Step out of your comfort zone, do not hold back, go the extra mile and stay motivated by learning — this is some of the advice from 18 women in gas-fuelled shipping.
This year's WiGS, as they are affectionately known, have been speaking to Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel operations and human resources manager Krishna Ruparelia, who has compiled a second collection of profiles to highlight women’s contribution to this sector.
Ruparelia said that if maritime is to compete with other industries to attract, recruit and retain the best talent, it must demonstrate and celebrate diversity and inclusion.
“The benefits of this are clear: a more collaborative, engaged and motivated workforce,” she said.
Have fun
MAN Energy Solutions principal research engineer Dorthe Sveistrup Jacobsen started her working life as the first female engineer in the company’s R&D department. She now works in the fuels and emissions divisions with input and ideas on the decarbonisation of shipping.
She channels her role model Pippi Longstocking, a fictional character who says: “I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that.”
Jacobsen said: “We should never hold ourselves back because of insecurity — women or men — but always strive for better and have fun doing it.”
James Fisher Tankships managing director Krystyna Tsochlas comes from a seafaring background. A naval architect and marine engineer, she is seeing more women in senior industry roles, but says there is a long way to go before they are on equal footing with men.
“It is encouraging to see the oil companies, which are very visible, leading the way by appointing women in senior roles, and I look forward to seeing shipping companies taking their lead," she said.
Total LNG specialist and project architect Mireille Franco supports customers wanting to use LNG as fuel by providing advice to the business development teams.
I have two recommendations which I truly believe in — keep stepping out of your comfort zone and it is worth it to go the extra mile
Cordula Boy Fernandez
At a young age, Franco was inspired by the huge vessels she could see being repaired at the shipyard near her grandparents’ home.
“I just wanted and needed to understand how such huge assets could be designed, built and float,” she said.
“Today, we’re counting on the shipping industry to move towards reducing global pollution and it is answering positively. What motivates me is to accept this challenge and any other still to come: never remain in the comfort zone.”
Year-round committed commuter cyclist Reetta Kaila is technology and development manager for renewable gases at Wartsila, where she and her team have delivered a biogas upgrading and liquefaction plant to Trondheim, Norway.
The plant uses fish waste from salmon farming and paper industry wastewater to produce bio-LNG that will be used by Norway’s Hurtigruten ferries.
The chemical engineer said she is motivated when she is learning. “I can’t resist new challenges."
Kaila believes there is no differentiation or comparison of women and men's competencies in Finland.
“I can only say that it’s not about the gender, but the dedication, respect towards the audience, quality and efforts,” she said.
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement quality assurance superintendent Sarah Coleman said she has found her calling in shipping.
Understanding
Coleman developed post-traumatic stress disorder after her 10-year career in the US Army, a large part of which was spent in a war zone. But she said she met nothing but understanding and acceptance in the maritime industry.
“I think the work that has been done in our sector around mental health awareness and education has been exceptional,” she said. "Our seafarers and shore staff are becoming more willing and able to raise concerns or to ask for help.
“I have not only been able to continue working, but to thrive in my industry.”
Coleman feels a change developing with her company and its partners. They are making a conscious effort to promote the skills of the women and challenging old-fashioned perceptions, and women are taking on more senior roles and participating in decision-making processes.
CCS Wuhan Rules & Research Institute senior engineer Tieying Liu works on LNG bunkering operational safety.
She said her work focuses on marine clean-energy applications which help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the reduction of atmospheric pollution.
“Although it is just a small part, I am still proud to contribute to building a beautiful China," she said. "Of course, not only for China, but also for the world."
