Entering the World of Bunker Trading
Have you ever cried every day after leaving work? I went through that exact phase when I started as a trainee in Santiago, the capital of Chile, and discovered the demanding but fascinating world of bunker trading. That role didn’t just shape my career—it defined a part of my life. In particular, I was inspired by the experiences of women who are succeeding in bunker trading. These women have made significant contributions in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Despite living my dream of independence in Latin America—emigrating, discovering new countries, traveling for work, attending maritime conferences, and meeting professionals from around the globe—I felt the heavy pressure of working in a male-dominated environment. Colleagues, mentors, and bosses, naturally shaped by testosterone-driven leadership, influenced the dynamics of the workplace.
Growing Into a Bunker Trader
Over time, my mentor returned to Denmark, leaving me and a colleague—whom I still consider one of the best traders I’ve ever met—to carry forward the business. By then, I had already become a bunker trader myself. Soon after, the Danish head office encouraged my boss to expand the team. I actively participated in this process and noticed the increasing interest in women joining bunker trading.
This opportunity eventually took me to Cartagena de Indias, where I was entrusted with opening a new office. I also took on the role of junior manager in training. The experience was thrilling yet challenging. Especially when the company later faced a fraud case in Asia. That development forced me back to Chile.
Challenges, Resilience, and Leadership
From there, my career took many turns, each adding new layers of experience and resilience. Today, I work as a bunker broker for Panama and Latin America, and I look back on those early struggles with gratitude.
Now, with nearly four decades of life and over a decade of experience in the maritime fuel industry, I can clearly see how women have reshaped the maritime and bunker trading sector. Our presence has brought a more human, approachable, and holistic leadership style. This style complements masculine strength and precision. Women add emotional intelligence, adaptability, and relational skills.
Women in Maritime: A New Perspective
At this stage of my career, I no longer feel the need to compete with men by trying to imitate them. Instead, I focus on cultivating my own strengths: building trust, nurturing relationships, driving sales with warmth, and bringing professionalism infused with empathy. Women have found unique roles in bunker trading that allow them to thrive.
Women are not more or less than men in this field—we are different, and that difference is valuable. It adds virtue, balance, and new perspectives to the global bunker industry.
A Thank You to Women in Bunker Trading
The role of women in maritime is not new. It has taken years of perseverance from hundreds of women—and the support of visionary men—for the industry to evolve into a more inclusive and diverse space. This is especially true in the context of women thriving in bunker trading.
To all of them, I say: thank you.