This issue commemorates the International Day for Women in Maritime, which is observed on May 18th, by highlighting the accomplishments and inspirational journeys of some exceptional women professionals, many of whom are women who have been appointed for the first time in roles previously held only by men in the shipping industry. Among these women are Nildeniz Sutcu Sen, Turkey's first marine pilot, and Kalpana Desai (Labour Trustee) Board Member, Mumbai Port Authority / Secretary, All India Port & Dock Workers' Federation.
Ilya Espino de Marotta, also the first woman Vice President of the engineering department for the Panama Canal, is depicted on our cover page. She was the Chief Engineer for the Panama Canal Expansion Project.
