Anisa Koci is principal port project manager at Portsmouth International Port, where she manages infrastructure schemes, including the recently obtained £24M ZEVI funding for shore power, and Freeports SEED funding
Anisa Koci is principal port project manager at Portsmouth International Port. Her current role mainly involves managing infrastructure schemes which support the growth and regeneration of the local surrounding Portsmouth area. Major schemes at the port are overseen by Ms Koci, who has been leading on complex capital infrastructure programmes at the port for the last four years to support the growth and regeneration of the city. This has involved securing significant external funding to deliver projects such as £20M (US$26M) Border Control Post, Levelling Up Funding for the Terminal Annexe Construction, and more recently, £24M ZEVI funding for shore power and Freeports SEED funding.
How did you get your start or what inspired you to pursue a career in the marine industry?
I was fascinated by the marine industry, the variety of projects and the wide exposure to new fields he port offered to me. I have been working and gaining experience in many fields from building and extending pier structures, building terminals, border control posts, highway works, dredging etc. I have also met some amazing and inspiring colleagues along the way.
What are your responsibilities in your current role?
My role revolves around ensuring the design and construction works are following the agreed programme and budget, and risks are appropriately managed and tracked. I direct and monitor staff in the completion of work packages, and manage external consultants and project staff to ensure targets are achieved. I also represent the company at stakeholder engagement events, assisting and carrying out consultations on scheme proposals and advising the members as necessary.
Was there anyone who inspired or encouraged you in your career?
My biggest mentor has been my auntie, a doctor in title and naval engineer. I saw the difference she was making in her works department and university as a lecturer, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps.
What have been some of your biggest hurdles along the way?
No two days are the same at the port and marine environment. The delivery of the latest shore power infrastructure has been one of the most challenging projects. The timeline of delivery has been very tight, and I had to bring on board and manage simultaneously two main contractors, ABB and Balfour Beatty, and a list of consultants to support the project design and delivery. Undertaking more than 600 m of trenching in a fully operational port, finding contamination and utilities obstacles was very challenging. We are halfway into the project delivery now.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for your company and the maritime industry?
I work for a municipal port and some of the biggest challenges are related to getting the funds to develop the new schemes. When it comes to the environment and sustainability, some of the challenges faced are to collaborate with the stakeholders so all parties are in alignment and support the new technologies to reduce emissions.
What would you say to any other young person who was thinking of a career in the maritime or offshore industries?
What I would say to young women joining the industry is to be persistent in your passion and what you want to do. Take what you have a passion for and use it to drive your career and interests.
