MARITIME lawyer Alison Cusack and Mission to Seafarers Australia and Papua New Guinea regional director Sue Dight have placed inside the Top 50 for the seventh edition of all about UK's 100 Top Women in Shipping rankings.
Ms Cusack was 43rd on the overall listing and second in the legal category, while Ms Dight jumped to 45th place from 76 in last year's rankings.
It was Ms Cusack's third time featured in the 100 Top Women in Shipping. She previously placed 58th in 2023 and 57th in 2024.
Ms Dight told DCN the recognition highlighted the importance of seafarer welfare, particularly with seafarer abandonment on the rise internationally.
"To be listed among such an extraordinary group of women from across the global maritime industry — leaders in ports, shipping, logistics, welfare, regulation, and innovation — is both an honour and a reminder of the collective strength of our sector," she said.
"It reflects the work of the dedicated teams and volunteers across the Mission to Seafarers Australia network and beyond, who every day ensure that seafarers — the people who carry 90% of world trade — are cared for, connected, and not forgotten.
"Thank you to All About Shipping for shining a light on the contribution of women in our sector, and to the many colleagues, port partners, ship operators, welfare organisations, and friends who walk this journey with me."
Ms Dight began volunteering with Mission to Seafarers more than 10 years ago and rose to become the Victorian chief executive before taking on the regional director role.
Ms Dight recently carried out several seafarer welfare projects that resulted in funding across South Australia from Flinders Ports.
Ms Cusack, the founder and principal lawyer for Cusack & Co, said it was an honour to be featured alongside women who came from international firms in much bigger markets such as London and Singapore.
Her niche law firm, based in Melbourne, specialises in assisting shippers and freight forwarders with ocean carriage contracts.
Ms Cusack said part of her achievement was about supporting other women and encouraging votes for her peers had been empowering.
"It's just nice to see that integrity wins out, and that speaking up can win out, and backing yourself can win out," she said.
"You don't need to bite your tongue and conform to the lowest common denominator to get ahead or build a network.
"A lot of people have said (to me), 'Oh, no, speaking you speak out a lot like it could be really damaging for your career'."
See the full listing of the 100 Top Women in Shipping here.