captains in Korea and the fi rst in Wilhelmsen, I hope my achievement can inspire more female seafarers to break the glass ceiling and younger generations to consider seafaring as a career.” says Captain Lee Eun Ran. Captain Lee added “I am very appreciative that the company has recognized my capability and skillset for this promotion. The structured career progression plan has given me the opportunity to constantly upgrade my skills to meet the regulation and industry requirements.”