Contributions and significance of women professionals in maritime clusters

Maritime clusters, encompassing industries like shipping, logistics, and marine energy, are pivotal to global economic growth. Despite their contributions, women remain underrepresented in these sectors, holding less than 5% of leadership roles and only 1% of seafaring positions globally. This paper examines the contributions of women in maritime clusters, exploring their roles in governance, sustainability, and innovation. Drawing on global case studies from Norway, Japan, and Singapore, the study highlights strategies for advancing gender equity through the Gender-Responsive Maritime Strategies (GReMS) framework. By integrating inclusivity policies and leveraging digitalization, the maritime sector can unlock significant economic potential, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality) and the global transition to Industry 5.0.