ABP joins forces with WISTA UK to celebrate women in the maritime industry
ABP says groups of industry leaders attended a networking reception to celebrate women’s contribution to the maritime industry and the UK economy at London’s City Hall this week.
Organised by ABP in partnership with Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK), the event was one of the highlights during the first day of London International Shipping Week, taking place from 11 to 15 September.
Headlining the evening were speeches by Sarah West, Head of ABP’s Humber International Terminal (HIT) and OBE Sue Terpilowski, President of WISTA UK. Based at ABP’s Port of Immingham, HIT opened in 2000 and is the UK’s busiest dry bulk facility.
Sarah West, Head of ABP’s Humber International Terminal (HIT), said: “It was great to see such a high turnout at our event, considering the great number of high-calibre networking opportunities during London International Shipping Week. This shows that the maritime sector is interested in attracting more talented women among its ranks and I believe that while more work is needed, we have come a long way as an industry.
“I am proud to say that at ABP we have seen a rise in the number of women employed in shipping and we are proud that they, alongside our male colleagues, keep Britain trading.”
WISTA UK is a membership organisation which aims to promote networking, provide educational events for women and men who work in shipping, maritime and international trade. It is the founding country of WISTA International.
Sue Terpilowski OBE, President of WISTA UK, said: “This event provided a great platform for women and men starting out in their careers to meet more experienced professionals, and we thank ABP for working with us to organise it. Our members include a broad range of professionals working in the maritime industry, from naval architects and ship engineers to maritime lawyers and sales and purchase brokers.”
