In a very high level of nominees, the award went to Ms. Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou from Cyprus, in recognition of the pivotal and leading role she played in WISTA (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association) in advancing gender equality and empowering women.

WISTA raises awareness among stakeholders, industry and policy makers, amplifying the voices of women and highlighting their important contributions to the maritime industry.

We would like to congratulate Ms. Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou with the well-deserved prize and at the same time celebrate the IMO’s acknowledgment with a Letter of Commendation to the CEO of Hafnia, Mr. Mikael Skov, for his devotion to identifying and developing innovative ideas with Women In Maritime Lab.

With them and the rest of the nominees, gender equality in the maritime sector is moving in a promising direction.