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A message from John Rowley, CEO, Wallem Group, on IMO’s International Day for Women in Maritime 2025
The choice of ‘An Ocean of Opportunities for Women’ for the IMO’s 2025 International Day for Women in Maritime is proving to be highly topical.
As we celebrate the contributions women make to the maritime sector, it is important to acknowledge that in some parts of the world, progress continues to face challenges. Nevertheless, the strides made in recent years are a testament to the resilience and commitment of those striving for inclusion and change.
That progress will be captured in the report of the second IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024, which will offer a vital update on what it is like for the women who work in shipping at the end of the first quarter of the 21st Century.
There are expectations that women will be better represented in parts of the maritime workforce, against the overall baseline captured in the first such survey, in 2021. There is less confidence that female seafarers will contribute any greater component to the seagoing workforce than the 2% recorded in 2021.
Nevertheless, IMO’s International Day for Women in Maritime is our opportunity to celebrate successes, as well as highlight enduring challenges. We note, for example, that the 2025 IMO Gender Equality Award acknowledges an individual “courageously standing up for what she believed was right in the face of adversity”.
As an industry we can draw inspiration from such courage to redouble our efforts to bring more women into our companies, not least because it will benefit our changing businesses as well as wider society. Industries thrive when they embrace change, rather than resist it, while attitudes that limit opportunities for part of the talent pool available to a business are surely mistaken. Taking account of different views is also a proven route to making better decisions.
I have said it before that gender imbalances remain throughout shipping, and Wallem is by no means perfect, but our vision remains that the future is human.
And with continuing concerns about attracting sufficient people to maritime careers, particularly working at sea, it makes more sense than ever to be able to call on women as well as men from the traditional crewing communities that the industry draws from.
This year, therefore, I am especially pleased to reassert Wallem’s support for the IMO in promoting the recruitment, retention, and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector.
Wallem Group joins in celebrating the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime
Meet some of the amazing women shaping the future of the maritime industry. Click the images below to be inspired by their stories.
Rosell Camaya
Head of Finance Shared Services, Wallem Group
Nationality: Filipino
I’m a Certified Public Accountant but my professional aspirations took me into the commercial sector. I joined Wallem as Junior Finance Analyst in 2008 and I’ve taken immense satisfaction from helping the company achieve its objectives. I’m proud of the expansion of Finance Shared Services to support business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.
I set myself the goal of becoming a mentor to junior colleagues, and to fostering a skilled and diverse team to sustain success. I know my Wallem career benefited from the guidance offered by Nathalie Quiquempoix, who taught me valuable lessons on efficiency, encouraged my natural curiosity and helped me gain confidence.
I believe that successful team leadership necessitates open and honest communication, coupled with a thorough understanding of each team member's unique skills.
My role as Head of Finance Shared Service is a testament to Wallem’s commitment to equal opportunities, regardless of gender. I’d strongly encourage young women professionals to explore maritime: there are ample avenues for growth, if you stay curious and never stop learning, stay confident and dedicate yourself to continuous skill development.
Rosell Camaya
Head of Finance Shared Services, Wallem Group
Sandy Chan
Systems Development Manager, Wallem Group
Nationality: Chinese
My grandfather was a seafarer. The experiences and stories he shared inspired us as children.
I started in IT as a System Tester in Australia, returning to Hong Kong to become a System Developer in ship management and agency. By 2011, I’d earned my Project Management Professional certification and then led system development as Wallem Business Analyst.
I was also fortunate enough to set up systems onboard ship, gaining insight into the challenges of seagoing IT, connectivity and crew working. I still find evolving technology fascinating, and I’m excited to see data analytics fostering more maritime collaboration. Stronger IT will be key to driving our company’s success.
Employers must be mindful of the needs of women. I was grateful that Wallem had established a separate wellbeing room during my new-mom journey.
But as a woman in IT and Maritime, I’ve earned trust and respect from my male colleagues through professionalism. Women excel at multitasking and bring diverse perspectives that contribute to success, and they also bring positive energy.
I’ve served as chairlady of our Hong Kong social committee for over 10 years, for example; we’ve organised hikes, mahjong competitions, dragon boat teams and annual dinners, among other things. In doing so, we’ve built networks that otherwise wouldn’t have existed.
Sandy Chan
Systems Development Manager, Wallem Group
Grace Kakimoto
Japan Operation Manager, Wallem Group
Nationality: Japanese
My family has been closely involved in ship’s agency and trading. While we don’t have a history of seafaring, we think of shipping as the family business.
I started out as an operations clerk in 1981, but one of the distinct things about this business is that I’m still learning – in terms of technology, regulations and how to improve my skills for the customer and for my own professional satisfaction.
In 1981, I was the only female operations team member in Japan and I sometimes sensed being looked down on. Times have changed and now there are many women working in the shipping business.
From the career point of view, I’m most proud of having established many friendships and of working with customers all over the world. For women aspiring to a career in maritime today, I’d say: choose your own path and go your own way!
Grace Kakimoto
Japan Operation Manager, Wallem Group
Queena Sze
Procurement Manager, Wallem Group
Nationality: Hong Kong, China
I started in logistics after graduation, working for Hong Kong International Terminal, before joining Wallem in 2007 as a Junior Purchaser eager for new challenges.
