Advancing gender diversity in maritime through AI and sustainable innovation

Experts from across the maritime sector gathered in London on 20 May to examine how artificial intelligence, sustainability and gender equity can reshape the future of maritime employment.

Hosted by the Alan Turing Institute and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the “Maritime Futures – Gender Equity, AI and Sustainability” event brought together representatives from industry, academia and government to explore the future of maritime careers.

The one-day forum focused on how emerging digital skills and AI-enabled practices are creating new forms of employment across the maritime industry, while also presenting an opportunity to build a more inclusive workforce.

Speakers and panellists discussed how future-facing maritime roles can be designed to attract, retain and support women in the sector, ensuring they play a central role in shaping the industry’s technological transformation. Speakers included:

• Jan Przydatek (Lloyd's Register Foundation)
• Kimberly Tam (The Alan Turing Institute and University of Plymouth)
• Isabele Tatu (Clean Maritime Shipping)
• Anna Canning (Atrium Environmental)
• Caitlin Bentley (King’s College London)
• Sarah McCann (North Standard)

Dr Kimberly Tam, Theme Lead - Marine and Maritime (Sustainability mission) at the Alan Turing Institute, said: “Maritime Futures was an incredible opportunity to explore the future of maritime technologies and our roles as women working in this area. From AI to sustainability to marine autonomy, we examined how women are represented and how we could influence the sector’s transformation. It was a privilege to hear everybody’s thoughts and experiences, and I look forward to sharing insights from the day including our roadmap for the future."

The speakers also highlighted how the global transition towards zero-carbon shipping and environmentally sustainable solutions is accelerating demand for expertise in artificial intelligence, data-centric engineering and advanced digital systems.

The event coincided with the International Day for Women in Maritime, reinforcing broader international efforts to improve representation and leadership opportunities for women across the global maritime community.