The journey to success in the business world is certainly no tea party, especially for women who face cultural bias, non-inclusion and several other obstacles in corporate environments.
Some people wrongly assume that women, especially good-looking and attractive women, lack the brainpower to lead successful companies. Such stereotypes and warped notions couldn’t be more wrong, and Princess (Dr.) Victoria Ayodele Haastrup, a highly respected and globally acclaimed maritime CEO, educationist and advocate for women and the downtrodden, is definitely in the forefront of changing the narrative for good.
An epitome of beauty with brains, Princess Vicky Haastrup – as her friends and numerous admirers fondly call her – is a household name in the maritime industry. She is the Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), and Co-founder of one of Nigeria’s largest port terminal operating company, ENL Consortium, where she serves as Executive Vice Chairman/CEO.
A hard working, passionate, compassionate and pragmatic leader, Princess Haastrup also serves as the President of the Certified Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (CISN) and as a Trustee of some professional maritime women groups including the Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT).
Having developed a rare knack for managing people and resources, Princess Haastrup has made remarkable impact in the seaport especially in terminal operation, among dockworkers, professional women in maritime groups, and in maritime education, among others.
With the courage and boldness of a lioness, Princess Haastrup has successfully confronted the daunting task of running one of the most strategic terminals at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa in a male-dominated milieu.
For her success and achievements, she has been bestowed with several awards including the Maritime Woman of the Year Award for many years running. Just last year, she was nominated for the 2021 Lagos State Man of the Year award – the first and only woman in the history of the state to be so nominated.
Her company, ENL Consortium has also been recognised both at home and abroad as one of the best seaport terminal operating companies in the world. A few years ago, ENL Consortium made Nigeria proud on the global stage when it won the Port & Container Terminal Development Award in the prestigious Seatrade Awards held in Dubai, UAE. It was the first time any Nigerian company would win the Seatrade award. Hosted by international broadcaster, Stephen Marney, with a guest personality appearance from Formula 1 world champion, Damon Hill, the Seatrade Awards are widely recognised as the maritime Oscars for Africa and the Middle East.
Widely reputed for her intellectualism, hard work, philanthropy and support for women and the downtrodden, Princess Vicky Haastrup certainly stands out among women.
The Editorial Team of Ships & Ports is therefore honoured to join her family, friends, colleagues and associates to honour her on the occasion of her birthday today August 16, 2022. It’s the least we could do to recognise her tremendous contribution to the growth and development of the maritime industry.
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