Celebrating and supporting women at the port

Stolt-Nielsen was delighted to be part of the organisation committee for the first-ever Women at the Port networking event in Rotterdam, Netherlands on March 8. 

The aim of Women at the Port, which coincided with International Women’s Day, was to give women working in the traditionally male-dominated logistics and maritime sectors a face and a voice and an opportunity to connect with each other.  

More than 90 women – and, just as importantly, a number of men – attended the event, which was jointly organised by maritime companies Antony Veder, HES International, Stolt-Nielsen, Vopak and the Port of Rotterdam, with support from 010 Inclusief, a Dutch platform that supports employers and employees to create diverse and inclusive workplaces. 

All partners share the same ambition to encourage more women to enter the logistics and maritime sectors and support those in it to develop and progress by creating an inclusive culture for all. This is in keeping with the theme of International Women’s Day 2023, which was #EmbraceEquity.  

Stolt-Nielsen's Maren Schroeder (second from right), Managing Director of Stolt Takers, was part of a panel of inspiring women and men who discussed their ideas for encouraging more women into logistics and maritime roles and providing support and opportunities for them to progress. Other panel members included Marjan Groeneveld (Global Director, Vopak), Jan Valkier (CEO, Anthony Veder), Claudia de Andrade de Wit (Director, Digital & IT, Port of Rotterdam) and Mark van Lieshout (Chief Financial Officer, HES International).  

Port of Rotterdam CEO Allard Castelein gave a general introduction to the event and strategic communications expert Natalie Holwerda-Mieras gave the keynote speech on why competence and empathy are commonly perceived in the workplace as leadership qualities. And, of course, there was an opportunity to meet people and share experiences during a series of workshops and a drinks reception.  

Annemieke Vos, Global HR Business Partner, was on the organisation committee. She said: "I am so pleased with how the event turned out – it was even better than anticipated! The enthusiastic feedback we have received made us, as organisers, realise that we need more of these events.  

“Thank you to the Stolt-Nielsen women who attended and contributed to making this a great event. And a special thank you to Maren Schroeder of Stolt Tankers, who was so impressive on the panel!” 

On behalf of the organisation committee, Stolt-Nielsen would like to thank everyone who spoke at and attended the event and, of course, our co-organisers for making it happen.