Karin Staal
Maritime Professional Staal Maritime
Karin Staal is a senior maritime professional with over 20 years of international experience in shipping, crewing, inspections, and workforce development. She began her career at sea as a seafarer, giving her first-hand insight into the realities, pressures, and wellbeing challenges faced onboard. She has since held leadership positions in crew management, worked as Port State Control Inspector with the Dutch Shipping Inspectorate, and currently advises maritime organizations on change management and sustainable employability. As Chair of the Diversity Committee of WISTA International, Karin contributes to global policy discussions as part of an advisory body to the IMO. She is a strong advocate for seafarer wellbeing, inclusive leadership, and creating healthier working environments at sea.
2026 Event Agenda Sessions
Demanding conditions, long periods away from home, and evolving operational pressures continue to shape life at sea. More recently, we’re also seeing geopolitical instability add further strain, with disrupted trade routes, heightened security concerns, and extended periods at anchorage or diversion - all of which contribute to uncertainty and fatigue among seafarers.
Added to this, the rapid advancement of AI and other technologies is transforming onboard operations. While these innovations have the potential to enhance safety and efficiency, they also bring fresh challenges. Increased monitoring, higher data demands, and a constant need for upskilling can add to the cognitive workload and stress if not carefully managed.
Given all these factors, it’s clear that improving seafarer wellbeing is no longer just a “nice to have”- it’s critical to retention, safety and the long-term stability of the maritime workforce.
Wednesday 17 June 12:10 - 12:50 Breakbulk Voices Stage
Future Readiness
Talent Gap
Demanding conditions, long periods away from home, and evolving operational pressures continue to shape life at sea. More recently, we’re also seeing geopolitical instability add further strain, with disrupted trade routes, heightened security concerns, and extended periods at anchorage or diversion - all of which contribute to uncertainty and fatigue among seafarers.
Added to this, the rapid advancement of AI and other technologies is transforming onboard operations. While these innovations have the potential to enhance safety and efficiency, they also bring fresh challenges. Increased monitoring, higher data demands, and a constant need for upskilling can add to the cognitive workload and stress if not carefully managed.
Given all these factors, it’s clear that improving seafarer wellbeing is no longer just a “nice to have”- it’s critical to retention, safety and the long-term stability of the maritime workforce.
Breakbulk Voices Stage Europe/LondonDiversity is often treated as a goal, but what kind of diversity actually strengthens teams? In this interactive and thought-provoking workshop, participants will experience how inclusion, leadership and team dynamics influence collaboration, trust and performance. Through practical exercises and honest reflection, we explore the difference between having diversity in a team and truly benefiting from it. Expect interaction, discomfort, insight and concrete takeaways.
Who this workshop is for: Leaders, HR professionals, team managers and anyone responsible for team culture, collaboration and people development.
Wednesday 17 June 15:15 - 16:00 Women in Breakbulk Lounge
Industry & Leadership
Women in Breakbulk
Who this workshop is for: Leaders, HR professionals, team managers and anyone responsible for team culture, collaboration and people development. Women in Breakbulk Lounge Europe/London
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