CMA CGM Doubles Number Of Women Seafarers In One Year Under ‘She Sails’ Initiative

CMA CGM has made significant progress in increasing the number of women working at sea, reporting that its She Sails programme has doubled its women seafarers in just one year.

The number rose from 200 in 2024 to 403 by the end of 2025, an increase of more than 100% since the programme began in December 2024.

The company has now set a new goal of having 1,000 women at sea by 2030, showing its long-term commitment to gender diversity and equal opportunities in the merchant navy.

The She Sails programme was designed to encourage more women to join maritime careers, promote the wide range of career paths available within the Group, and support young women considering careers at sea. The programme also focuses on sharing experiences among women seafarers to inspire the next generation.

Christine Cabau Woehrel, CMA CGM’s Executive Vice President in charge of Operations and Assets, said through a Group communication that the programme had demonstrated its effectiveness within its first year.

She said the results had exceeded expectations, adding that more women were moving into key positions, progressing more quickly, and gaining confidence, which has improved team diversity and overall performance. She added that the success brings both pride and responsibility, and the Group plans to continue its efforts to ensure equal opportunities.

1 year of She sails

Doubling women seafarers, celebrating 59 promotions & building a global network of 42 ambassadors.

Next stop: 1,000 women joining CMA CGM crews by 2030! #Shesails #CMACGM pic.twitter.com/BqJ8rvO7NV

— CMA CGM Group (@cmacgm) December 10, 2025

The company reported 74 promotions among women this year. This includes 8 women promoted to senior officer roles, which are described as the four highest levels of responsibility on board. 48 women progressed from cadet to junior officer, and one progressed from deckhand to qualified deckhand, which the Group said was a first.

The programme has also been supported by a growing international network. CMA CGM stated that the programme has mobilised 42 ambassadors across 19 countries and has strengthened links with maritime academies.

Three formal agreements were signed during the year, one in Abu Dhabi and two in India, and two additional partnerships are being prepared in the Philippines and Indonesia to support the recruitment of more women cadets.

CMA CGM said the first anniversary is just the beginning. The Group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women at sea, ensuring fair access and advancement, and helping to transform the global merchant navy with stronger gender diversity.

Reference: CMA CGM

Source: Maritime Shipping News