Breaking Barriers in Subsea Engineering with ABL Principal Engineer, Sritama Sarkar
As we celebrate World Engineering Day and International Women’s Day in March 2026, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of a woman making waves in subsea and offshore engineering.
From an early fascination with oceans to becoming a respected voice in a traditionally male-dominated field, Sritama Sarkar’s story exemplifies how passion and determination can overcome gender barriers in engineering and ultimately help her realise her goal of contributing to more sustainable, future‑focused energy solutions.
“Water always fascinated me, particularly oceans, which are a vast source of resources,” she reflects. “I was always curious to know how such resources could be used in a responsible and sustainable manner.”
This curiosity would shape her career path in subsea and offshore engineering.
Working as the Principal Pipeline Engineer at ABL, Sritama splits her time between oil and gas projects whilst increasingly engaging with renewables – a testament to the evolving energy landscape.
Her vision extends beyond current technologies:
“I would like to see cleaner and sustainable sources of energy in my lifetime,” she shares, highlighting her commitment to environmental stewardship.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
“Working in a male-dominated world, I often found it hard to speak up in meetings where I would be the only female,” she admits. However, she found strength through mentorship from women who had navigated similar challenges before her.
Her message to aspiring female engineers is clear and powerful. She emphasises that girls excel at problem-solving and managing multiple aspects simultaneously – skills that are invaluable in scientific careers.
When addressing common misconceptions, she tackles gender stereotypes head-on:
“There is a common misconception that women aren’t as dedicated to their careers as men. However, women in engineering can be as passionate and dedicated as their male colleagues. Work-life balance is a personal choice and should not be related to gender.”
For Sritama, the most rewarding aspect of engineering is its real-world impact. Whether developing new technologies, creating analysis tools, or designing sustainable solutions, her work considers not just human needs but planetary wellbeing as a whole.
To girls contemplating a future in engineering, she points to the inspiring legacy of women who have already made significant contributions to sustainable development through global engineering projects. Their achievements stand as a testament to what’s possible, paving the way for the next generation of female engineers to push boundaries and break new ground.
More from ABL on World Engineering Day and International Women’s Day in 2026
Get to know Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, Orla McEntee.