Tug operator Svitzer has hailed a milestone in Latin America by introducing its first all-female crew.
The move in the Dominican Republic is part of its gender inclusion strategy.
The crew is operating the 70-ton Svitzer Monte Cristi in Rio Haina and Caucedo.
"Many things that we presume to be done through physical force, in reality, only require technical intelligence and the right tools," said chief engineer Marysabel Moreno.
"Many may think that women do not have the ability to work on a powerful tug boat, but our crew has shown that this type of work is not exclusive to a specific gender. With dedication, it is very possible,”
The team is lead by Captain Maria de los Santos and includes seafarers Paloma Montero, Loreanni Torres and Juana Custodio.
Svitzer Caribbean general manager Dickson Rivas pursued the project for two years, focusing on training.
“These women have become local icons for others and have proven to be an efficient and hardworking team,” the company said.
The ITF estimates only 2% of the maritime workforce is made up of women, most of them employed on cruises and ferries.
"At Svitzer, we want to work actively to improve the opportunities and careers of our female colleagues and for those who work in the industry. Today, globally, the organisation employs a total of 21 marine women who work on command positions to operational tasks,” said Rivas.
