“I have a responsibility to the next generation of female seafarers,”
Growing up in Rio, Aline Monteiro always knew she wanted to work near the sea. She’s had a passion for it since her childhood. At first, she didn’t know what that job near the sea would look like, but in 2011 she started as a cadet at Maersk Supply Service and last month, was named our second female captain at MSS.
Aline has risen through the ranks at MSS starting as a cadet, then a second officer, then promoted to chief officer, and finally she was promoted to captain of Maersk Ventura. When being named captain felt a range of emotions.
“I was happy and glad,” she said. “I wanted to honour the people that helped me get here.”
While Aline is our second female captain, she is the back-to-back with Renata Engler, our first female captain.
“She is like a godmother to me,” said Aline. “She opened the door for the others, and I feel that with me being the second, I have a responsibility to the next generation of female seafarers.”
In her path to promotion, Aline learned early on that she shouldn’t change who she is in order to be promoted.
I was thinking about my career and how I wanted to be one of the boys,” she said. “But then I thought, ‘what example does that set to other female seafarers if I have to be one of the boys in order to be promoted.’”
She added: “I realized I needed to not be afraid to say, ‘I’m a woman, but I’m also good at my job, and women are able to be good seafarers.’”
Being the second female captain comes with a lot of responsibility, but Aline feels up for the challenge. She feels that her and the other females in higher positions set the standards for females in the industry and at MSS.
As for why she’s been with MSS for 12 years, it comes down to the values.
“When I see people talk about the values it makes me really proud,” she said. “We have a responsibility to live up to the Maersk name. Our customers have a certain expectation when working with us. I feel that Uprightness is my favourite.”
Name: Aline Montiero
Title: Captain
Nationality: Brazilian
Located: Offshore Brazil
“Supporting vessel dockings onsite has allowed me to experience procurement on a whole new level – it is definitely where the real action is!”
“It is interesting to work as a leader because I’m able to support the development of others and follow their progress”
“The most interesting aspect of my job is probably the mix of building relations with our clients and understanding their needs, all while gaining an understanding of our regional markets.”
“Every time our team concludes a project, I feel I am directly contributing to the development of our Company, the local economy and the world.”
“What I love most about Maersk Supply Service is the feeling of shared purpose held by all employees. It makes my work life very meaningful to be able to connect with my colleagues sharing one common goal – to make Maersk Supply Service a leader in solving the energy challenges of tomorrow.”