Diversity Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector – Data Analytics & Business Insights

Overview

This project, implemented under the European Investment Bank Advisory Services (EIBAS) Framework Agreement (Lot 3 – Mobility), focuses on applying data-driven analytics to promote diversity and inclusion (D&I) across the maritime sector in Flanders, Belgium.

The assignment supports the Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK), in collaboration with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and North Sea Port, in identifying workforce gaps, analyzing inclusion barriers, and designing actionable investment and data strategies to foster a diverse and inclusive maritime industry.

Client: European Investment Bank (EIB)
Implementation Partner: NTU International A/S
Beneficiaries: Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK), Port of Antwerp-Bruges, North Sea Port
Duration: 2025 – 2026
Location: Belgium (Flanders Region)
Funding: InvestEU Advisory Hub

Objective

The data analysis component of this project aims to:

• Build a comprehensive data foundation for assessing gender, disability, ethnicity, and inclusion indicators
• Apply quantitative and qualitative analysis to map trends in recruitment, retention, and promotion within the maritime workforce
• Generate data-informed recommendations and business cases to guide D&I policy and investment decisions
• Develop data-driven action plans for improving workforce diversity and sector competitiveness

Data & Analytics Framework

1. Data Collection & Integration

• Consolidated employment, HR, and demographic data from MDK, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and North Sea Port
• Harmonized disaggregated datasets across gender, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and career stage
• Designed a framework for ongoing data quality management and automation to enhance institutional D&I monitoring

2. Gap & Baseline Analysis

• Conducted statistical analysis of labour force composition, identifying underrepresentation patterns and systemic gaps
• Analyzed attrition rates, promotion flows, and recruitment pipelines through trend and correlation modeling
• Performed benchmarking against EU and international maritime operators to identify best practices and business impact of diversity

3. Business Case Analytics

• Developed a cost–benefit analysis (CBA) model quantifying the economic benefits of improved workforce diversity, such as productivity gains, innovation potential, and reduced turnover
• Modeled financial implications of introducing inclusive measures (e.g., infrastructure accessibility, flexible work, training)
• Delivered investment scenarios to prioritize initiatives with the highest return on inclusion (ROI)

4. Predictive & Prescriptive Insights

• Built data dashboards and forecasting models to simulate future workforce diversity trends under different intervention strategies
• Identified high-impact areas for investment in human capital and organizational change

Key Deliverables

• Gap Analysis Report: Sector-wide D&I baselines and statistical findings
• Data Improvement Strategy: Institutionalize ongoing data capture and performance monitoring
• Business Case Report: Measurable ROI of diversity-driven initiatives
• Investment Manual for Diversity & Inclusion: Integrating data analytics, risk assessment, and prioritized financial actions
• Interactive Dashboards: Continuous analytics and scenario modeling for internal use

Tools & Methods

Data Sources: HR databases, staff surveys, EU datasets, maritime sector benchmarks

Techniques: Regression analysis, comparative benchmarking, demographic segmentation, and business impact modeling

Software & Infrastructure: Advanced spreadsheet modeling, database integration, and data visualization tools (Power BI/Tableau prototypes)

Impact

• Delivered a data-centric framework enabling MDK and partner ports to make evidence-based HR and investment decisions
• Quantified the economic value of diversity for maritime organizations, demonstrating clear ROI
• Supported EIB Advisory Services in developing replicable models for data-led inclusion assessment across EU infrastructure sectors
• Provided actionable insights to reduce systemic barriers and improve workforce representation
• Enabled predictive analytics for workforce planning and diversity trend forecasting
• Created sustainable data monitoring framework for ongoing D&I performance tracking

"Turning diversity into measurable value through data and analytics."