Women in Maritime Today: WISTA Hellas president Vivi Kolliopoulou discusses equality in shipping

The call for equal opportunities aligns with one of shipping’s most important goals: achieving diversity and inclusion through meritocracy.

Speaking to Riviera for the International Day for Women in Maritime 2025 special report, Ms Kolliopoulou emphasises that while the industry’s current focus is understandably on ESG – especially the environmental pillar – WISTA Hellas aims to remind everyone of the social dimension of sustainability.

“We strive to see many more professional women advancing, not only in office roles but also on board ships,” Ms Kolliopoulou says. Non-profit associations such as WISTA have certainly played a vital role in driving that progress.

Now completing her first year as president of WISTA Hellas, she has overseen significant growth, with the association currently representing over 500 shipping professionals in Greece, after 32 years of active involvement. Yet the purpose remains unchanged.

“We continue to work hard to fulfil our mission: to empower and support professional women by building a strong network and promoting diversity and inclusion in our industry, while always upholding meritocracy,” she explains. The association is now widely recognised as a key player in the industry’s decision-making process.

In her leadership role, she also supports WISTA Hellas members and ensures all initiatives align with the association’s memorandum and guiding principles.

Diving into shipping

Reflecting on her early career, Ms Kolliopoulou describes growing up in a hardworking family that encouraged her to pursue paths beyond conventional careers dictated by school curricula or societal expectations.

She credits a close family member – already working in shipping – with inspiring her to enter the maritime industry. It’s a choice she says she’s never regretted, “Shipping continuously challenges people to improve, develop their skills and thrive in an environment without boundaries.”

Ms Kolliopoulou notes she hasn’t faced any major obstacles that made her question her career path. “Of course, I’ve encountered the usual biases,” she admits, “but I’ve managed to persuade most people that I have the qualifications, knowledge, skills and capabilities necessary for my role.”

This can also be seen as a sign of better days for women in shipping, though things weren’t always this way. In fact, she notes, WISTA was founded in 1974 in the UK after women professionals were denied entry to the Baltic Exchange.

“Women shipping brokers could fix tankers to ship oil around the world, yet they weren’t allowed to attend a Christmas lunch at the prestigious Baltic Exchange,” she recalls.

Advice to the next generation

When asked what guidance she would offer to young people considering a maritime career, Ms Kolliopoulou highlights shipping offers a truly rewarding journey – for those willing to work hard, embrace multicultural collaborations and experiences, and continuously seek education and training.

“Shipping is a multi-dimensional and international industry – traits not shared by many others. The rewards it offers go beyond high remuneration, which is often the focus when attracting talent.”

The true value, she says, lies in the diverse and enriching experiences that shape both one’s career and personal growth.

Ms Kolliopoulou concludes our conversation with a personal insight that also serves as inspiration for future maritime professionals, “As a person, I find it difficult to idolise individuals, because we’re all human and prone to mistakes. I’m most inspired by those who recognise their weaknesses and actively work to overcome them.”