Industry body Maritime UK is trying to boost the prospects of women in the shipping sector with a new pledge on diversity.

A taskforce will address fairness, equality and inclusion, it said.

The Women in Maritime pledge will help promote maritime activities as a career vocation for women - and seeks to resolve gender inequality in global seafaring.

It said the taskforce brings together sector leaders to identify practical steps to increase the number of women in maritime and in senior roles in the shipping, ports, marine and business services industries.