SHANI Ben-David was this week appointed to the position of captain in a ceremony held at Zim headquarters in Haifa; Ms Ben-David is the first woman to reach the highest rank in the Israeli merchant marine.

Ms Ben-David said: “It’s with great pride and excitement that I take command of a ship. I chose a maritime career out of love for the sea and out of a desire to achieve a huge challenging goal in a professional field which is almost unknown to the general public. A career at sea is fascinating, challenging and rewarding. I look forward to going to sea for the first time as a captain.”

Ms Ben-David, 39, is a graduate of the Israeli Nautical College in Acre. She served in the Israeli navy and is a graduate of the Marine Institute in Acre. Ben-David holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Haifa.

Ms Ben-David joined Zim as a cadet in 2009, promoted to third officer in 2012, and she rose through the ranks to become chief officer in 2019. She qualified as a ship’s master in 2021. After fulfilling a required period, a committee headed by Zim COO David Arbel recommended her appointment to the position of captain.

Shani Ben-David will take command of the container ship Zim Shekou at the beginning of May this year.

Zim president and CEO Eli Glickman said the historic appointment of Ms Ben-David as the first female captain in the Zim fleet is exciting and inspiring.

“Shani broke the glass ceiling and proved once again that women can reach any summit. She will not only fulfill a personal dream but will set a living example for additional women,” he said.

“We at Zim support gender equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do and we are proving today that we are implementing this vision in practice. We will continue to support and promote women who choose the unique career of an officer in the merchant marine. We entrust great responsibilities in Shani’s hands because we are confident of her capabilities and skills. I wish her successful voyages.”

Zim COO David Arbel said Ms Ben-David was appointed to the position because she is a professional, outstanding officer with impressive personal qualities.

“We are especially thrilled since her appointment is a historic milestone – the first woman in this challenging role of a ship’s master,” he said.

“I wish her smooth and successful sailings and professional satisfaction.”