Anneli Huanca Ponce and Flor Triveño are breaking new ground at APM Terminals Callao in Peru. For the first time in the terminal’s history, an all-female team is operating advanced Continuous Ship Unloaders (CSUs) — equipment designed to make grain handling safer, faster and more efficient.
Their achievement marks a new chapter for gender inclusion in Peru’s maritime and logistics sector. It also coincides with a major upgrade at the North Terminal: Stage 3A, a US$95 million investment that positions Callao as South America’s fastest grain-unloading terminal.
Read more as Anneli and Flor share their experiences and challenges.
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What interested me most was seeing how so much cargo arrives and moves, especially the volume of containers and the diversity of products.
Being a multipurpose port, Callao plays an essential role in supplying industries across the country, and that immediately caught my attention.
I operate the CSU, managing the suction system that unloads products from vessels and feeds the conveyor belts that move material to the silos or directly to trucks.
We start with a pre-operation inspection of the CSU, ensuring all signals and systems are functioning. Then we coordinate with operations to begin unloading.
Throughout the shift, I monitor the equipment, maintain communication with supervisors and ensure the process runs smoothly.
At the end of the shift, we clean and prepare the system for the next operation.
I enjoy the responsibility and knowing that a good unloading process allows everything else in the system to work properly.
Each operation is different, which keeps the work dynamic.
Concentration, communication and teamwork are essential, along with responsibility and constant attention to safety.
At first, adapting to the pace and precision required — especially working at heights — was challenging. But with time, practice and support from colleagues, I became more confident and comfortable.
Safety is the most important aspect. We start by checking equipment, using protective gear and following procedures.
In the terminal, we all look out for one another.
I’m proud to be the starting point of the process that feeds the entire system.
My training was memorable — every step was new — and it helped me appreciate everything behind a single operation.
It has helped me understand how cargo moves, strengthened my teamwork and communication skills, and taught me to work under pressure while keeping safety first.
It can be challenging at first, but with dedication and willingness to learn, women can do this job just as well. I’m proud to represent women in this field.
Don’t be afraid — trust yourself.
Prepare, learn and show that with effort and responsibility everything is possible.
I want to continue learning, take on new challenges and gain more responsibility within operations.
My goal is to contribute even more to the port’s performance.
Anneli Huanca Ponce
Being part of APM Terminals Callao represents both professional and personal growth. It allows me to expand my knowledge, take on greater responsibilities and contribute to a sector that is key to the country’s development.
My job is to ensure that unloading operations run efficiently and continuously — while keeping equipment functioning safely at all times.
Safety is always first. We start with a safety briefing, review equipment conditions and coordinate with the shift team.
Throughout the day, we supervise and operate with constant communication to ensure safe and efficient work.
Being part of such a critical process is both unique and challenging.
Operating the CSU means working with large-scale equipment that demands precision, focus and responsibility to maintain safety and efficiency.
Coordination and communication are essential in operations — along with technical knowledge and taking the responsibility that each process requires.
As the CSUs are new to the terminal, the start-up required continuous learning to fully understand their functions.
Training, teamwork and the willingness to learn were key to successfully beginning operations.
Safety is the top priority.
Knowing and applying procedures protects our equipment and — above all — the people who make these operations possible.
I’m proud to be part of a company with national and international impact.
From day one, seeing port operations up close and knowing I can contribute to new projects have been extremely rewarding.
It has strengthened my technical and engineering skills and taught me the importance of coordination, maintenance and efficient, safe processes.
For me, it’s an opportunity. It allows me to contribute from my experience and show that commitment and capability aren’t defined by gender.
Trust your abilities. Every experience, good or difficult, helps you grow. Preparation, discipline and humility make all the difference.
I want to continue developing in operations and projects, strengthening my technical skills and taking on new challenges as APM Terminals Callao continues to grow.
