BW LPG India organized a two-day Leadership Camp for 30 cadet scholars from 26-27 September 2024. Held at Pegasus Institute in Pondicherry, the camp opened the eyes of our cadets to what a life at sea entails, and equipped them with the soft skills that would help them succeed at sea and in life.
Together We Will Take On Tomorrow
Shipping continues to make strides in improving gender diversity at sea but challenges remain. As a Company, BW LPG India is committed to providing our Cadet Scholars with the resources to thrive in their chosen career. The theme reflects this support – together, we will take on tomorrow.
Senior representatives from the Company were present, including Board Member Heather Cowan, Director Captain Gaurav Bhatia, General Manager (Commercial Operations) Rajesh Joshi and Head of Corporate Communications Lisa Lim. Our special guest Captain HS Swaminathan, co-CEO Synergy Marine Group graced the first day of the Camp and attended a specially organized World Maritime Day Dinner. The Camp was managed by Captain Sudarsan S, and Ms Swetha Rotkar.
Improving Gender Diversity, One Scholar At A Time
As part of BW LPG India’s Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) mission, the Company in 2021 started an initiative to offer scholarships to selected female cadets studying at the Indian Maritime University. The Scholarship program started with cadets enrolled in the three-year B.Sc – Nautical Science course, and four-year B.Tech – Marine Engineering course. The scholarships are offered with the following objectives:
- To encourage more females to pursue a career as a seafarer and boost gender diversity, through financial support and an inclusive environment upon graduation.
- To support current female cadets with their academic pursuits, so that they can focus on academic excellence without the worry of financial hardship.
The scholarships do not have bonds attached in compliance with local regulations; however, all sponsored graduates are welcome to join Synergy Ship Management Maritime Private Limited (BW LPG India’s appointed Ship Management company) managed vessels upon graduation and fulfilment of standard criteria.
The first batch of scholarships was awarded to nine female cadets from the Mumbai Port, Kolkata and Chennai campuses of the Indian Maritime University, for the 2021-2022 Academic Year. The Recipients were awarded 225,000 Indian Rupees (INR) each, with funds disbursed directly to the Mumbai Port, Kolkata and Chennai campuses. For the 2022-2023 Academic Year, over 140 applications for the second batch of scholarships were received. Scholarships were awarded to 46 female cadets, comprising current and new scholars. From the 2023-2024 Academic Year, the scholarship program was expanded to accept cadets enrolled in the one-year Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) course offered by the IMU, via the Synergy Entrance Exams conducted annually in May/ June. A total of 7 DNS scholars were selected, based on passing of the Synergy Entrance Exams and IMU CET, and fulfilment of financial eligibility criteria. 157 applications were received for the third batch of scholarships for the three-year B.Sc in Nautical Science and four-year B.Tech track. 5 were offered scholarships, for a combined total of 57 scholars. For the 2024-2025 Academic Year, a total of 159 applications were received. 35 applicants were shortlisted based on IMU CET rank and Class 12 scores (≥79%), of which 22 were selected for a combined total of 59 scholars.
Improving our Scholarship Offerings
We continue to offer what is possibly India’s first holistic support structure for aspiring female cadets – a bond-free scholarship covering all tuition fees for her entire academic tenure, and guaranteed placement on ships with Synergy Ship Management. Reflecting the maturity of our Scholarship Offering as well as increasing aspirations of the younger generation, BW LPG India’s scholarship was boosted from Academic Year 2024-2025 to include the following:
- Annual stipend of 500 USD: An annual stipend for every year our Cadet Scholar is enrolled as a full-time student at the IMU. A good meal for her family or savings for a rainy day, she is free to decide how this resource is best used.
- Sponsorship of professional certification: To give graduating Cadet Scholars a boost in their first year at sea by sponsoring the costs of professional certifications.
- Attendance at Leadership Training Camps: Cadet Scholars are offered the opportunity to attend an all-expense-paid leadership training camp during her tenure at the IMU.
Seafaring As An Excellent Career Choice
The shipping industry has a disproportionate number of men, and it is important that we encourage more women to join the business. Our Cadet Scholars can look forward to a supportive work environment where Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging are emphasized on shore and sea. From shore to sea, colleagues took time to contribute footages to welcome our Cadet Scholars on a special day, as well as to commemorate World Maritime Day. Watch the video below, played on 26 September at Ocean Spray Resort, Pondicherry.
