Celebrating International Day for Women in Maritime 2025

Charting a course based on strengths and interests, not demographics: spotlighting Project Marine Engineer Rachel Allen’s journey this International Day for Women in Maritime

On a frosty, crisp morning, a golden sunrise is breaking over the Antarctic horizon, and the ice rind around the bright paintwork of the RSV Nuyina glitters in the early light. Rugged up for the cold start, smile brighter than the sun, is Rachel Allen, pausing for a photo from the gangway as she boards the ship for a day of work. 

A chilly morning is very familiar to Rachel, who works full-time in project engineering for the RSV Nuyina. Starting with Serco as a graduate three years ago, Rachel quickly affirmed her passion for a role bridging two fields where female representation has historically been limited – engineering and maritime.  

Having worked to help prepare the Nuyina for its recently completed dedicated science research voyage with the Australian Antarctic Program to the Denman Glacier, Rachel reflected this year on what her role and #WomeninMaritimeDay mean to her.  

“Every job I do for the Nuyina is focused on improving the capability for science and resupply operations in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, so I feel a real connection to my work and the impact it has on the world,” Rachel said. 

“It’s great to see more women taking paths like mine and it’s my hope that every individual feels empowered to follow the path they find most fulfilling. Today is a chance to recognise, support and celebrate the growing number of women deciding to become professionals in a field historically and presently male-dominated.” 

The International Day for Women in Maritime’s 2025 theme is: An Ocean of Opportunities for Women. For Rachel, the career she has launched at Serco – and the diversity of her work and training – is a powerful example of the opportunities that await those who choose to pursue their skillsets and passions. 

“I think of my own pathway as a reflection of my interests and strengths, and I value Serco’s support in obtaining relevant training to my role,” Rachel said. 

“Forging your own path often means not letting the majority demographic of people on similar journeys to you deter you from what you find interesting and fulfilling, even though this can be challenging. 

“I was drawn to my role because I care deeply about the planet’s health and so much of that rests on the research being undertaken in the Southern Ocean at the moment. I see innovation as a tool I can use to support the world of work I’m passionate about, and I really enjoy finding creative ways to solve novel problems.” 

Looking to the year ahead, Rachel plans to complete several significant projects on the Nuyina, from upgrading systems and reconfiguring spaces to designing creative solutions that ensure the vessel’s capabilities continuously improve, offering the cutting edge of research and resupply support, all while maintaining safe, efficient operations. 

As she prepares for another busy 12 months doing work she loves and diving into new opportunities, Rachel continues to be inspired by the women she works with and alongside. 

“There’s a significant number of amazing women in our office and incredible ladies in the crew onboard. I look up to all of them,” Rachel said. 

“In short, there’s no shortage of people to be inspired by.” 

As Rachel says, today is a day to highlight and acknowledge the women all around the world who are charting their own courses in the maritime sector. We hope Rachel’s story inspires you, as it does all of us at Serco.