Zoe Upson
Founder FACT Talent & WOMEN TOGETHER
Zoe Upson is a senior leader and one of the most recognised women in global shipping and commodities. With over 16 years of industry experience she is known for delivering high impact contributions across freight, energy, agriculture and metals and was recently ranked #1 in the Top 100 Women in Shipping, Top 20 under 40 in shipping and named SHEO Maritime Entrepreneur of the Year. She has a reach of nearly 30,000 followers on LinkedIn.
A former Tanker FFA broker Zoe led high performing derivatives desks and worked closely with hedge funds, trading houses and C suite clients. She founded FACT Talent, a global executive search firm trusted by leading organisations across shipping and commodities.
Zoe also founded WOMEN TOGETHER, a 1,800+ member network advancing women in male dominated sectors and she is a regular speaker and contributor helping to shape the future of the industry.

Women in Breakbulk Breakfast Sessions
Welcome to Women in Breakbulk Europe! Introduction to our association partners, including our latest partner Women Together.
Tuesday 16 June 09:25 - 09:30 Rotterdam Ahoy
2026 Event Agenda Sessions
An interactive workshop focused on how professionals can better utilize LinkedIn for career growth, networking, business development, employer visibility and professional influence.

Tuesday 16 June 13:10 - 13:55 Women in Breakbulk Lounge
Industry & Leadership
Women in Breakbulk

Women in Breakbulk Lounge Europe/Madrid
Demanding conditions, long periods away from home, and evolving operational pressures continue to shape life at sea. More recently, we’re also seeing geopolitical instability add further strain, with disrupted trade routes, heightened security concerns, and extended periods at anchorage or diversion - all of which contribute to uncertainty and fatigue among seafarers.
Added to this, the rapid advancement of AI and other technologies is transforming onboard operations. While these innovations have the potential to enhance safety and efficiency, they also bring fresh challenges. Increased monitoring, higher data demands, and a constant need for upskilling can add to the cognitive workload and stress if not carefully managed.
Given all these factors, it’s clear that improving seafarer wellbeing is no longer just a “nice to have”- it’s critical to retention, safety and the long-term stability of the maritime workforce.
Wednesday 17 June 12:10 - 12:50 Breakbulk Voices Stage
Future Readiness
Talent Gap
Demanding conditions, long periods away from home, and evolving operational pressures continue to shape life at sea. More recently, we’re also seeing geopolitical instability add further strain, with disrupted trade routes, heightened security concerns, and extended periods at anchorage or diversion - all of which contribute to uncertainty and fatigue among seafarers.
Added to this, the rapid advancement of AI and other technologies is transforming onboard operations. While these innovations have the potential to enhance safety and efficiency, they also bring fresh challenges. Increased monitoring, higher data demands, and a constant need for upskilling can add to the cognitive workload and stress if not carefully managed.
Given all these factors, it’s clear that improving seafarer wellbeing is no longer just a “nice to have”- it’s critical to retention, safety and the long-term stability of the maritime workforce.
Breakbulk Voices Stage Europe/MadridThe Talent Challenge: Skills, Careers and the Next Generation
As the industry faces a growing talent gap, this session brings together the next generation of professionals to share their perspectives on careers, skills and the future of breakbulk. From career pathways and workplace expectations to how the industry must modernise its image, the discussion explores what needs to change to attract and retain talent in an evolving, technology-driven environment.
Wednesday 17 June 15:50 - 16:30 Breakbulk Live Stage
Talent Gap
As the industry faces a growing talent gap, this session brings together the next generation of professionals to share their perspectives on careers, skills and the future of breakbulk. From career pathways and workplace expectations to how the industry must modernise its image, the discussion explores what needs to change to attract and retain talent in an evolving, technology-driven environment.
Breakbulk Live Stage Europe/Madrid


















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