Number of women in operational positions more than tripled at TCP
TCP, the company that manages the Paranaguá Container Terminal, is the largest container terminal in southern Brazil and, in the last five years, has expanded its throughput by 50%, surpassing the 1.6 million TEU mark (equivalent to a 20-foot container) in 2025. In this record-breaking scenario, the participation of women in administrative, operational, and leadership areas has grown year after year, even in activities historically dominated by men.
At the beginning of 2026, women already occupied approximately 45% of the company’s administrative positions. In operational positions, the number has tripled in the last five years, reaching 180 female employees. The growth shows rapid progress, but there is still much ground to be gained: only 15% of jobs in the execution areas are held by women.
Among the operational areas that have hired the most women in recent years are the planning and control sectors, which have recorded more than 20 hires in the last two years. In Terminal Tractor (terminal truck) operator positions, the number of women has almost tripled since 2021.
“Women are a fundamental part of TCP’s growth trajectory. Our evolution is not only reflected in the numbers, but in the quality, engagement, and leadership that these professionals demonstrate every day,” says Felipe de França, Human Resources manager at TCP.
On the yard: operation requires precision and responsibility
Where containers circulate between ships and storage stacks under strict safety protocols, Marta Ribeiro has been working for four years driving a Terminal Tractor: a mechanical horse designed specifically to maneuver trailers, trucks, and containers over short distances.
Before joining the operation, she worked in administration with billing and accounting and had limited experience in container transport. Today, she is responsible for moving cargo between the pier and the yard, integrating the machinery that supports the Terminal’s logistics.
“I never imagined I would work with a truck. I even thought it would be difficult. But we women, mothers, know what we are capable of when we are focused and determined. I know that I am an important part of the operations and I am very happy to be part of this process as a qualified professional,” says Marta.
Vera Lúcia da Silva, 55, has been with TCP for almost 12 years. Born in Ivaiporã, she has a technical degree in Ports and joined the company in 2014 as a Reach Stacker (container forklift) operator. In 2020, she was promoted to RTG operator, a large piece of equipment essential for moving containers in the yard.
“I lived in the countryside until I was 18, finished high school after I turned 30, and today I operate 40-ton equipment in one of the largest ports in Brazil,” she says. “Operating RTG is not an easy task. It involves people, trucks, and large equipment. It’s a big responsibility, and we can’t fail. That’s why my role is not only a reflection of my technical ability, but also the breaking of a stereotype. Every day, I have the chance to show that women are capable,” she points out.
In planning: strategic decisions shape the operation
In the planning area, Jéssica Moraes, 25, works as a berth planner at TCP. With a degree in Languages and a postgraduate degree in Port Business Management and Customs Logistics, she has been with the company for five years. She started as an apprentice in Human Resources, worked as an Empty Container Assistant, and in 2023, she took over the planning of ship berthing and the organization of quay operations.
“My career path ended up taking me to a different area from my training, but I found the career I always dreamed of in the port sector. Being a berth planner means having strategic responsibility within the operation, and everything we plan directly impacts the Terminal’s results,” she explains.
For her, her career path shows that competence and dedication have no gender. “My story shows that it is possible to grow within the company with dedication and a willingness to learn. Don’t be afraid to start or to change areas,” she advises.
For the company, ensuring space for women in all areas, from ship planning to crane operation, is an essential part of its consolidation as one of the largest terminals in the country. “The company’s growth is only possible with a diversity of talent. Women contribute directly to the results that position TCP as a national benchmark,” explains França.
Special programming marks Women’s Month at TCP
Throughout March, the Terminal is also promoting an internal program dedicated to the appreciation and development of female employees. Activities include online lectures, roundtable discussions on motherhood and careers, meetings on work-life balance, and initiatives focused on the health and well-being of female workers. The program also includes exclusive clinical care for women at the Terminal’s outpatient clinic, with medical guidance and referrals to specialists.
For França, these actions are part of the company’s ongoing effort to strengthen women’s leadership inside and outside the workplace. “More than just a symbolic date, Women’s Month is an opportunity to promote reflection, development, and support for our female employees. We want to create an environment where every professional can build their career with security, recognition, and opportunities for growth,” he concludes.
