Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Morrison is a maritime technical advisor for Shell and a highly accomplished maritime professional with more than 16 years of industry experience since graduation, or approximately 20 years when including her specialized maritime education and training. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Operations and Technology from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, along with an Unlimited Master Mariner credential and extensive operational experience across both offshore and shore-based maritime functions. She is currently the only individual serving in this role for the Americas region, where she provides specialized technical expertise to support Shell’s maritime operations and strategic initiatives.
In her current role, Andrea works across the Americas supporting project teams focused on developing innovative technologies and advancing new concepts within the maritime industry. She applies her extensive ship handling experience and operational insight to ensure practical feasibility and safe implementation of emerging ideas. Her responsibilities also include managing key maritime assets in the United States and conducting inspections of third-party terminals across Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of the Northeastern United States. Recently, she was in Canada observing professional diving teams performing structural evaluations of marine dock facilities, further reflecting the global and hands-on nature of her work.
Throughout her career, Andrea has built a reputation for resilience, adaptability, and pioneering achievement. She is especially proud to be recognized as the first female offshore STS Mooring Master in the world, a milestone that represents both technical mastery and industry advancement. Her career path has included roles as a harbor pilot and various operational leadership positions, each contributing to her depth of expertise across the maritime sector. Today, she views her professional journey as one defined by growth and alignment, having navigated challenges, adapted to change, and ultimately built a career that reflects both her capabilities and her values in leadership, safety, and continuous improvement within the maritime industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having the courage to pursue what interests me and the resilience to change course when something doesn't work out. My biggest piece of advice, which reflects my own journey, is that if something interests you, go for it - you're never going to be worse off if you pursue it than if it doesn't work out. And if it doesn't work out, it's okay, it's not a failure if it doesn't fit who you are. I've had some ups and downs in my career, and I have rebounded and paused, changed course, and figured it out, and now everything has come together wonderfully. I think that's a big reason why - I was like, well, it didn't work here, let's see what else I can do. It's been a very good mentality to have to keep pushing forward. I also have to credit my wonderful husband, who is just an amazing human being. I got very lucky on that one. He's been able to manage things fantastically while I travel a lot for work, especially since we have a three-year-old son.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to continue learning and to remain confident in my abilities. I have found that growth comes from staying curious, continually building on my knowledge and experience, and being open to new challenges. At the same time, confidence has been essential in allowing me to trust my judgment, take on complex responsibilities, and navigate unfamiliar situations with clarity and professionalism.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My biggest piece of advice is twofold. First, if something interests you, go for it. You're never going to be worse off if you pursue it than if it doesn't work out. And second, if it doesn't work out, it's okay - it's not a failure if it doesn't fit who you are. I've had some ups and downs in my career, and I have rebounded and paused, changed course, and figured it out, and now everything has come together wonderfully. I think that's a big reason why - I was like, well, it didn't work here, let's see what else I can do. It's been a very good mentality to have to keep pushing forward. Don't be afraid to change direction when something isn't working for you, especially when it comes to your mental health and well-being.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face is being the only one in my role right now for our area of operations, the Americas. There's not a lot of women in this industry in general, and I'm also a mom, so I travel a lot, which is challenging with a three-year-old son. Another significant challenge is walking into a room full of men and me telling them what's good or bad about their particular operation, especially in Central America with the different cultures. You don't always get well received until they realize that you know what you're talking about, and then they seem much more receptive. It's about proving yourself and earning that respect, which can be exhausting but is part of the reality of being a woman in this male-dominated field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values in both my work and personal life are integrity, accountability, resilience, and continuous growth. I believe in showing up with honesty and taking responsibility for my actions, while remaining adaptable in the face of challenges. One of my proudest achievements, and a defining part of my journey, is becoming the first woman in the world to serve as an offshore mooring master. That experience reinforced my commitment to perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers, while also strengthening my belief in lifting others as I continue to grow in my career.
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