Lifting the standards of equality for women in maritime logistics

APM Terminals has been working diligently in recent years to attract more women to maritime logistics. Although it remains one of the most male-dominated industries in the world, we are excited to see more and more women taking an interest in this rewarding and challenging sector. As International Women’s Day approaches, here’s how we are charting a course for a more equal distribution at every level.

A top-down culture of respect

The different perspectives brought by people with a variety of backgrounds, experiences and personalities are some of APM Terminals’ greatest strengths. “We always seek the best candidates for the job,” says Sander Hubbers, Head of People Function at APM Terminals, adding: “We really want to overcome any ‘self-filtering’ where people – regardless of gender, or any other reason – imagine that they do not fit in here, and therefore do not apply in the first place, and at the same time fight biases that select-out great diverse talent,”

But it’s not just about attracting the best people for the job, it’s also important to retain that talent. Diverse teams and organisations perform better, which is why we’re actively working to create and maintain a culture where everyone feels respected and is treated fairly. A significant part of this work happens at a global level, through the implementation of recruitment policies, mentorship programs, anti-harassment protocols, flexible work-life balance initiatives and communications drives.

Nurturing leadership skills

The APMT -Maersk Women’s Network is one such global initiative. Founded by Lisbeth Thomas Fuller, Director of Human Resources and Labour Relations at APM Terminals Moín, the group nurtures leadership skills in women from all administrative and operational areas.

Fuller, who is herself a single parent with two children, is well aware of the barriers often faced by women in logistics. She believes that the development of talent begins with the development of leaders, explaining: “We have provided psychologically safe spaces, and made visible the work of women in our company, so they serve as an inspiration for others inside and outside of the industry.”

Local initiatives drive global progress

With operations in 33 countries worldwide, APM Terminals is both a global and a local organisation. In order to foster working environments where everyone feels able and empowered to be the best version of themselves, it’s essential to understand the unique challenges faced by women in each of the countries we operate in.

In addition to our global activities, we’re also actively working to remove barriers and increase opportunities for women at a regional level. In Bahrain, for example, we’re working in close alignment with the kingdom’s National Strategy for Advancing Women, and initiatives to promote a healthy work-life balance and ensure a safe working environment are already in place. Thanks to additional education and training opportunities, Bahraini women are excelling in various areas, from cargo operations to infrastructure development.

Speaking at an event celebrating Bahraini Women’s Day in December 2024, 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 Khalifa Bin Salman Port (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.”

Strengthening local economies

Creating environments where women can thrive professionally and personally doesn’t just drive operational excellence, it also contributes to the sustainable development of communities worldwide.

In Limón, Costa Rica, our groundbreaking Eclosión program is strengthening the local economy by providing entrepreneurs with access to mentoring, workshops, and seed capital. The program, which has so far trained 23 people, 72% of whom were women, has helped launch 16 small local businesses, ranging from bakeries to skincare brands.

The tide is turning

Although progress in the maritime logistics industry has been happening at a slower pace than some other global industries, the tide is turning.

At APM Terminals, we are proud to be part of leading that change, lifting the standards of equality for everyone in the industry. We’re committed to a future where everyone who dreams of a career in this exciting, challenging and highly rewarding sector, can make that dream a reality.