Ardmore Shipping joins the All Aboard Alliance as part of its drive for greater diversity, equity and inclusion

May 25, 2022 Back to news

Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE: ASC) (“Ardmore” or the “Company”) has joined the All Aboard Alliance, an initiative created by an influential group of maritime industry leaders following conversations at the Global Maritime Forum.

Aiming to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organizations across the maritime sector – both at sea and onshore – the All Aboard Alliance strives to accelerate the industry’s transition into being more sustainable, progressive, and innovative.

As the global tanker market transitions to new, less polluting cargoes that require training to support the use of new energy efficiency and data technologies, as well as low carbon fuels. Ardmore sees it as essential to invest in training, recruitment, and talent retention in order to remain attractive to the next generation of recruits.

The key to achieving this goal is a collaborative approach through which the maritime industry can work to retain existing talent while, as importantly, ensuring that a new, diverse set of employees joins the industry. The All Aboard Alliance will provide a platform designed to enable that a more diverse, equitable and inclusive recruitment process emerges, driven by the collective actions of its members.

The alliance has been designed around five principles that member must commit to as internal policies, procedures, and leadership practices; including:

1. Appointing a Business Sponsor to lead and ensure accountability of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization;
2. Equipping and educating people to understand their role in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace – from senior leaders through to line managers and team members;
3. Creating and maintaining an organizational culture of equity and belonging where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute and to thrive;
4. Capturing relevant data and developing insights to evaluate progress and to evolve strategic objectives;
5. Communicating commitment and progress externally on an annual basis

Commenting on the announcement, Mark Cameron, Chief Operating Officer at Ardmore Shipping, said: “We’re very pleased to be part of the All Aboard Alliance, which cements our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A global talent shortage significantly impacts operations and the tanker sector is suffering from poor seafarer retention in comparison to other sectors. We believe the tanker market needs to learn from other sectors and collaborate with organizations to offer more in-depth training, career supportand incentives. Now is the time to create a global industry that we can all be proud of.

“Like many companies in maritime, Ardmore sees an urgent need for increased levels of innovation to overcome the challenges associated with decarbonization, digitalization, and automation. These challenges will not be overcome by simply recruiting for increased diversity – DEI needs to be made a strategic priority. We look forward to implementing the five All Aboard principles and hope to see other industry members following suit in the coming months.”

To find out more about the All Aboard Alliance https://www.globalmaritimeforum.org/all-aboard-alliance/ or contact the Global Maritime Forum at all-aboard@globalmaritimeforum.org.