Women in shipping gather to address criminalization, financial markets and other concerns at international maritime conference in New Orleans

Over 200 women from 17 countries gathered in New Orleans for an international maritime conference being held by the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA). Industry concerns from criminalization to the financial markets were among the topics addressed by leaders from around the globe.

Hosted by WISTA USA, this conference began with the organization’s Annual General meeting. The Annual General Meeting elected new members of the Executive Commitee. Marita Scott as President (Norway), Vivi Kolliopoulou (Greece), Karin Orsel (The Netherlands), Kathy Haines (USA), Carleen Lyden-Kluss (USA), Dime Ann Agboire (Nigeria), Irene Rosberg (Denmark). Substitute members: Mrs. Lucia Filippi, Italy, Laurence Martin, Italy and Caroline Lee, Singapore.

It soon moved into tackling core maritime topics. WISTA USA President Jeanne Grasso moderated a panel entitled “Criminal Enforcement of Environmental Laws”, which featured Lana Pettus, a Trial Attorney for the US Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section, Katharine Newman, Senior counsel for ConocoPhillips, and Elaine Heidewier, Environmental Director, Carnival Cruise Lines, who shared “best practices” and lessons learned from criminal prosecutions.

International Registries, Inc.’s Managing Partner, Clay Maitland warned delegates that the downturn in the economy, especially the shipping markets, might “…foretell a ‘flight from quality’, a return of the ‘marginal owner’, or operator, that we saw in the 70’s and 80’s,” and called for a strengthening of the IMO’s Model Audit Scheme.

Seafarer issues, port congestion, and foreign investment in the United States were other topics. Randee Day, Managing Director of Seabury Transportation Holdings, peppered her gloomy charts of declining shipping stocks with the announcement that their group had $300 million to invest in the market—for the right project. Carla Limcaoco, Vice-Chairman Executive Managing Director of Philippines Transmarine Carriers, Inc. highlighted the effects of harnessing the power of women in the workforce as advocates for others, such as seafarers. “I personally do believe that to progress through the 21st century, requires that we are able to accord our people, our seafarers – respect and dignity, providing them an equitable means of progressing through life and creating an awareness in them on how to live in harmony with the environment, mindful of safeguarding global ecological balance.”

Over 150 companies from around the world were represented at this conference. WISTA President Marita Scott stated “This year’s WISTA event had an outstanding program of high relevance to the maritime industry, with speakers of high quality, impressive activities - and good networking opportunities which for many will create business opportunities.”

In addition to the conference proceedings, the delegates toured the Mississippi River aboard the Creole Queen, danced at the House of Blues, and explored Mardi Gras World, home to the parade floats, during the closing Gala.

Of particular note, there were 27 delegates representing Nigeria. “We are pleased to recognize some of our newer NWA’s- the Dominican Republic and Spain,” stated WISTA President Scott. “Our organization is growing rapidly, numbering over 1000 members to date. I predict that this number will double in 5 years.”

Established in 1974, WISTA is an international organization that represents and supports women in management positions in the maritime industry. WISTA aims to be a major player in attracting more women to the industry and in supporting women in management positions. With networking, education and mentoring in focus WISTA can enhance members' competence and empower career success. For more information, go to www.wista.net.