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Women in Maritime Tomorrow: V Group's Lalithaa Rai Mahendran is ready to break down barriers
V Group global graduate Lalithaa Rai explains how she wants her career to have real meaning. As a member of Generation Z, she shines a light on career aspirations
How did you get your start or what inspired you to pursue a career in the marine industry?
I initially began my academic journey studying clinical psychology. I spent about a year in the field before realising it wasn’t quite the right fit for me. While psychology is fascinating, I found myself drawn more towards exploring diverse opportunities, engaging with people from different cultures, and working in dynamic, international environments.
Coming from a family rooted in the oil and gas and maritime sectors – my father in oil and gas, and several other relatives in the maritime industry – it felt natural to explore these industries. I was intrigued by the global nature of maritime work and the chance to challenge myself in a new way. That curiosity led me to study at Solent University in Southampton, where I graduated and now proudly take part in one of the most respected graduate programmes within V Group.
One factor that stood out to me, however, was the representation of women in the industry. Currently, women make up only about 1.2% of the global seafarer workforce, with the total female representation across both seafaring and shore-based roles reaching around 29%. This statistic initially struck me as surprising. It made me realise how much room there is for growth and how, by joining this field, I could be part of a movement to change that representation.
That statistic didn’t discourage me – it motivated me. I wanted to be part of that 1.2% of women who are actively shaping the future of the maritime industry. I wanted to break barriers and prove that women can excel in a traditionally male-dominated field. More importantly, I wanted to inspire others, especially young women, to consider careers in this diverse and exciting industry. There are so many roles within maritime – whether at sea or ashore – and the opportunities for growth, leadership and innovation are vast.
What are your responsibilities in your current role?
Currently, I’m part of the performance project management office, where we oversee and support a wide range of strategic projects across the organisation. It’s a dynamic space that allows me to work closely with different business units, each with its own unique goals, challenges and ways of working.
So far, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in four diverse projects, each coming from different departments within the business. My role shifts depending on the needs of each project – sometimes I’m deep in planning and co-ordination, other times I’m managing communications between stakeholders, tracking performance metrics, or ensuring alignment with project goals. This variety has been incredibly enriching because it pushes me to adapt quickly, think critically, and see things from multiple perspectives.
Working with so many different people – project sponsors, stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and senior leadership – has truly sharpened my communication and interpersonal skills. And believe it or not, that one year I spent studying psychology has come in handy. Understanding people, their motivations, and how to navigate different personalities and perspectives has made a real difference in how I manage relationships and contribute to the success of each project.
Every day is a learning experience, and what I love most is how no two projects – or teams – are ever the same. It keeps things exciting and constantly pushes me to grow, both professionally and personally.
Was there anyone who inspired or encouraged you in your career?
What inspired me was the uniqueness of this industry. Where I come from, it’s quite uncommon to meet someone who has chosen a path in maritime. Most people are more familiar with careers like medicine, engineering, or finance – but the maritime sector often goes unnoticed, even though it’s such a vital part of the global economy.
Growing up in Asia, when children are asked what they want to be, you often hear answers like doctor, pharmacist, lawyer or engineer. All of these are incredible and respectable careers, but rarely do you hear a child say, “I want to be a captain” or “I want to work in the maritime industry.” I want to change that narrative. I want to stand out, not just for myself, but to inspire the next generation to see the maritime world as a place of opportunity, challenge, and growth – regardless of where they come from.
That’s exactly what drew me in – the idea of doing something different, something not often spoken about. I was curious to explore a field that’s not typically encouraged, especially for women. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became with the opportunities, the diversity of roles and the global nature of the work.
While I didn’t have a mentor at the beginning, I was fortunate to have the encouragement of my family, many of whom work in oil, gas and maritime. Their support helped me feel confident in stepping into unfamiliar territory. Since joining the industry, I’ve also met people – especially women – who are breaking barriers and paving the way, and that has been a huge source of motivation. Seeing others thrive makes me want to push forward and do the same, not just for myself, but for those coming after me.
What have been some of your biggest hurdles along the way?
There were definitely outside voices – doubts, assumptions and traditional mindsets – that said I wouldn’t make it in this industry. Some people told me the maritime world is too rigid, too old-fashioned, and that it’s difficult to climb the ladder, especially as a woman. I heard things like, “It’s male-dominated industry,” or “You don’t come from a technical background, so your opportunities will be limited.”
At one point, I was planning to go to sea. But as I looked ahead at the bigger picture – where I saw myself in the future, the kind of impact I wanted to make – I realised I could create just as much value, if not more, from the shore. And that’s something many people don’t always realise: the maritime industry isn’t just about sailing. There are so many exciting and meaningful opportunities onshore, in operations, project management, commercial roles, innovation, sustainability – you name it.
Choosing the onshore path was a conscious decision, and one I’m proud of. I wanted to be where strategy meets action, where I could help drive change, challenge the norms, and open doors not just for myself, but for others too.
Yes, I’ve faced doubts. Yes, I’ve heard the whispers of “you won’t make it” just because I’m a woman or because I didn’t come from a technical background. But none of that has stopped me. If anything, it’s fuelled my determination. I believe potential isn’t defined by your gender or your background your race, your ethnicity etc, it’s about your mindset, your drive, and your willingness to grow.
