Liner giant Zim has made Israeli maritime history with the appointment of its first woman captain.
Shani Ben-David, 39, will take command of the 4,250-teu Zim Shekou (built 2007) in May 2022.
Zim president Eli Glickman said the appointment of the first woman captain was “historic, exciting and inspiring”.
“Ben-David broke the glass ceiling and proved once again that women can reach any summit. She will not only fulfil a personal dream but will set a living example for additional women,” said Glickman.
Zim said several women have served, or are still serving, in the Israeli merchant marine, but only a few have reached senior positions.
“ZIM supports gender equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and we are proving that we are implementing this vision in practice,” the company said.
“We will continue to support and promote women who choose the unique career of an officer in the merchant marine.”
Ben-David was a graduate from the University of Haifa and the Israeli Nautical College and had previously served in the Israeli Navy.
She joined Zim as a cadet in 2009 and rose through the ranks to become chief officer in 2019. She qualified as a ship’s master last year.
Ben-David said she chose a maritime career out of love for the sea and out of a desire to achieve a huge challenging goal in a professional field that is almost unknown to the general public.
“A career at sea is fascinating, challenging and rewarding. I look forward to going to sea for the first time as a captain,” she said.
