WISTA International - Experts & Thought Leaders

Collaboration is key across maritime, trade and logistics if the sectors are to achieve their goals on equality, gender diversity and decarbonisation, according to speakers at the 2025 WISTA AGM and Conference, held in Barcelona between 22-24 October. The event, the largest staged by the association in its more than 50-year history, brought together over 400 maritime professionals and leaders from around the world. In her keynote speech, WISTA International President, Elpi Petraki stressed that collective commitment had been the source of WISTA’s strength in moving the entire maritime industry forward on gender equality. Shipping’s greatest strength “Collaboration has always been shipping’s greatest strength. It unites people from all corners of the world, across cultures and disciplines,” she said. “When we bring diverse perspectives together, we don’t just solve problems — we create new possibilities. That is where innovation begins.” Drawing inspiration from this year’s Nobel laureates in Economic Sciences, who showed that progress often comes through creative destruction, Petraki applied the same principle to the current industry situation, surmising that what might seem disruptive at first can in fact lead to renewal and long-term growth. Commitment to gender equality and innovation Welcoming delegates to the gathering supported by the Port of Barcelona, as well as national and regional transport administrations, Jose Alberto Carbonell, President, Port of Barcelona pledged the Port’s commitment to gender equality and innovation. He urged the industry to respond to its challenges with purpose. “The sector must follow what WISTA has done and continues to do; challenge the status quo, innovate, and even in the most difficult context, move forward with determination.” Ministry’s support for WISTA International The sentiment was shared by Benito Núñez Quintanilla, Secretary of State of Maritime and Air Transport, who highlighted the Ministry’s support for WISTA International and the nation’s strong belief in gender balance and equality - not only as a general principle, but as essential to the sector’s success. Núñez Quintanilla took the opportunity to reaffirm the Spanish Government’s commitment to fully decarbonising the maritime industry as part of the international trading system. Manel Nadal, Secretary of Mobility and Infrastructures of the Government of Catalonia, highlighted the importance of the maritime sector in Catalonia, as a centre for logistics and ports activities that sustains over 24,000 companies. Critical moment for maritime sector Rosana Velasco, President of WISTA Spain, emphasised the significance of late 2025 as a critical moment for leaders in the energy, maritime, and trade sectors to come together to exchange ideas, inspire action, and shape the industry’s future. The importance of global collaboration was further reflected in the event theme - Powering the Future of Shipping & Trade: Global Energy in Challenging Times – with the conference agenda delivering a series of thought-provoking discussions on the complexities of international trade, logistics and shipping today. Programme highlights Programme highlights included a panel discussion on decarbonisation where the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, summarised the outcome of the latest MEPC extraordinary session and next steps. Other sessions also provided insights into the impact of shore power and just-in-time port calls on sustainability and how the industry is adapting to geopolitical tensions, new trade barriers, and the digital transformation of supply chains. Exclusive fireside chat An exclusive fireside chat between Dominguez and Dorothea Ioannou, CEO, The American P&I Club, offered a deeply engaging conversation that focused on policy, regulations and human factors in global shipping. Discussions covered a wide array of topics, including decarbonisation and legal frameworks, the treatment and criminalisation of seafarers, safety, human rights and crew welfare, women in maritime, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, and the role of the IMO. Spirit of change In the days ahead of the conference, WISTA International hosted its President’s roundtable and Annual General Meeting. This year’s event saw Mariella Collazzi appointed Treasurer of the WISTA International Executive Committee, with Connie Roozen stepping down after seven years of dedicated service. During the AGM, three new National WISTA Associations (NWAs) were announced – Croatia, Kenya and Malta – in addition to the relaunch of WISTA Japan. In the spirit of change, a new brand identity was also unveiled, with the new WISTA International logo representing the global reach, unity, and forward movement for women in the shipping, trading, and logistics sectors.

The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) and BIMCO, the global trade association whose members represent 64% of the world’s tonnage, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise collaboration in promoting diversity, sustainability, and professional excellence across the maritime industry. Working together, WISTA International and BIMCO aim to address shared industry challenges and create opportunities for professionals throughout the global shipping sector. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in key areas including: Research and Development: Joint initiatives, studies, and projects relevant to shipping and maritime innovation. Information Sharing: Exchange of publications, data, and insights beneficial to the members of both organisations. Training and Education: Development of joint training programmes, seminars, and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing professional skills and industry knowledge. Develop collaborative initiatives Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, said: “We are delighted to align with BIMCO, an organisation that shares our commitment to advancing a sustainable and inclusive maritime industry. In joining forces, we can amplify our impact by promoting knowledge exchange, professional development, and the collaboration that benefits the entire shipping community.” BIMCO’s mission - to foster standardisation, transparency, and professionalism - complements WISTA International’s goal of driving positive change for inclusivity within the sector. Together, the two associations will develop collaborative initiatives built on shared values and a mutual vision for a resilient and forward-looking maritime industry.

Sustainable shipping and successes in diversity took centre stage at the inaugural WISTA India ExCo Conference in Mumbai, which coincided with the first WISTA International Mid-Term Meeting to take place in India. With WISTA International membership exceeding 6,000 this month, the Executive Committee (ExCo) met over two days to discuss topics that included the professional training programmes available to members and the upcoming report following the IMO/WISTA Women in Maritime Survey. How to drive the industry towards greener WISTA India ExCo Conference brought together the industry, consulates, and maritime pioneers Priority was also given to regional reports, while an in-depth review of the equity fund examined strategies to support National WISTA Associations (NWAs) in need. Entitled Navigating Change: The Future of Sustainable Shipping, the WISTA India ExCo Conference brought together local industry, consulates, maritime pioneers and professionals to share insights on how to drive the industry towards greener, more resilient maritime operations. Future for global shipping Addressing the conference, WISTA International President, Elpi Petraki, highlighted the way collaboration and greater diversity could help overcome industry challenges and create a more sustainable future for global shipping. "A collaborative spirit is essential to make the most of the opportunities that arise from the challenges we face," said Elpi Petraki. Maritime community  Elpi Petraki added: "Shipping brings together people from all around the world and has always included a wide range of cultures, nationalities and ethnicities. Diverse and global by nature, it demands versatility and collaboration every working day." Elpi Petraki continues, "It has taken thousands of years of collaboration to create the global maritime community we enjoy today. Even during trying times, therefore, we must not lose sight of the fact that it will be by working together that women will be most effective in driving the positive changes that benefit our global community." Key elements of the industry’s green transition WISTA India, Sanjam Gupta, said: "It was an honour to host the first WISTA India ExCo Conference and the WISTA International Executive Committee in Mumbai." Sanjam Gupta adds, "The conference provided an excellent opportunity to discuss key elements of the industry’s green transition while also showcasing India’s position as a sustainable shipping pioneer and many of the women who are driving change and contributing to the country’s swift transition to greener shipping operations." Key maritime stakeholder WISTA International ExCo visited the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy to discuss the programmes In a direct engagement with a key maritime stakeholder in India, the WISTA International ExCo visited the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy to discuss the programmes it has in place to support and attract more females to the seafaring profession. In touring the academy’s facilities, delegates made full use of opportunities to speak to many of the female cadets enrolled. Importance of a maritime hub Elpi Petraki adds, "As a major maritime hub, significant steps have been taken in India to educate the seafaring community about the importance of creating an inclusive and safe working environment onboard." Elpi Petraki continues, "Over 450 cadets graduate from the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy each year, and in the last year, the number of female cadets studying there has increased, showing the effort that is being made to create a more diverse and inclusive seafaring profession."