Summary
At BW LPG India, we value diversity in all forms, but gender representation is a particular element of shipping that we support. We want to improve gender diversity in our industry, and we are doing so one scholarship at a time. With support from the Indian Maritime University (IMU), we provide what is arguably India’s first and only fully-paid scholarship for selected female cadets enrolled at the IMU. With a small pioneer group of nine cadets in 2020, our scholarship has grown and now support about 60 female cadets in various stages of their academic and professional careers.
At BW LPG India, we value diversity in all its forms and are committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Our collective sum of individual differences, knowledge and experience is not only a part of our culture, but also allows us to better understand and meet customer needs. It also allows us to create a workplace environment where employees can perform to their fullest potential, which ultimately drives better financial performance. We remain committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and diversity. Inclusion and diversity are core pillars of business growth and central to our company’s identity.
The shipping industry has a disproportionate number of men, and it is important that we encourage more women to join the business. BW LPG India is commited to fostering a safe and equal workplace for women at sea and on shore, and to support a barrier-free working environment. In this regard, we set aside resources to sponsor the education for female cadets. We provide what is possibly the first holistic support structure for aspiring young female cadets – a bond-free scholarship covering all tuition fees for her entire academic tenure, and guaranteed placement on ships with Synergy Ship Management. Cadets can then look forward to a supportive work environment where Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging are emphasized on shore and sea.
Since 2021, we have provided scholarships to female cadets studying at the Indian Maritime University (IMU) who have enrolled in the four-year B.Tech (Marine Engineering) and the three-year B.Sc (Nautical Science) degrees, as well as the one-year Diploma in Nautical Science. The scholarships cover all academic fees so that cadets can focus more on their studies and less on financial worries.
The scholarship program began in 2021 with a small pioneer batch of 9 female cadets who were pursuing maritime programs at the IMU. From modest beginnings, we have since expanded the program over fivefold and now support approximately 60 applicants, across various campuses of the IMU.
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.
In March 2023, representatives from BW LPG India visited the Indian Maritime University, Mumbai Port Campus to present Letters of Offer to selected female cadets, many of whom had to travel long distances via rail. This visit was covered by The Economic Times – read the article here.
Improving our scholarship offerings
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 maritime industry can offer rewarding careers. Seafarers are respected frontline staff of shipping, and at BW LPG India, we are proud of our crew and employees, at sea and on shore. Read more at the links below.
Read about Sustainability at BW LPG India here.
Read about our pioneer Graduate Scholar Ms Devija S here.
Read about our Leadership Camp “Together We Will Take on Tomorrow” here.
Read about some of our Scholars’ recent achievements here.
Read about BW LPG here.
Read about Synergy Marine Group here.
Read about the International Maritime Organization here.