Mayte Saucedo: “We like our customers to feel the human touch and know that they matter to us”

On 15 June, we launched a new Strait Crossing Operation, the annual summer campaign during which thousands of Moroccans living abroad travel to southern Spain to board a ferry and spend their holidays with family in their home country. One of the locations that sees the highest volume of passenger traffic is the Port of Algeciras.

Our Operations Manager, Maria Teresa Saucedo Castaño, is now a true veteran in the organisation, supervision and control of this campaign. She joined Baleària in 2006, after several years of experience in the sector. 

 

Q. Which department or area did you work in, and what did your job involve?

A. I worked as a ticket office agent and as a passenger and vehicle controller. 

 

Q. How many departments or geographical locations have you worked in?

A. I have always worked in the Operations department, at various locations including Motril, Malaga, Almeria, Ceuta and Tangier. 

 

Q. What surprised you most about the company, and what did you like most?

A. What surprised me most, and still surprises me today, is our ability to respond to adversity. We are a ferry company that reacts quickly to any problem and resolves it quickly. What I like most is the commitment shown by all our staff. We like our customers to feel that they matter to us and to experience the human touch in our service. 

 

 

Q. What have been the most difficult moments in the company’s history, and how did you experience them? And what are your best memories?

A. One of the most difficult periods for the ferry company was the severe financial crisis of 2008. It was a challenging economic situation. My best moments are during the Strait Crossing Operation, when we work tirelessly to ensure that everyone leaves happy and satisfied with the service they have received. We are connecting families on both sides of the Strait. It is very rewarding to know that you give 100% to make everything run smoothly and then see that it does. 

 

Q. Tell us about an episode from your working life at Baleària that, for some reason, has remained etched in your memory.

A. When the Baleària Foundation contacted me to launch the Family Plan, which the ferry company runs together with the Adecco Foundation. Its aim is to support employees who care for a family member with a disability.  

 

Q. How do you think society perceives Baleària?

A. As a ferry company committed to progress, with a strong commitment to the environment and to passenger wellbeing.