Marine Log’s Top Women in Maritime Celebration returns to NOLA next week

Marine Log’s Top Women in Maritime Celebration returns on December 2 for its second annual in person gathering, an evening dedicated to honoring the women whose leadership, innovation, and resilience continue to shape every corner of the maritime industry. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., attendees will come together at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans to recognize this year’s 20 award winners and the event’s first Lifetime Achievement award winner, enjoy networking, and hear stories that reflect the strength and diversity of the maritime workforce.

The event will kick off with a networking hour, with the awards portion of the program going from 6:30 to approximately 7:10 p.m. The final hour will see more networking, food, and cocktails.

Since its launch in 2020, the Top Women in Maritime Awards program has grown into one of Marine Log’s most meaningful traditions. Each year, the editorial team reviews hundreds of nominations submitted by readers across the industry. The final 20 honorees represent a wide range of roles, experience levels, and backgrounds. Their achievements are highlighted in the magazine, online, and through Marine Log’s video interviews, offering a look at the many ways women continue to influence the industry’s future.

To accommodate increasing interest, this year’s celebration moves into a larger space inside the museum’s U.S. Freedom Pavilion. Surrounded by restored World War II era aircraft and historic artifacts, guests will gather in a setting that reflects both the heritage and forward momentum of maritime leadership.

The evening will begin with a keynote address from Elizabeth Bayly O’Connor, Chief Counsel of the United States Maritime Administration. O’Connor leads MARAD’s legal strategy and plays a central role in advancing the agency’s mission to strengthen the domestic maritime industry and workforce. Her background includes service as Senior Counsel to the House Committee on Homeland Security, along with extensive experience in national security oversight and investigations. O’Connor is stepping in as keynote speaker following newly implemented United States Coast Guard travel restrictions that prevent Rear Adm. Zeita Merchant from attending. Merchant, one of the 2025 honorees, expressed her regrets and will still be recognized during the ceremony.

This year also marks the introduction of Marine Log’s first Lifetime Achievement Award. The inaugural recipient is Charlotte Bollinger of Bollinger Shipyards, whose decades of leadership in shipbuilding, education, workforce development, coastal protection, community service, and civic engagement have made a lasting impact on Louisiana and the U.S. maritime industry.

Marine Log is proud to partner with several organizations whose missions align with the advancement of women in maritime. Women in Maritime Operations (WIMOs) serves as the premier association sponsor, with WISTA USA and the Women Offshore Foundation offering additional support.

The 2025 celebration is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Fincantieri Marine Group, ABB, Accelleron, Bollinger Shipyards, DNV, HOST, MK Industries, Shipbuilders Council of America, Midwest Tankermen Inc., Bay Ship and Yacht, ABS, The American Club, Cooper Consolidated, Majestic Realty, Maritime Partners, Moran, R.A.Winners and supporters listen to opening speakers at last year’s Top Women in Maritime Celebration event in New Orleans. Mitchell, Horizon Maritime, and Wave Works Alliance.

With industry leaders, award recipients, association partners, and sponsors coming together, the 2025 Top Women in Maritime Celebration promises to be an inspiring evening honoring the people who are driving progress across the maritime world.

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