Not the First, Just the Real Deal: The Remarkable Journey of Captain Joumana ElKholy By Dr. Effat Mostafa . In today’s maritime industry, it’s become increasingly common to see celebratory headlines declaring the “first woman” to do this or that, the first to command a vessel, the first to dock at a major port, the first to make waves in a male-dominated industry. These milestones, while meaningful, can sometimes overshadow the real stories: the professionals who aren’t chasing trends but quietly setting new standards through hard work, consistency, and expertise.
She may not have made headlines for being “first,” but her track record speaks volumes. She is a certified ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) Master, a title that carries significant weight in the world of harbor towage and maneuvering operations. With over three years of experience onboard RoRo passenger ships and another 2.5 years at a LNG terminal, Jomana has already accomplished more than many do in a decade.
Her journey has been anything but conventional, and it’s precisely that which makes her stand out.
A Career Built on Capability, Not Catchphrases
Jomana’s approach to her career has been refreshingly straightforward: do the work, master the skills, earn the respect. While many peers in the industry chase the next feature, award, or speaking panel, she has chosen a different path — one paved with early mornings, long hours at sea, and tough operational calls.
Her time aboard RoRo passenger ships was formative. These ships are not for the faint-hearted. Their maneuverability, tight berthing schedules, and high operational demands sharpened her technical and decision-making skills.
Jomana began her career in the deck department, where she built a foundation rooted in discipline, hands-on learning, and technical mastery. Under the supervision of senior officers, she developed her expertise in a wide range of shipboard responsibilities, from deck maintenance to managing mooring stations during complex port calls.
Her attention to detail and consistent application of international safety and environmental protocols reflects a deep understanding of both the technical and regulatory demands of maritime operations.
Certified Excellence
A certified ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) Master, Capt. Jomana is highly qualified in operating advanced harbor tugs and maneuvering vessels with precision, an essential skill in today’s high-traffic, and high-risk port environments.
At the LNG terminal, she managed highly sensitive cargo and operations, gaining invaluable experience in safety protocols, emergency response drills, and the implementation of the ISM Code and SEMS (Safety and Environmental Management System).
These aren’t just bullet points on a CV; they represent hours, days, and years of sustained responsibility in high-stakes environments.
From Sea to Shore: Leadership at Boluda Towage
Today, Capt. Jomana has transitioned from shipboard operations to a critical shore-based leadership role as Port Captain for Boluda Towage at the Abu Qir Container Terminal in Egypt. In this role, she serves as a linchpin between vessel crews, port authorities, and management, ensuring safe, smooth, and efficient maritime operations.
It is a high-pressure role, one that requires not only deep technical knowledge but also exceptional communication, coordination, and leadership skills.
And Jomana handles it all with the same calm confidence she’s carried since her earliest watch on the bridge.
Leading Without the Megaphone
While others in the industry focus on public appearances, panel discussions, and curated social media narratives, Capt. Jomana has always let her work do the talking.
She’s not chasing “firsts,” brand deals, or influencer status. She’s focused on doing her job better than most and on inspiring those around her not through slogans, but through skill, dedication, and real-world results.
She doesn’t need to pose as the “Arab woman conquering the waves and breaking stereotypes”, she’s already done it, just without the fanfare.
A Role Model Redefined
Capt. Jomana ElKholy is a reminder that leadership doesn’t always need to be loud. Some of the strongest leaders are those who show up, put in the work, and quietly raise the bar for everyone around them. Whether she’s steering a vessel through narrow waters, coordinating dry dock operations, or leading tug operations at a major container terminal, she operates with precision, humility, and purpose.
She’s not the first. She’s not the loudest. But she’s exactly what the maritime industry needs more of.
Bravo, Capt. Joumana, you’re not just making waves, you’re building a legacy.
|
:To read the full content, click on the following link Robban Assafina, Issue 98, July/Aug 2025, Maritime Host, pg. 59 |
