Empowering women across borders: APM Terminals' commitment to inclusion and innovation

APM Terminals is driving transformative change in the logistics sector, while sweeping away outdated notions of gender-specific roles. From Bahrain to Costa Rica, the company has demonstrated a deep commitment to recognizing and amplifying the contributions of women in the maritime and logistics sectors, paving the way for sustainable growth and equality.

Partners in Nation-Building

In celebration of Bahraini Women’s Day earlier this month under the theme “Women: Reliable Partners in Nation-Building,” APM Terminals Bahrain honoured the essential role of women at Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP). Women's dedication and resilience has been pivotal to the port’s operational excellence and the Kingdom’s economic development.

Matthew Luckhurst, Managing Director of APM Terminals Bahrain, said he was proud of the contributions of his female colleagues: “Women’s contributions are vital to the success of KBSP and to lifting Bahrain’s global trade. We are committed to upskilling and growing our female workforce to create more outstanding leaders in the Kingdom,” he said.

Aligned with Bahrain’s National Strategy for advancing women, APM Terminals Bahrain has implemented initiatives that promote a healthy work-life balance, ensure a safe working environment, and provide education and training opportunities. Women have excelled in various areas, from cargo operations to infrastructure development, further solidifying KBSP’s status as a regional hub of excellence in maritime, technology, and safety.

Transforming lives in Costa Rica

Last month, at the Port & Maritime Congress in Guatemala, APM Terminals Moín received the prestigious Maritime Award of the Americas 2024 in the category of Women’s Empowerment and Equality. The award, from the Inter-American Committee on Ports of the Organization of American States (CIP-OAS), recognized the terminal’s groundbreaking Eclosión program.

Since its launch in March 2022, Eclosión has empowered women in the Limón community by fostering entrepreneurship and strengthening the local economy. The program provides participants with specialized workshops, personalized mentoring and access to seed capital.

Through the program, 32 participants were trained, 72% of which were women. As a result, 16 small businesses were launched, including bakeries, jewellery stores and skincare brands.

Krizia Canton, APM Terminals’ Social Responsibility Coordinator, said the program is transformative. “Eclosión reflects our commitment to inclusion and local development. This program turns ideas into sustainable projects, benefiting families and communities at large.”

The program, backed by a US$36,000 investment, has encouraged strategic alliances with institutions such as Luz Consultante and local cooperatives, ensuring the sustainability of the entrepreneurial ventures.

An ongoing commitment worldwide

By fostering environments where women can thrive professionally and personally, APM Terminals in all its locations not only drives operational excellence but contributes to the sustainable development of communities worldwide.