Interview of Mrs.Paillette PALAIOLOGOU (BUREAU VERITAS - Senior Vice President East Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, India & Africa - EMA) on the MARITIME ECONOMIES Newspaper and the special edition "Women of Influence".
This special edition features interviews with leading women in the business world, as well as articles on the challenges and opportunities facing women in leadership roles.
1 Tells us about your personal professional journey so far.
I’ve built a career in the maritime and classification industry over the past three decades, gradually advancing through key leadership roles. My journey began at Oceanbulk Maritime S.A., where I gained invaluable experience in technical management, ship repairs, and classification matters. In 2005, I joined Bureau Veritas (BV) as a Marine Center Surveyor, and over time, I took on more senior leadership roles, overseeing business development and regional operations.
Today, as Senior Vice President of EMA at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, I lead strategic initiatives across Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, India, and Africa, shaping and expanding my influence in the global maritime sector.
Based in Athens, I’ve spent thirty years in the shipping industry, combining my technical expertise as a naval architect and marine engineer, with a deep understanding of the market. My experience has allowed me to lead efforts in securing pioneering projects and major new clients, continuing to drive innovation and growth in the industry.
2. Nowadays, more and more women are in business leadership positions. Is their leadership successful, so we can have more women in these positions?
I never had a family background in shipping, which is rare in an industry as steeped in tradition as Greece's maritime sector. In fact, I came to shipping almost by chance. From an early age, my dream was to become an engineer. When I went to university, naval architecture was simply at the top of the curriculum, so I thought, "Why not?" I joined Petros Pappas-controlled Oceanbulk, where it was rare to see a woman checking hulls or inspecting dry docks at the time. I quickly realized that practical experience would be key, so I travelled extensively, visiting vessels and shipyards. One of my most memorable trips was to China, in 1997. When I returned in 2002, I was told I was the only woman to have visited the yard in the previous five years, a telling example of the astounding lack of gender parity in the industry.
Over the years, I’ve learned that, unlike most men, as a woman in the maritime industry, relying solely on your knowledge isn’t enough to truly succeed – though that is certainly essential. Given the additional barriers to success, you must work harder, stay dedicated, and exude confidence in your abilities to stand out among your male peers. Equally important is the allyship and support from men who champion women in the industry, particularly those in leadership roles. Real change can only happen when key decision-makers are on board.
I feel fortunate to work with BV, a French multinational company that values equal opportunities. Of course, I had to prove myself, but that is something I was more than willing to do. In 2017 I became the first female vice president at BV, an accomplishment I'm proud of, but I’ll admit it wasn’t easy initially. In the beginning, we weren’t even receiving equal pay for equal work, something I had to fight against.
It’s been a long journey, but I truly believe that persistence is the key for women in leadership roles in the maritime industry. You must stand firm and show that you are just as capable as anyone else. I hope my experiences can serve as a reminder that gender should never be a barrier to success in this industry.
The shipping industry has made significant strides in placing more women in top positions, with women now leading some of the largest shipping companies and fleets. As more women step into these leadership roles, we are gradually transforming the maritime landscape. This progress proves that with the right knowledge, dedication, and confidence, women can excel in this field, just like anyone else.
3. What might be the impact on global shipping for the geopolitical events that are happening at this time?
As a leading classification society, it is BV’s role to support the maritime industry as it attempts to navigate the significant challenges it faces as a result of the current geopolitical landscape. Firstly, we closely monitor global developments, assessing their impact on vessel operations, safety, and compliance. Utilizing our extensive expertise, we work alongside our customers to create updated guidelines, protocols, to ensure owners and operators are equipped to adapt quickly to shifting trade patterns and an evolving regulatory environment.
Additionally, we leverage our global network to offer support and services wherever needed, ensuring vessels receive timely assistance to address emerging challenges. Furthermore, BV acts as a trusted partners to the industry, providing advisory services, risk assessments, and training programs, all of which support ship owners and operators to navigate geopolitical uncertainties, while maintaining operational efficiency.
By staying informed regarding the latest geopolitical developments, and fostering collaboration within the maritime sector, we empower ship owners and operators to make informed decisions and manage risks effectively. Through ongoing monitoring, proactive engagement, and strategic partnerships, we aim to reduce the impact of geopolitical disruptions on seaborne trade while safeguarding the safety, compliance, and resilience of the maritime industry.