Safety in action at the heart of terminal operations

Meet Heba Fahim

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Supervisor, Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT), Egypt
With APM Terminals for 6 years

What sparked your interest in maritime?

I’ve always been passionate about logistics and dynamic work environments. The fast pace of terminal operations and the opportunity to break barriers in a male-dominated field pushed me to step forward.

What’s your typical day like?

My role is very hands-on. I issue safety permits for contractor activities, perform vessel inspections, lead safety walk-throughs and conduct awareness sessions with frontline workers. It’s about staying visible, engaged and proactive on-site.

A challenge you’ve overcome?

I was the first woman to join terminal operations at SCCT. It was a big shift – for me and for the people around me. But over time, I built trust, proved my capability and helped reshape what’s possible for women in our industry.

What advice would you share?

Be resilient. Learn the work inside and out. Don’t let anyone define your potential based on gender. Once people see your passion and dedication, respect follows.

What surprises people about your role?

People are often shocked to see a woman working so actively on-site in safety roles. But that surprise often turns into respect. And that shift in perception is powerful.