Long-distance captain of Transpetro Hildelene Lobato Bahia, the first female commander of the Merchant Navy of Brazil, received the Woman Outstanding Award in the Port and Maritime Sector 2016, in the Corporate Social Responsibility and Gender Equality category. The award was granted by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the ceremony took place on April 29 in Panama City.

The award reinforces the performance of Transpetro, which has signed, since 2009, the Pro-Gender and Race Equity Program, promoted by the Federal Government's Special Secretariat for Policies for Women and supported by UN Women and the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The only Brazilian selected, Hildelene competed for the award with candidates from several OAS countries and said she was gratified with the nomination. “This is an international recognition of a pioneering path in a sector that was exclusively male. It is also a recognition for Transpetro, which has always believed and invested in me ", commented Hildelene.

Hildelene's pioneering career began at the Merchant Navy Officers Training School (Escola de Formação de Oficiais da Marinha Mercante - Efomm), where she was part of the first class of women to graduate. At Transpetro, she found support to follow her path. She was one of the first female officers to embark, named first mate and then first commander of the Brazilian Merchant Navy.