September 17, 2026
Waves of Influence raises more than £50,000 for maritime charities at Fishmongers’ Hall
A celebration of women in maritime has raised more than £50,000 in support of seafarers and their families.
‘Waves of Influence’, jointly organised by Sailors’ Children’s Society and The Seafarers' Charity, returned to London for its second year on Friday 11 September. All money raised was split between the two charities.
Held at the historic Fishmongers’ Hall, the fundraising lunch brought together leaders and professionals from across the maritime sector to celebrate the contribution of women to the industry, champion greater diversity, and create conversations about what still needs to change.
UK P&I Club sponsored Waves of Influence for a second year, while the event also received generous support from The Fishmongers' Company and Trinity House.
It was hosted by Claire Womersley, London-based partner at global shipping law firm HFW and a master mariner who spent nine years at sea before moving into law.
Claire is a recipient of the Merchant Navy Medal for services to Women and Diversity. Throughout the event, she spoke about the need to attract and retain more women in maritime, the importance of women supporting and lifting one another up, and the difference that visible role models can make to the next generation.
The keynote address was delivered by The Rt. Hon. Nusrat Ghani MP, deputy speaker of the House of Commons and a former maritime minister, who reflected on the changes beginning to take place across maritime and the importance of maintaining momentum.
Ghani, a vice president of The Seafarers’ Charity, spoke about the need for greater recognition and focus on an industry that is fundamental to the UK economy and everyday life. She challenged the sector to ensure women are at the forefront of its future.
"Waves of Influence is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together from across maritime. We’re not only raising vital funds, but taking a moment to celebrate the women already making a difference. Now we must all keep pushing for greater representation and opportunity.” - Deborah Layde, chief executive of The Seafarers’ Charity
“There was such an incredible energy in the room. Waves of Influence is about celebrating brilliant women, but it is also about creating the connections, conversations and role models that help the next generation see maritime as an industry where they can belong, succeed and lead.
To go beyond last year’s fundraising total makes the day even more special. We are enormously grateful to UK P&I Club for believing in the event for a second year, to the Fishmongers’ Company for its incredibly generous support in underwriting the event, to Trinity House, and to every person and organisation who joined us. Because of that support, the money raised can make a genuine difference to seafarers and their families.” - Rhiannon Beeson, interim CEO of Sailors’ Children’s Society
This year’s event built on the success of the inaugural Waves of Influence in 2025, and reflects a growing commitment across the maritime community to create a more diverse and inclusive industry.
Sailors’ Children’s Society provides financial, practical and emotional support to children and families from seafaring backgrounds facing crisis, while The Seafarers’ Charity works to improve the lives of seafarers and their families around the world.
