Women are reshaping the logistics industry, bringing fresh perspectives and approaches that deliver real impact. In this interview, Elena Piga, Regional Sales Manager at Stolt Tank Containers, shares how empathy, visibility, and strong networks have shaped her career, and how young women can thrive in this fast-evolving sector.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what unique perspectives do you bring to your role?
I bring a diverse and commercially valuable perspective that challenges traditional approaches and leads to stronger business outcomes. This is particularly evident in client relations. As a woman in this industry, my perspective translates into key professional advantages: my sense of empathy and active listening enables me to quickly understand the deeper, underlying needs of our clients, rather than just the immediate technical requests. This foundation of trust helps us connect with a wider range of stakeholders, resulting in truly tailored and effective solutions. Ultimately, I leverage these skills to foster resilient client partnerships, which directly support higher client retention and long-term organisational success.
You are an active member of WISTA. How has your involvement influenced your career and personal growth?
My active membership in WISTA (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association) has significantly shaped both my career trajectory and my personal development by providing a platform for professional advancement, strategic networking, and mentorship. WISTA’s mission encourages women to speak up and take on leadership roles. This environment has greatly boosted my professional confidence, allowing me to become a more effective advocate for myself, my team, and diversity initiatives within the wider industry.
At Stolt-Nielsen, I have also witnessed considerable efforts to support women, ensuring they have access to the same opportunities as their male colleagues and celebrating their achievements across the organisation. From structured development programmes to recognition of contributions at all levels, the company actively promotes gender equality and empowers women to thrive in their careers. This combination of industry-wide initiatives through WISTA and the internal culture at Stolt has been instrumental in my growth, reinforcing the importance of visibility, mentorship, and equal opportunity in driving lasting change.
What are the biggest challenges women face in shipping today, and how can organisations like WISTA help address them?
The most significant challenges women face in shipping today are fundamentally rooted in cultural barriers, such as bias, safety concerns, and limited visibility, as well as the lack of clear pathways towards leadership roles. WISTA actively addresses these issues on multiple fronts. We provide the research and data needed to drive policy change; we create a global network of female executives that reduces professional isolation and fosters a sense of belonging; and importantly, we promote women into positions of visibility and influence. By enabling the exchange of best practice and creating strategic connections, WISTA plays a vital role in building the capacity required for sustainable diversity across the industry.
Who are the women in shipping or business that inspire you most, and why?
Cecilia Eckelmann Battistello was the first woman I met when I entered the professional world around 25 years ago. Beginning my career with the ContshipItalia Group in Milan, she immediately became the most inspiring figure to me as a twenty-year-old. She embodied a remarkable combination of visionary business acumen and the courage to challenge convention in a male-dominated environment. A true pioneer, her legacy—the famous pink ship—remains a symbol of innovation, female leadership, and cultural change in global shipping.
Cecilia began her journey at Contship as a commercial representative and rose to become Managing Director of Contship Containerlines in 1988, later assuming the role of President of ContshipItalia. This ascent—from an entry-level position to a top executive role in a global company at a time when female leadership was virtually unheard of—is the ultimate testament to dedication, competence, and resilience. Known as a formidable and effective businesswoman, she never sacrificed her personal style or Italian flair, often wearing high heels even when visiting ports. She successfully dispelled the outdated notion that a woman had to behave like a man in order to lead.
From your experience in Italy and the broader region, what trends in tank container logistics do you see shaping the future?
That’s a very insightful question. From my experience in Italy and across the broader European market, the future of tank container logistics is being fundamentally reshaped by two interconnected forces: the European Green Deal and digitalisation. The most significant driver of growth will be the Green Transition, particularly regarding improvements in containment safety and the use of sustainable materials.
What’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learnt from working in logistics that most people outside the industry wouldn’t expect?
Many people outside the industry assume logistics is purely a mathematical exercise: optimising routes, minimising costs, and relying on robust technology. They imagine a solid, shock-proof machine. In reality, the global supply chain operates with virtually zero slack. The Suez Canal blockage demonstrated just how tightly optimised the system is; a single point of failure can escalate costs and disruption across continents. We don’t really have a ‘supply chain’; we have a just-in-time global coordination tightrope. The system is so interdependent that a geopolitical shift, severe weather, or even a minor equipment failure at a port can delay the arrival of something as simple as a household appliance by months.
What advice would you give young women considering a career in logistics or the maritime industries today?
The most important advice I can give young women entering the maritime or logistics industries is to be strategically competent and deeply connected, while always seeking visibility. This sector is evolving faster than ever, driven by data, digital transformation and the transition towards green energy. It is important to recognise that formal mentorship structures are often limited, which means you must proactively create your own opportunities for advancement. Don’t simply do the work; own the results -volunteer for complex projects and ensure your achievements are highlighted to senior leadership. And remember, you do not have to navigate this world alone. Building a strong network of sponsors, not just mentors, is essential. In summary: anchor your career in professional competence, pursue visibility, and intentionally cultivate a powerful support network. The industry needs your perspective, and if you are strategic, you will thrive.
What excites you most about the future of Stolt Tank Containers and the logistics industry as a whole?
What excites me most is recognising that digitalisation and sustainability are not competing priorities but mutually reinforcing drivers of innovation. The data provided by advanced digital tools enables us to measure and optimise our processes with accuracy, demonstrating the tangible sustainability benefits of the tank container. This dual focus is further strengthened by the integration of our three divisions, creating a comprehensive, end-to-end liquid logistics platform - an advantage that no single-service provider in the market can match.
