Maritime Diversity, equality and inclusion knowledge center

The MAR-DEI centre is a maritime knowledge center that contributes to initiatives and knowledge dissemination across the Danish maritime industry, with the goal of reducing harassment, sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH), curbing bullying in the workplace and promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
The Mar-DEI centre is established to address the needs outlined by the Center for Maritime Health and Society (CMSS)/University of Southern Denmark (SDU) research report by Froholdt et al. (2023) . The MAR-DEI Centre provides independent (independent from authorities & companies) knowledge and support to seafarers sailing on Danish flagged vessels, interested companies, and stakeholders in the industry, relating to DEI, bullying, and SASH. It is an initiative that seeks to integrates safety and health in order to battle issues such as bullying, harassment and SASH, in line with calls for action by the International Labour Organisation (22.01.2024) .
It can be seen as a supplement to the newly announced initiatives (and CMSS English translation ) that have been created by the industry partners in connection with the CMSS/SDU research report by Froholdt et al. (2023) .
MAR-DEI is a collaboration between CMSS/SDU and SIMAC. It will run for three years and after 2,5 years, the initiative will be evaluated to ascertain impact, relevance, and sustainability, 01.03.2024-28.02.2027. It will be launched on March 1st and officially announced at the European Maritime Day that will be held in Svendborg 30 and 31 May 2024.
The Centre has a three-fold approach; 1) Serving as an independent knowledge and data hub, 2) Providing a range of supporting roles, and 3) Ensuring capacity building.
The MAR-DEI Centre will contribute to creating a transparent, supportive, and uniform approach to addressing bullying, harassment and SASH within the Danish fleet, ultimately fostering a safer and healthier work environment that promotes DEI. This proactive approach not only addresses existing challenges but also empowers individuals with the knowledge and support needed to create a healthier and more respectful work environment where seafarers on Danish ships may thrive.