Celebrating International Day for Women in Maritime, we take this opportunity to introduce Virginia Schiavone, who recently joined the DRASS team.

Holding a master’s degree in Maritime Affairs and Governance from the Italian Naval Academy of Livorno, Virginia was awarded the highest honours, 110/110 cum laude. Incidentally, it was also at the Naval Academy that she first met her husband, now a Navy Officer.

She has built a career spanning marine surveying, Hull & Machinery inspection, contract negotiation and claims management with maritime contractors and P&I Clubs. A profile that moves fluently across the technical, commercial, and legal dimensions of the sector.

A mother of three, a former competitive basketball player in Italy’s professional Serie A2 league and still a committed swimmer and tennis player, Virginia brings the same determination to everything she sets her mind to.
“Working in Defence and Submarine Rescue Sales brings everything together — naval formation, maritime expertise and commercial experience, all in one role. To represent a company operating at this level feels like everything has come full circle.”

We are thrilled to have Virginia on board — a compelling example of what women continue to bring to one of the industry’s most specialised fields.