With May 18th marking the International Day for Women in Maritime, we speak to four members of the Lubmarine team – Ann Hsu, Michela Stocca, Christina Diamantaki and Elisar Sabra about their first-hand experiences of working in the maritime industry.
Meet the Team
Ann Hsu – Marine Key Account Manager
Having worked for Lubmarine for over 20 years, Ann Hsu is Lubmarine’s Marine Key Account Manager in Taiwan. Her role is a multifaceted one, working closely with her customers to optimize port operations, encourage the adoption of innovative technologies, and promote the use of Lubmarine’s latest products.
Michela Stocca - Export Manager
Leading a team responsible for a part of the worldwide supply chain activity Michela handles the organization of all export operations.
Christina Diamantaki - Regional Customer Operations and Services Manager
Christina has also worked within Lubmarine for over 20 years. Her day-to-day responsibilities include the smooth and efficient running of the Customer Operations and Services department.
Elisar Sabra – Digital Manager
As Lubmarine’s Digital Manager, Elisar is responsible for leading the digital transformation roadmap, acting as the primary point of contact for all digital-related initiatives within Lubmarine.
This year’s theme for International Day for Women in Maritime is - “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women" - highlighting the growing prospects and leadership roles women can take in the maritime sector. What has been your experience of working in the global maritime industry?
Elisar – “Working in the maritime sector as a woman has been both enriching and insightful. While the industry is traditionally male dominated, my experience at Lubmarine has been quite the opposite.
Women make up about 60% of our team, fostering a balanced and inclusive environment. This presence challenges stereotypes and promotes collaboration with diverse perspectives. Working at Lubmarine has allowed me to grow professionally in a forward-thinking industry."
Ann – “I’m proud to be part of the evolving maritime industry. As a woman, I bring a unique perspective that strengthens our work. In my experience, communication becomes more collaborative, and challenges are met with empathy and adaptability.
At Lubmarine, balancing technical expertise with emotional intelligence is crucial. It’s rewarding to impact through knowledge, strategy, and leadership, connecting and supporting colleagues, partners, and customers. In this dynamic industry, the human touch is as vital as any solution.”
Christina – “Working in the maritime sector as a woman has been a unique and enriching experience. The industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, which presents both challenges and opportunities. I feel fortunate to be part of a sector that values continuous development.
Every day is different, and the work is challenging and rewarding. The maritime sector and moreover being in Lubmarine has allowed me to expand my horizons and grow continuously both professionally and personally.”
Michela – “I think I’m lucky because Lubmarine is a really inclusive environment, resulting in women representing a large percentage
Has the industry changed since you have worked in it in terms of its approach to women and if so, how?
Ann – “Yes, there has been a notable shift. The maritime industry is evolving rapidly—not only in terms of technology and sustainability, but also in its inclusion of women. Today, there is a greater recognition of the value women bring to the table, and more opportunities for us to lead and shape the future of maritime. It’s an exciting time to be part of this transformation.”
Christina – “The maritime industry has indeed become more inclusive and diverse since I started. There has been a noticeable shift towards greater inclusivity and diversity.
Companies now recognize the value of a diverse workforce and are creating opportunities for women through career development initiatives, mentorship programs, and balanced leadership representation. This supportive environment helps women succeed if they have the will and proactive behavior. Patience and work hard are key.”
Michela – “Every year there are improvements and, as I have already mentioned, a larger number of women are now employed in positions of great responsibility and management with the business.”
Elisar – “As a newcomer to the maritime industry, I can't fully comment on its historical changes. However, there is a positive shift towards gender inclusion.
There’s now a greater emphasis on inclusive work environments and recognizing diversity as a strength. Efforts to provide equal opportunities for women to grow, lead, and contribute are increasing, reflecting a more balanced and progressive industry culture.”
Did you always want to work in the Maritime sector?
Michela – “I think for me it was a natural choice probably stemming from a family history. I was born in the beautiful Italian port city of Trieste, where my father was a naval captain.”
Ann – “The maritime sector has always held a special appeal for me, especially Taiwan’s marine market with its unique challenges like strict environmental regulations, evolving emissions standards, and diverse vessel compatibility in supply chain coordination.
What excites me most is making a difference in our customers' daily operations. Using my experience to solve these challenges and support more efficient, sustainable businesses gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment."
Elisar – “I have always been drawn to sectors that offer dynamic and impactful opportunities. The maritime industry, with its vast global reach and pivotal role in international trade and logistics, naturally piqued my interest. What particularly attracted me was the sector's complexity and the multifaceted challenges it presents—ranging from operational efficiency to regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability.
Christina – “To be honest, entering the maritime sector was purely by chance.
The typical 9-5 doesn’t exist in maritime and I consider myself lucky to have entered in this sector as every day is different, challenging, rewarding and unlike any other industry there is continuous development, and you expand your cultural horizons.”
