To mark International Women’s Day, the Port of Blyth is recognising the many women who contribute to the organisation’s continued success across a wide range of roles and departments.
From Marine and Operations to Technical, Commercial, Finance, HR, Compliance, Health & Safety and Training, women play an important role in helping to drive performance, provide a high-quality service to customers and maintain high operational standards across the Port.
As part of our celebrations, we’re shining a spotlight on Oana Sutu, Health & Safety Advisor at the Port, whose work is central to maintaining a safe and compliant working environment across the Port estate. We asked Oana about her role, her career journey and what International Women’s Day means to her, here’s what she had to say:
- Can you tell us a bit about your role at the Port of Blyth and what a typical day looks like for you?
I joined the Port of Blyth about six months ago as a Health & Safety Advisor. Although I’m still new, I’ve already experienced how dynamic and complex port operations can be.
There really isn’t a ‘typical day’, and that’s what I love about it. One day I might be reviewing documentation and running safety campaigns; the next, I’m out on site walking the port, observing lifting operations, inspecting forklifts or cranes, or even stepping onto a vessel. Some days it’s sunshine by the sea; other days its rain and strong winds, but that’s the reality of the environment we work in.
For me, the role is about being present. I spend time speaking with teams, understanding the challenges they face and making sure safety isn’t just paperwork; it’s something practical and lived every day.
- What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most is the constant learning. Coming from a different industry, every single day here teaches me something new about machinery, cargo operations, maritime processes, or even just how different teams coordinate across the port.
But more than that, it’s the people. From the moment I arrived, colleagues were generous with their time and knowledge. I didn’t feel like the ‘new person’ for long, I felt supported and that meant a lot to me.
Now, as I grow in confidence in my role, I want to give that same support back by helping others, encouraging conversations around safety, and making a positive impact on culture.
- How did you get into working in the port industry?
I came to the UK in 2012 from Romania for what was meant to be just a summer job. I didn’t plan to build my life here, but opportunities arose and I chose to take them.
I started in hospitality, working in coffee shops before managing restaurants in London. During COVID, I helped open new restaurants under incredibly challenging circumstances, and that period pushed me to reflect on what I wanted long-term.
I decided to formally invest in myself and complete my NEBOSH studies. I moved from London to Newcastle and transitioned into the FMCG industry as Health & Safety Advisor, then into hazardous waste management as a Facilities and Compliance Manager, and later into wood manufacturing.
Each move was a step outside my comfort zone while studying for my NEBOSH Diploma. When the opportunity came up at the Port of Blyth, it felt like the next big challenge. The scale, the projects and the maritime environment were completely different from anything I had done before, and that excited me. I wanted something bigger, something that would stretch my capabilities further.
Looking back at the journey from my summer job in 2012 to working in the UK port environment now, it shows me how much is possible when you keep striving for growth.
- How do you think the industry has changed (or is changing) for women?
Although I’m new to the industry, I’ve already seen positive signs of change. I’ve had really encouraging interactions with women across the sector, including professionals from Port Skills and Safety, Port Training Services and colleagues here at the Port of Blyth.
Representation matters – seeing women in operational, technical and senior leadership roles makes a difference, especially in industries that have traditionally been male-dominated.
However, there’s still progress to be made, but I genuinely believe the industry is becoming more open, more inclusive and more aware of the value diversity brings. The more women who step into these spaces, the more normalised it becomes.
- What advice would you give to other women considering a career in the port/maritime industry?
I would say: don’t underestimate yourself.
You don’t need to have grown up around ships or heavy machinery to work in this industry. Skills are transferable; leadership, resilience, communication and problem solving matter in every industry.
Yes, it can feel intimidating stepping into a traditionally male environment, I’ve felt that myself a few times, but growth happens outside your comfort zone. The industry is far more varied than people think, and there’s space for different perspectives and strengths.
If you’re curious, explore it. If you’re unsure, ask questions. And, if an opportunity scares you a little bit, that might be the one worth taking.
- Finally, what does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day has a very personal meaning for me. In Romania, where I’m from, we celebrate Mother’s Day on the same day. It’s a celebration of women, strength, sacrifice, resilience and care.
When I think about my own journey coming to the UK 14 years ago for a summer job, building a career step by step, changing industries, going back to studying, moving cities, and now working in the maritime industry, I think about the women who shaped me: my mother, my mentors, and the women who supported me along the way.
For me, this day is a reminder that progress is possible, that you can reinvent yourself, move countries, change industries, and continue growing.
If there’s one thing you take away from my story, it’s that you don’t have to follow a straight path to succeed, you just have to keep moving forward.
The women working across the Port of Blyth are a powerful reminder of the talent, resilience and leadership shaping the future of our industry.