I’m here to prove you can thrive in this industry, even if you don’t follow the traditional path – and hopefully, I can help reshape what that path looks like for those coming next.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for your company and the maritime industry?
Honestly, one of the biggest challenges I see in the maritime industry is that we’re not always the best at showcasing who we are and what we do. There’s so much opportunity in this field – on land and at sea – but a lot of people, especially the younger generation, have no idea what a career in maritime actually looks like.
We need to get better at telling our story, following trends, and being more present where young people are – on social media, in schools, at events. We should be showing maritime isn’t just about ships and sea life; it’s tech, innovation, global impact, sustainability and leadership – it’s exciting, diverse and evolving.
Another challenge is bridging the gap between the old and the new. This industry has a lot of tradition, which is great, but we also need to stay open to new ideas, fresh perspectives and different ways of working. That means creating spaces where both experience and innovation can co-exist. It also means breaking down the perception that you need to have a specific background to succeed here.
If we want to attract the next generation and truly evolve, we must make the industry more visible, relatable to the current trend/generation and more accessible – and that starts with how we communicate, how we lead, and how we embrace change.
What would you say to any other young person who was thinking of a career in the maritime or offshore industries?
I’d say go for it. Be open-minded, stay curious and don’t be afraid to step into the unknown. The maritime and offshore industries are full of opportunities that most people don’t even know exist. It’s not just about ships or being at sea; there’s project management, technology, sustainability, logistics, operations, commercial roles – the list goes on.
Also, I’d tell them to not be afraid to share their ideas. Because as a young individual, they would bring fresh perspective, new ways of thinking and an energy the industry really needs. Just because something’s been done a certain way for a long time doesn’t mean it can’t evolve. Their voice matters. Their mindset matters.
I would welcome them in with the willingness to learn, grow and adapt. They should also be motivated, take initiative and look for ways to challenge themself. The learning curve can be steep sometimes, but that’s what makes it rewarding. And know they don’t have to come from a technical background to make a difference – what’s more important is their passion, their attitude and their drive to contribute.
There’s space for everyone here, and we need more people who are ready to help shape the future of this industry.
How would you like your career to develop?
I would love to see myself in a leadership position, leading a team that practices great values – values such as integrity, collaboration, transparency, inclusivity and accountability. I believe a strong set of shared values creates a positive work environment where people can thrive, contribute meaningfully and feel genuinely supported.
As I progress in my career, I hope to take on roles that allow me to inspire and empower others, while also continuing to grow and challenge myself. I’m passionate about creating spaces where open communication and diverse perspectives are encouraged – where team members feel confident sharing ideas, taking initiative, and learning from one another.
I also see myself becoming someone who drives innovation and helps bridge the gap between tradition and transformation – especially in an industry like maritime, which is rich in legacy but full of potential for modernisation. Whether it’s through mentoring future talent, championing inclusion or leading cross-functional, international teams, my goal is to be part of meaningful progress – both within my organisation and in the industry as a whole.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
10 years from now, I see myself in a senior leadership role – ideally leading large-scale, diverse teams and contributing to strategic decisions that shape the future of the maritime industry. I want to be at a point where I’m not only managing operations or driving performance, but also playing a key role in influencing culture, innovation and meaningful change within the industry.
One of my biggest goals is to be actively involved in promoting the industry to younger generations. I would love to be in a position where I can go out and speak at universities, events and platforms to motivate students and early-career professionals, especially those who may have never considered maritime as a path. Representation matters, and I want to be someone who helps bridge the gap between the industry and the next wave of talent.
Whether it’s through mentoring, public speaking or community engagement, I hope to be a visible, approachable leader who encourages others to think differently, step forward, and see the opportunities this sector truly offers.
Ultimately, I want my journey to be one that opens doors for others, not just one that climbs the ladder.
What is your ultimate aim for your career, and why?
My ultimate aim is to be someone who helps open doors – not just for myself, but for others who may not see a clear path into this industry. I want to be part of shaping a maritime sector that is more visible, relatable, and fit for purpose for anyone – regardless of background, gender or experience.
I believe we can move forward without losing the foundation that’s made this industry strong. For me, it’s not about breaking everything apart – it’s about evolving in the right direction. I want to help modernise the way we work, follow global trends, embrace new technologies and attract fresh talent – while still respecting the tradition, experience and knowledge that already exist within maritime.
Ultimately, I want to use my journey to help create an industry that feels open, progressive and exciting to the next generation. One that values people as much as performance. One that listens, adapts and grows – with intention.
If I can play a part in building that kind of future, then I’ll know my career has had real meaning.
CV in brief
Lalithaa Rai Mahendran is part of the V Group global graduate programme. With a Bachelor’s degree in shipping and port management and 1.5 years of experience at V Ships, she has developed a strong foundation in operational efficiency and innovation. Ms Mahendran is passionate about exploring the evolving dynamics of the shipping sector and contributing to projects that drive meaningful change. As a member of Generation Z, she represents a fresh, practical perspective on workplace aspirations, emphasising collaboration, adaptability and purpose-driven growth in a rapidly changing world.
Ms Mahendran will be taking part in Riviera’s International Chemical & Product Tanker Conference, which will be held in London, 23 April 2025. Click here for more information on this industry-leading event.
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