New Delhi: Women seafarers at state-run Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) have carved a place for themselves in the maritime history as SCI's vessel, MT Swarna Krishna, manned by an all-women crew, set sail on March 7, a day before International Women's Day, from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya flagged off the all-women crew in a virtual event while acknowledging the contribution and sacrifice of the women seafarers who acted as Indian ambassadors to the global maritime community and had made the nation proud.
"The Shipping Corporation of India, as a part of its ongoing Diamond Jubilee celebrations and also to commemorate the International Women's Day on March 8, 2021, achieved another feat when Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, virtually flagged off the 'All Women Officers' Sailing' on MT Swarna Krishna – SCI's product carrier from JNPT Liquid Berth Jetty on March 6, 2021," said an official statement.
Speaking on the occasion, SCI CMD HK Joshi commended the unabated and relentless pursuit of SCI to realise the 'paradigm shift' in the maritime sector which has recognised and honoured the 'empowered womanhood' in seafaring women who have dared, endeavoured and sacrificed to achieve it. The virtual event was attended by Shipping Secretary Sanjeev Ranjan, JNPT Chairman Sanjay Sethi, Mumbai Port Trust Chairman Rajiv Jalota and DG Shipping Amitabh Kumar.
"The move demonstrated the gradual shift in the perception of seafaring as a male-oriented profession and the principles of Diversity and Inclusion that SCI upholds. SCI has been a pioneer in employing women seafarers onboard its vessels and has implemented various initiatives including age relaxations and fee concessions to aspiring female cadets through its Maritime Training Institute to promote their integration into the maritime sector," the statement said.
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