Port associations celebrate Women in Ports

During London International Shipping Week the sector came together to celebrate the talented women working across UK ports and to focus on how we can better support women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

The Women in Ports event took place on 18 September at Trinity House, as part of London International Shipping Week and was a part of a joint initiative between Port Skills and Safety, the British Ports Association and the UK Major Ports Group.

The event was hosted by Debbie Cavaldoro, PSS CEO and chair of the Women in Ports group, and was sponsored by Associated British Ports (ABP). It was focussed on encouraging networking among women and men in the sector whilst recognising many of the great women already shaping our sector.

Deputy speaker of the House of Commons, Nusrat Ghani MP, who is also the former maritime minister, patron of women’s shipping association WISTA, and vice president of the PSS member The Seafarers’ Charity, gave the keynote address. She encouraged the audience to inspire others through mentoring and being ambassadors for the sector, and to look for someone who “speak up for you when you are not in the room”.

Rachel Parr from ABP also spoke about the difference mentoring can make for the careers of women in male-dominated sectors like ports. Ms Cavaldoro then launched the new mentoring scheme set up by Women in Ports to support women in the sector.

Perspective mentors Sarah West, Tom Willis, Susan Cloggie-Holden, Ashley Nicholson and Lex Hanham, spoke briefly to share their personal journeys in ports and related sectors and give advice on how to make the most of the mentoring scheme – both as mentors and mentees.

Over the lunch that followed, the room was alive with conversation as mentors and mentees connected, reflecting the energy and commitment to driving change across our industry.

Applications now open for the Women in Ports Mentoring Scheme

Following the Women in Ports events, the Women in Ports Mentoring Programme is officially open for applicants to register for the inaugural cohort. This new initiative is designed to give women across the sector confidence, connection and support on their career journeys.

The programme is free to join, and full training will be provided for both mentors and mentees. It is available to women at all career stages and male allies are welcome to join as mentors.
More information about the scheme can be found here and applications close Sunday 19 October 2025. To apply to be a mentee complete this form, to apply to become a mentor complete this form.

The mentoring programme is a joint initiative from The British Ports Association, Port Skills and Safety and the UK Major Ports Group, and proudly supported by ABP, Peel Ports Group, Forth Ports Limited, and the Port of London Authority. Together, we are building a more confident, connected and inclusive ports industry and this programme is an exciting step forward.

All images ©Mary Sullivan