Spotlight on inclusive maritime leadership
For the International Day for Women in Maritime on 18 May, Interferry honours board member Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram, chair of Thailand’s Chao Phraya Express Boat Co. As a third-generation leader in her family’s maritime company, Supapan has championed diversity, innovation and sustainable growth across the business. Today, over half of the company’s workforce is female - including 10% of captains.
"True progress comes when we empower women at all levels," she said. As Interferry’s incoming President and host of its 2026 conference in Bangkok, Supapan advocates for stronger representation of Asian and female voices in global ferry policy. Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan praised her "as an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when tradition meets innovation." (ah)