Maersk transforms Chennai CFS into an all-women-operated facility

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) announced the transformation of one of its warehouses at its Container Freight Station (CFS) in Ponneri, Chennai, into a women-operated facility, coinciding with the station’s 15^th-anniversary celebrations. This strategic move will see one complete shift operated entirely by women employees, marking a significant step forward in Maersk’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. It aligns firmly with India’s ambition to create equal employment opportunities for women, even in sectors that have been traditionally male-dominated.

The 125,000-square-foot warehouse facility will now employ women across all operational functions, including loading/unloading, picking, surveying, security, housekeeping, administration, and forklift operations. This initiative will increase women’s representation at the CFS from 3% to 13% of the total workforce, with women comprising 21% of the workforce in the transformed warehouse.

 “This transformation isn’t just about changing our operations; it’s about challenging the status quo and setting new standards in the logistics industry,” said Christopher Cook, Managing Director, Maersk South Asia. “Following the remarkable success of our first women-operated warehouse in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, we are confident that this initiative will not only enhance operational excellence but also create meaningful employment opportunities for women in Chennai’s logistics sector.”

 The initiative builds on Maersk’s experience from its Dadri facility, which was the first of its kind, entirely operated by women facility and demonstrated improved productivity and operational efficiency. Maersk has implemented comprehensive training programs covering customs procedures, material handling, and professional and personal safety to ensure success. The company has also focused on developing specific competencies required for CFS operations, making it possible for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated roles.

 During the 15^th anniversary celebrations and announcement of the all-women-operated shift of the warehouse, Maersk donated laptops to the Government Higher Secondary School, Annupampatu, near Ponneri, where the Maersk CFS and Warehouses operate, thus giving back to the community.   This transformation comes at a significant moment as Maersk celebrates its century-long presence in India. The company’s commitment to Tamil Nadu extends beyond business operations, with its Global Service Centre employing over 3,000 professionals and partners with institutions like AMET University to train the next generation of seafarers.