DEI Award

Since 2022, Danish Shipping has presented an annual DEI Award recognising individuals, teams, and companies across the Danish maritime industry that make a tangible contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Below, you can learn more about previous award recipients, their initiatives, and how to participate in the 2026 nomination process.

Nominations for Danish Shipping’s DEI Award 2026 open on 1 May

The theme for 2026 is β€œSmall changes, big impact.” This year, we want to highlight initiatives that demonstrate how both large-scale and smaller, practical actions can create meaningful improvements in everyday working life and contribute to more inclusive and high-performing workplaces.

We therefore encourage nominations covering both small and large initiatives. The key criterion is not the scale of the initiative, but the positive impact it has on people in their daily work environment.

Particular emphasis will be placed on initiatives that:

  • are practical, actionable, and embedded in day-to-day operations
  • have a positive impact on employees (experienced impact is valued more highly than extensive documentation)
  • are tailored to the specific context, resources, and starting point of the organisation
  • have the potential to inspire others across the maritime industry

You may nominate an individual, a team, or a member shipping company that has contributed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion both at sea and ashore.

πŸ‘‰ Read more about the criteria and nomination process here

Please submit your nomination to apk@danishshipping.dk no later than 29 May 2026.

Signe Ørom, Diversity and Culture Specialist, Connecting Cultures (Photo by Carsten Lundager)

The DEI Award

Danish Shipping established the DEI Award to help set direction and build momentum for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the Danish maritime sector. The award aims to highlight initiatives that drive meaningful progress within the industry and serve as a shared benchmark for best practice.

The ambition is not only to recognise achievements, but also to inspire action and facilitate knowledge-sharing across the industry. The award criteria are therefore continuously refined to reflect current challenges and opportunities while supporting the ongoing development of a more inclusive maritime sector.

Winner of the DEI Award 2025

DFDS was recognised for its strategic approach to DEI, integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into KPIs, bonus structures, and core processes such as recruitment, pay, and leadership development. Through the Waves of Talent programme, DFDS increased the share of female officers from 4.4% to 10% in less than two years, with a target of reaching 20% by 2030.

Winner of the DEI Award 2024

Hafnia was recognised for its strategic efforts, with DIBE fully integrated into both corporate strategy and operational practices. Through initiatives such as enhanced parental leave policies, gender-neutral language, and tailored safety equipment, Hafnia has strengthened inclusion and belonging across the organisation. The company was also praised for The Hafnia Culture Lab.

Winner of the DEI Award 2023

Trine Hoffmann received the award for her central role in A.P. Moller - Maersk’s cultural transformation, where DEI has been integrated into the company’s maritime people strategy. In her role as DEI Manager, she has worked systematically to translate ambitions into practice and strengthen an inclusive culture across the organisation.

Winner of the DEI Award 2022

Hafnia was recognised for establishing the Maritime Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Lab, a platform dedicated to advancing DEI across the maritime sector. The initiative was highlighted for its strategic ambition and its contribution to fostering a more inclusive culture within shipping.