Member Feature: Elias Abrego Aleman, Environmental, Health and Safety Manager, VTTI
How did you first become involved in the terminal industry? Share a bit about that journey.
My journey into the terminal industry began with a moment of opportunity. As a young professional seeking new challenges and opportunities, I came across a newspaper ad for a job opening. I was 25 years old with three years of experience between the cement and concrete industry and industrial gas. Without knowing the role was part of a refinery transitioning into a terminal, I applied and earned the position of OE/HES Specialist. That marked my first step into this field.
From there, I began learning gradually, supported by exceptional mentors and colleagues who helped shape my understanding of the industry. Over time, I progressed into senior leadership roles, gaining experience in managing teams and driving performance across multiple disciplines. This path has given me a broad perspective on terminal operations and a deep appreciation for the standards, safety culture, and collaborative mindset that define our work.
What started as a search for growth became a long-term career built on purpose, adaptability, and continuous learning.
What is the best part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing how people adapt to change and grow within a demanding industry. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding teams through transitions that elevate both safety culture and operational excellence. Seeing a group evolve, embracing best practices, becoming more efficient, and fostering a stronger, more mature mindset, is incredibly fulfilling.
What makes this journey even more meaningful is the opportunity to work closely with people. Collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, sharing insights, and building trust not only enhances outcomes but also brings a deep sense of satisfaction. There’s something truly special about watching people rise to the challenge, support one another, and contribute to meaningful progress. This industry, shaped by decades of hard-earned lessons and global shifts, demands resilience and continuous improvement and being part of that human journey is what makes my work truly worthwhile.
What advice would you offer to someone just starting out with a liquid terminal company?
Be open to change and adapt accordingly. In the oil and gas industry, many of the practices we follow today are shaped by experience, often gained through challenging events and critical incidents. Unlike some other industries, we operate in high-risk environments where safety, precision, and compliance are essential. Decisions are grounded in standards, regulations, and leading practices that have evolved over time, and it’s important to consult them consistently.
Not everything is written in a manual. Much of what we do relies on shared knowledge, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement. Building a strong network of peers and mentors, regardless of their title, can offer valuable guidance and help you approach challenges with a multidisciplinary mindset.
It’s also important to recognize that this industry is constantly evolving. Mergers, acquisitions, and regulatory shifts are common, and adapting to organizational change is part of the journey. Additionally, the global energy matrix is expanding beyond traditional oil and gas to include electricity, wind, water, and other renewables. As the world moves toward greater efficiency and environmental responsibility, staying informed and agile will be key to long-term success.
What would you say to a young person to encourage them to pursue a future career with a liquid terminal company?
This industry offers a unique and rewarding career path, one that challenges you, grows with you, and gives you the chance to make a real impact. I began my journey at 25, responding to a newspaper ad without knowing it was for a refinery transitioning into a terminal. With just three years of experience in the cement, concrete, and industrial gases industries, I stepped into my first role as an OE/HES Specialist. That moment marked the beginning of a career shaped by curiosity, resilience, and the guidance of incredible mentors.
Over the years, I’ve worked across multiple disciplines, from operations and commissioning to maintenance and safety, and each role has deepened my understanding of how critical this work is. Liquid terminals operate under rigorous standards and leading practices, often very different from those in other industries. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is small, which makes teamwork, discipline, and continuous learning essential.
For anyone starting out, I’d say: be open to change, ask questions, and seek out mentors, regardless of their title. The knowledge shared by experienced professionals is invaluable. If you’re willing to listen, collaborate, and grow, this industry will reward you with a career full of purpose and progress.
How have you seen the industry change over the course of your career?
I’ve witnessed a major shift in how we operate, starting from paper-based processes, moving to spreadsheets, then to specialized software, and now integrating AI. I remember walking into the field with printed plans, following lines with my red pen and green marker, only 15 years ago, not too far back, to validate a process. Today, we can access real-time data from tablets or even from the office, thanks to modern technology.
What’s remarkable is not just the scale of change, but the speed at which it’s happening. Even in a traditionally conservative industry like ours, transformation is accelerating. The future is incredibly promising, and we’re not just reacting to change, we’re part of the equation driving it. From predictive maintenance and automated inspections to AI-powered drilling optimization and emissions monitoring, intelligent systems are helping us make faster, safer, and more informed decisions.
As the energy landscape evolves, embracing these innovations will be key to staying competitive and sustainable. The pace of progress may feel relentless at times, but it’s also energizing, and it’s opening doors to possibilities we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago.
One of the most encouraging shifts I’ve seen is the growing presence of women in the industry. As technology reshapes the way we work, it’s also helping break down barriers and create more inclusive opportunities. I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to see more women step into technical and leadership roles, bringing fresh perspectives and driving progress in ways that benefit everyone.
How do you think the industry will continue to change over the next 5, 10, or 20 years?
I believe we’ll see deeper integration of digital tools, automation, and AI to enhance safety, efficiency, and decision-making. Sustainability will also play a bigger role, with companies adopting greener practices and technologies. The workforce will become more diverse and tech-savvy, and collaboration across regions will likely increase.
What is your level of involvement with ILTA?
I participate in webinars, the annual Conference & Trade Show, and EGHSS meetings. I am currently looking into opportunities to join technical groups to contribute to industry initiatives and address current challenges.
What’s your favorite part of being involved with ILTA?
What I value most is the wealth of information we share as a group. The collective knowledge and experience within ILTA is incredibly powerful and helps us stay informed and proactive.
Do you belong to any community or civic organizations you’d like to mention?
Not currently, but I believe we must always support communities near terminal locations.
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to mention?
Cooking is an activity I often do during my free time. I spend time with my family and participate in outdoor exercise on a regular basis. My interests include history and watching documentaries about significant eras and events that have impacted society. I study how these moments have affected values, institutions, and global relationships, as well as what society has learned from them.
Anything additional you'd like to add?
I’m grateful for the opportunities this industry has given me and the mentors who’ve guided me. I look forward to continuing to grow and contribute to a safer, more efficient future. If there’s anything else I can share to support others entering the field, I’m happy to do so.