Souraya Karam, General Manager of Arkas Levant, has spent nearly five decades shaping the maritime landscape in the Middle East region. From starting her career as a young professional at Gezairi Transport in 1975 to leading Arkas Levant through regional expansion and digital transformation, her journey is one of perseverance, innovation, and leadership. In this interview with Robban Assafina, she reflects on her career, the challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and her vision for the future of maritime industry.
Let’s start from the beginning, can you take us back to 1975, what led you to join Arkas Levant? And what were your first impressions?
I began my career in 1975 with Gezairi Transport at a time when I was still a teenager, taking my first steps into the professional world. What I found was a serious and professional environment that opened the door to a sector completely new to me.
Over time, we entered a new chapter through the partnership with Arkas Line, which led to the establishment of Arkas Levant within the Gezairi Group. This was not simply a change of name or structure, but a significant transformation that opened new horizons for growth. In September 2013, I had the honor of being nominated as the General Manager of Arkas Levant, a milestone that crowned decades of effort and dedication.
What kept you motivated and committed to the same company for 50 years?
The deep sense of belonging. For me, Gezairi was never just a workplace; it was like a second home. When Arkas Levant was established as part of the Gezairi Group in partnership with Arkas Line, I felt immense pride to be part of this journey. In September 2013, I had the honor of being appointed General Manager of Arkas Levant, which strengthened my commitment even further.
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What were some of the biggest challenges you faced over the decades, particularly as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated maritime industry?
The path, however, was not without challenges, particularly as a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men. At that time, women in the maritime industry were very rare. I often had to prove myself twice over: once as a newcomer and once as a woman. Yet, I have always believed that competence, knowledge, and commitment are what truly matter, and this belief helped me overcome many barriers.
What role does employee development and internal culture play in Arkas Levant’s long-term success?
Throughout the years, the culture of investing in people has been central to our success. From the days of Gezairi to the evolution of Arkas Levant, developing employees and transferring expertise from one generation to the next has been the backbone of sustainability and growth.
Talking about the company, can you give us a brief about the operations and the role within the broader Arkas network?
Arkas Levant is part of the Gezairi Group and is jointly owned by Gezairi and Arkas. We represent the Arkas Line and connect local markets with global trade routes. Our strength comes from combining Gezairi’s local expertise with the international reach of the Arkas network.
What can you tell us about Arkas future plans in the region, any upcoming expansions, services, or initiative on the horizon?
Today, Arkas Levant plays a key role within the wider Arkas network. We connect the Levant region with international markets, combining local expertise inherited from Gezairi with the global support of Arkas Line. Looking forward, our focus is on regional expansion, digital solutions, and strengthening our sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.
What do you believe is still needed to empower women in the maritime industry?
As for women in the maritime sector, more work is still needed. Beyond offering opportunities, it is crucial to provide an environment that supports and enables capable women to succeed in leadership roles. Changing mindsets and offering tailored training programs are vital steps in this direction.
Looking back on your five-decade journey, what are you most proud of?
As I reflect on my five-decade journey, I consider my greatest achievement to be my contributions to the development of Gezairi Group and witnessing its transformation into a major player in the region. On a personal level, my nomination for the position of General Manager of Arkas Levant in 2013 marked the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication.
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:To read the full content, click on the following link Robban Assafina, Issue 99, Sep/ Oct 2025, Maritime Host, pg. 68-69 |
