For International Day for Women in Maritime 2026, we caught up with Vanessa, Group Business Support Manager at Portico.
Vanessa shares the story of her career journey, from starting out as a clerical assistant at Portsmouth International Port to joining Portico's senior management team. She explains how seizing opportunities along the way shaped her path in the maritime industry.
Can you tell us a little about your role and what your day-to-day looks like?
I’ve looked after marketing as part of my role for many years at Portico and in my previous job, but recently my job has officially changed to Group Marketing Manager meaning I can focus all my full attention on the promotion of Portico’s three companies to our wide ranging audiences across many different platforms.
My day-to-day is varied, from managing a programme of events, co-ordinating marketing activities, working with our digital providers on the next innovative idea and leading on internal communication. I’m also a member of our senior management team which means I bring marketing and communications to the fore at a strategic level.
How did you end up working in the maritime industry - was it something you always planned?
Not at all, my background is administration and I actually started working at Portsmouth International Port as a clerical assistant years ago. I was lucky enough to have loads of opportunities to shape my roles and work with people who allowed me to grow and seize opportunities when they came along. And the more opportunities you have the more you learn about your industry and that continued when I moved to the cargo side of the business eight years ago. I love working in maritime, it gives so much variety.
What does International Day for Women in Maritime mean to you personally?
It helps to highlight the opportunities available to women in this important industry which is male dominated. That’s not a bad thing, everyone has a role to play, but the International Day for Women in Maritime 2026 shows how important female employees are in maritime on a global scale. This year the Day highlights gender equality - it’s needed in maritime, as I mentioned there are lots of career opportunities for women, but it is male dominated and so work needs to be done to encourage more equality in our industry.
How has the industry changed for women since you started your career?
I see more and more women taking on operational maritime roles which is really encouraging. Typically women have tended to work in office based roles but now at Portico we have female stevedores, engineers and engineering apprentices, operations planners, lorry drivers - there are endless opportunities for women in the maritime sector now.
What does Portico do to support and encourage women across the business?
I’ve been lucky enough to have many positive mentors in my working life. The women that I work with now are all part of my support network - we listen to each other, offer guidance and help, and a cuppa and a shoulder when it’s needed. It’s our job to support all our colleagues, particularly the women we manage, to demonstrate effective leadership, resilience and give encouragement and guidance. Portico supports women in the business with training, opportunities for internal promotion and by treating women equally - if you’re the best person for the job, that’s what matters.
Who is a woman in business that you admire?
I was lucky enough to meet a talented lady called Angie Redhead years ago when we were both involved in the cruise industry. Angie is now Head of Operations - Culture Liverpool Angie Redhead | LinkedIn . Angie’s career has sky rocketted, she is professional, passionate and a brilliant leader with a cracking sense of humour! I haven’t seen her for a while (we should catch up) but I admire her drive and success, much of which has been learnt in the maritime industry.
What would you say to a young woman considering a career in the maritime or ports sector?
Try it, because you probably won’t realise how much you enjoy it until you’re in it! There are so many job choices particularly if you love being part of a team - maritime is very much built on teamwork.
