Sascha’s Journey from Intern to All-Round Terminal Operator
At Bertschi’s Rotterdam terminal, heavy machinery and towering stacks of containers define the landscape. In the middle of this activity sits a reach stacker, its operator confidently maneuvering containers. At first glance, most people expect to see a man behind the controls. But when the cab door opens, it’s Sascha who steps out. She’s a young woman who has carved her own path in this traditionally male-dominated world.
When Sascha Barendregt joined Bertschi Rotterdam for her final school internship, her future seemed headed towards an office role. She was studying Transport and Logistics Management at STC, with a diploma track focused on becoming a transport planner.
“The original plan was to move to the office halfway through my internship, but I didn’t want to anymore. I enjoyed working outside on the terminal so much,” she recalls.
Her first tasks were in the liner area, cutting large bags out of containers. Within weeks, she was shadowing other terminal workers, learning to position trains and inspect incoming tanks. “Soon after, I was allowed to drive a terminal tractor. This meant transporting containers to the neighboring company for the ship, and placing containers at a nearby factory. I was eager to learn and quickly wanted more.”
Sascha’s enthusiasm led her into steaming operations, heating both dangerous and non-dangerous liquids in containers. “That gave me so much knowledge about the different types of products we handle on the terminal,” she says.
From there, she began reach stacker training. This came naturally thanks to her farming roots. “I grew up on an arable farm, driving tractors with trailers full of potatoes, grain, or onions. I already had the feel for large machines, so learning to operate the equipment at the terminal wasn’t difficult for me. And from a young age, I learned to stand my ground.”
Her training culminated in a six-week intensive crane operation program. More recently, she’s adapted to operating the site’s new remote-controlled crane. “It was strange at first, working behind computer screens, but the variety in my work keeps it fun and keeps me sharp.”
Being one of the few women in her role is something Sascha takes in stride. “I still laugh every day at the surprise or double takes from men when they see me working. Comments like ‘she won’t be able to do that’ or ‘what’s a girl like her doing here?’ only give me more drive to show what I’m capable of.” Far from discouraging her, the skepticism fuels her determination.
For women considering a similar career move, Sascha’s message is clear: “Just do it! What men can do, women can do too, and sometimes even better. You have to stand your ground, but if this is truly what you want, anything is possible.”
She highlights the importance of having a good team around you: “It’s great if you have people you can fall back on when you’re in doubt or things don’t go as planned.”
Now, 4.5 years after starting as an 18-year-old intern, Sascha is an all-round terminal operator with a wide range of skills and certifications. “I come to work every day with a backpack full of experience, certificates, confidence, and enthusiasm. I hope women won’t be discouraged by the reputation the port sometimes has. If you truly enjoy something, anything is possible.”
