Based in Brindisi, the ‘Propeller’ driving professional excellence in shipping and making waves in the Blue Economy.

“I view the promotion of maritime culture as a moral duty, having grown up in a family where I have always breathed the air of the sea and the port. As a mother, I believe I have developed an even greater focus on the younger generations. In Brindisi—the city where I was born and where I operate—I would love for them to have a broader openness toward the sea and the Blue Economy, understood not merely in an economic sense, but as something holistic and full of meaning.”

This simple declaration made to Ship2Shore says it all about the sincere and genuine sentiment driving this young shipping entrepreneur. Her goal is to disseminate maritime culture among the youth, fostering a passion that will ‘recruit’ the future workforce needed to fill the industry’s ranks in the coming years.

“I come from a ‘sea family’ and I feel so deeply connected to this element, in every form, that bringing it closer to my local community is almost an obligation,” explains Roberta Minervini, CEO of Elica Srl, a maritime agency based in Salento with its headquarters in Brindisi and a branch office in Monopoli (Bari), where her father, Capt. Giacomo Minervini, serves as Managing Director.

Commitment to Education and Territory
In recent days, Minervini actively participated in a conference in Taranto at the Italian Navy Petty Officers’ School. The study day, titled “The Italian Fleet: The Competitive Crux between Green Transition and War Risks,” was organized by Prof. Nicolò Carnimeo in collaboration with the University of Bari. Keynote speaker Luca Sisto, Director General of Confitarma, delved into the challenges facing the Italian fleet, focusing on the impacts of the green transition and evolving geopolitical risks on the national maritime cluster.

At the end of March, Minervini and her company will lead a new initiative in Brindisi: “From the Sea to the Quay: The Professions of Technical-Nautical Services.”

“The port is not just a place of arrival and departure; it is a complex system of skills, professionalism, and services working in perfect synergy to ensure safety, efficiency, and operations. For this reason, we want to dedicate a study day to the students of the Nautical Institute to show them the fundamental services of the Port of Brindisi: piloting, towing, and mooring. Bringing young people closer to the port world means passing on maritime culture, skills, and passion, showing them the concrete professional opportunities this sector offers. The port is a gateway to the world, but also a school of life and work,” Minervini continues.

A Multi-Faceted Leader
On her LinkedIn profile, Roberta describes herself unequivocally: “Born and raised with the sea inside and ships crossing routes in my head… as comfortable on the quay among cranes and hoppers as in the office negotiating freights and organizing services.”

Her commitment extends through numerous prestigious roles:

Brindisi Coordinator for ONTM (National Observatory for the Protection of the Sea).

Board Member of the Propeller Club Port of Bari.

Vice President of OPS (Salento Port Operators).

Vice President of the Small Industry section of Confindustria Brindisi.

Member of European Female Founders.

Women in the Blue Economy
On International Women’s Day, through ONTM, Minervini gave a voice to women working at the heart of the Blue Economy.
“We asked a group of them to describe it in a simple phrase: ‘The sea to me is…’ The result was a mosaic of experiences united by a common thread: the sea as work, responsibility, and horizon. Women are becoming increasingly central protagonists in this field.”

Elica Srl: Bridging Tradition and Innovation
The family company, Elica Srl, was born from the direct sea experience of its founder, Giacomo Minervini, a master mariner in the 1970s. His vision was to transfer technical shipboard knowledge to shore-based operations.

“Our company takes shape from this foundation,” Roberta Minervini concludes. “We combine maritime know-how with the ability to coordinate the logistics chain. In recent years, my professional path has joined my father’s vision, ensuring continuity between sea experience and new management skills. Today, Elica operates primarily in the Southern Adriatic ports, ensuring reliability based on competence and long-standing professional relationships.”