Rewriting women into maritime history
- hannah5794
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Written by Sarah Mott, Lloyd's Register Foundation
What do you picture when you hear maritime history? War, perhaps. Trade, navigation, exploration. Now, who do you see at the helm?
Rewriting Women into Maritime History is the groundbreaking initiative led by Lloyd’s Register and Lloyd’s Register Foundation to uncover and showcase the critical role of women in the maritime sector, past and present.
Launched in the UK and Ireland in 2023, the programme uses archival material held by maritime and heritage organisations, showcasing them publicly through the SHE_SEES exhibition. Using a mix of striking visuals, art and storytelling, SHE_SEES debuted at the home of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during London International Shipping Week 2023, and is currently on tour, with a residency at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard until August 2025.
The initiative challenges the idea of maritime as a male-dominated space, inspiring young women to step into the industry. Today, in figures by the IMO, women make up just 29% of the maritime workforce and a mere 2% of seafarers. That story is changing.
SHE_SEES presents a collection of portraits and personal stories featuring 23 professional, inspiring women excelling in the UK maritime sector. Each portrait places them in their element, at sea, at the dockyard, at the heart of the action, offering an intimate glimpse into the challenges they’ve faced and the paths they’ve forged.
Maritime history is more than the age of sail, warships, and trade. It’s about the people who are still shaping it. These are the women who navigated against the tide. Now, their stories are finally being told.
Betzy Shell, Boatbuilder
Betzy Shell had spent her entire life by the water, yet her world had never truly touched the sea. That all changed when a life event sparked a passion for woodworking, leading her down a path to becoming a boatbuilder.
It all began with a box of tools. Inheriting them from her beloved father who was a skilled furniture maker, Betzy realised she lacked the knowledge to use them. While she laments that her father will never know of her newfound passion, a sense of warmth washes over her as she uses his plane, its quirks a comforting echo of the past.
Betzy isn't just a boatbuilder; she is part of the boat's story, a testament to the enduring legacy of human craftsmanship.
Jane Maddocks, Wrecks and Underwater Cultural Heritage Advisor
A passionate explorer of history and maritime archaeology, Jane has dedicated her life to diving into the depths of the ocean to reveal the tales hidden beneath the waves.
Jane sees ships are artifacts, providing a window into social life and technological advancements, intrigued by the machinery and materials that propelled these ships forward, and eager to understand the processes and craftsmanship that brought these magnificent vessels to life.
Jane’s work extends beyond diving alone. Surface research is an integral part of her process, building upon the efforts of the passionate individuals who have dedicated themselves to understanding these wrecks over the years. She examines the remnants of the ship, searching for clues about its structure, technology, cargo, and purpose.
The context of each shipwreck, whether it's a technological innovation or a mutinous crew, breathes life into her storytelling. She understands the importance of these narratives, not only for historical knowledge but also for the families affected by maritime tragedies.
By recounting these stories, she ensures that the sacrifices and memories of those lost are not forgotten.
Judith Vajk, Director of Caledonian Oyster Co Ltd
A career as an Oyster farmer was one she stumbled upon, rather than meticulously planned, and became her passion and purpose.
The outdoors became Judith’s sanctuary, and watching oysters grow became her source of joy. The sight of tiny oyster babies transforming into mature oysters filled her with excitement year after year.
Guided by her love for the outdoors, fascination with oysters, and commitment to the environment, she defied expectations and dedicated herself to farming these exceptional living beings, worthy of greater respect.
You can learn more about the Rewriting Women initiative and read more stories here.
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