Procurement is constantly engaging; we may provide services daily but the challenges are dynamic, and contributing to the effectiveness of operations is rewarding. It offers plenty of opportunities and the relationships we maintain are truly valuable to the business.
Wallem offers flexible working arrangements that empower women to balance professional and personal life. I’m aiming to become a strategic leader who drives innovation and efficient procurement.
Navigating a male-dominated field has been challenging and empowering. It’s pushed me to build resilience and confidence while honing my skills. Fortunately, my mum began instilling values of hard work and perseverance in me early, encouraging me to embrace challenges and view setbacks as growth opportunities.
I hope other women take inspiration from knowing that, given dedication and expertise, success is attainable in this industry regardless of gender. Embrace your unique perspective and voice, pursue opportunities that challenge you, seek out mentors and build a strong professional network: collaboration and support are essential.
Queena Sze
Procurement Manager, Wallem Group
Rosell Camaya
Head of Finance Shared Services, Wallem Group
Nationality: Filipino
I’m a Certified Public Accountant but my professional aspirations took me into the commercial sector. I joined Wallem as Junior Finance Analyst in 2008 and I’ve taken immense satisfaction from helping the company achieve its objectives. I’m proud of the expansion of Finance Shared Services to support business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.
I set myself the goal of becoming a mentor to junior colleagues, and to fostering a skilled and diverse team to sustain success. I know my Wallem career benefited from the guidance offered by Nathalie Quiquempoix, who taught me valuable lessons on efficiency, encouraged my natural curiosity and helped me gain confidence.
I believe that successful team leadership necessitates open and honest communication, coupled with a thorough understanding of each team member's unique skills.
My role as Head of Finance Shared Service is a testament to Wallem’s commitment to equal opportunities, regardless of gender. I’d strongly encourage young women professionals to explore maritime: there are ample avenues for growth, if you stay curious and never stop learning, stay confident and dedicate yourself to continuous skill development.
Rosell Camaya
Head of Finance Shared Services, Wallem Group
Sandy Chan
Systems Development Manager, Wallem Group
Nationality: Chinese
My grandfather was a seafarer. The experiences and stories he shared inspired us as children.
I started in IT as a System Tester in Australia, returning to Hong Kong to become a System Developer in ship management and agency. By 2011, I’d earned my Project Management Professional certification and then led system development as Wallem Business Analyst.
I was also fortunate enough to set up systems onboard ship, gaining insight into the challenges of seagoing IT, connectivity and crew working. I still find evolving technology fascinating, and I’m excited to see data analytics fostering more maritime collaboration. Stronger IT will be key to driving our company’s success.
Employers must be mindful of the needs of women. I was grateful that Wallem had established a separate wellbeing room during my new-mom journey.
But as a woman in IT and Maritime, I’ve earned trust and respect from my male colleagues through professionalism. Women excel at multitasking and bring diverse perspectives that contribute to success, and they also bring positive energy.
I’ve served as chairlady of our Hong Kong social committee for over 10 years, for example; we’ve organised hikes, mahjong competitions, dragon boat teams and annual dinners, among other things. In doing so, we’ve built networks that otherwise wouldn’t have existed.
Sandy Chan
Systems Development Manager, Wallem Group
Grace Kakimoto
Japan Operation Manager, Wallem Group
Nationality: Japanese
My family has been closely involved in ship’s agency and trading. While we don’t have a history of seafaring, we think of shipping as the family business.
I started out as an operations clerk in 1981, but one of the distinct things about this business is that I’m still learning – in terms of technology, regulations and how to improve my skills for the customer and for my own professional satisfaction.
In 1981, I was the only female operations team member in Japan and I sometimes sensed being looked down on. Times have changed and now there are many women working in the shipping business.
From the career point of view, I’m most proud of having established many friendships and of working with customers all over the world. For women aspiring to a career in maritime today, I’d say: choose your own path and go your own way!
Grace Kakimoto
Japan Operation Manager, Wallem Group
Queena Sze
Procurement Manager, Wallem Group
Nationality: Hong Kong, China
I started in logistics after graduation, working for Hong Kong International Terminal, before joining Wallem in 2007 as a Junior Purchaser eager for new challenges.
Procurement is constantly engaging; we may provide services daily but the challenges are dynamic, and contributing to the effectiveness of operations is rewarding. It offers plenty of opportunities and the relationships we maintain are truly valuable to the business.
Wallem offers flexible working arrangements that empower women to balance professional and personal life. I’m aiming to become a strategic leader who drives innovation and efficient procurement.
Navigating a male-dominated field has been challenging and empowering. It’s pushed me to build resilience and confidence while honing my skills. Fortunately, my mum began instilling values of hard work and perseverance in me early, encouraging me to embrace challenges and view setbacks as growth opportunities.
I hope other women take inspiration from knowing that, given dedication and expertise, success is attainable in this industry regardless of gender. Embrace your unique perspective and voice, pursue opportunities that challenge you, seek out mentors and build a strong professional network: collaboration and support are essential.
Queena Sze
Procurement Manager, Wallem Group
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