Mintra uses maritime conference to highlight diversification through digitalisation

Opportunities for women to drive forward the digitalisation of the shipping industry will come under the spotlight when Mintra maritime team lead Jorunn Eldøy presents at a major international conference later this month.

The WISTA Netherlands board member will present at the Women in Shipping Virtual Summit – which is sponsored by Mintra - and will deliver a presentation on the theme of Achieving Diversification through Digitalisation.

Jorunn will be joined by some of the most impressive names in the sector at the free two-day event on September 20 and 21. This year’s summit focuses on supporting professional growth and career development, and leading organisations to take a strategic approach to diversity and inclusion.

Her presentation takes place on September 21 at 10 am and will examine whether the move to automated, digital ships will increase the number of shore-based opportunities for women interested in pursuing maritime careers.

Jorunn, who worked with a large chemical shipping company in Norway as an HR and training manager before joining Mintra, said the switch to remote working and automated processes removes some of the traditional employment barriers.

“Women have often ruled out careers in the sector because of family and home life commitments. However, if the future of maritime is an automated, digital one then perhaps this will lead to an increase of women working in shipping.

“As many of the jobs undertaken by women are shore-based support roles utilising IT, software and analytics I believe they also have a head start on developing the skills that will be essential in years to come, such as cyber security, blockchain and big data.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this topic at the Women in Shipping Virtual Summit and hearing what other women in the industry feel about what opportunities are going to open up in future.”

The virtual summit will focus on three main areas – the impact of Covid 19; sustainable people policies; and careers. There will be a wide range of attendees including ship owners and operators, engineering and technology providers, maritime associations and academia.

Delegates interested in attending can register here.