The Port of Oakland announces the appointment of maritime veteran Eric Napralla as its Chief Wharfinger

Veteran to manage seaport operations ranging from tenant relations to contracts

Oakland, Calif., 2018-Jul-05 — /Travel PR News/ — The Port of Oakland today (July 2, 2018) named maritime veteran Eric Napralla as its Chief Wharfinger.  Mr. Napralla, a 6-year Port employee, will manage seaport operations that range from tenant relationships to facilities leasing.  He replaces Chris Peterson who retired last week after 25 years at the Port, 12 as Chief Wharfinger.

“Eric brings a wealth of experience to the job,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll.  “He has successfully managed important programs and projects within the Maritime Operations group and we’re pleased that he’s taking on this new assignment.”

Mr. Napralla will manage a staff of four Wharfingers and a Senior Maritime Project Manager responsible for seaport operations.  The group works daily with more than 60 tenants operating on Port property.  The list includes everything from marine terminal and warehouse operators to trucking companies.

Landlord ports, such as Oakland, don’t directly engage in container shipping or cargo-handling operations.  Instead, they lease facilities – including marine terminals – to private operators that conduct the work.  Wharfingers oversee Port facilities, tenant relations and lease agreements.

Before becoming Chief Wharfinger, Mr. Napralla was a Senior Project Administrator in the Operations Department at the Port of Oakland, and held a position in Maritime Security.  Mr. Napralla previously held a management position at the Port of Redwood City and served four years in the Coast Guard.

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland Seaport, Oakland International Airport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. The Port’s 5-year strategic plan – Growth with Care – pairs business expansion with community benefits, envisioning more jobs and economic stimulus as the Port grows. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts:

Mike Zampa
Port of Oakland
Communications Director
(510) 627-1565
mzampa@portoakland.com

Marilyn Sandifur
Port of Oakland
Port Spokesperson
(510) 627-1193 msandifur@portoakland.com

Source: Port of Oakland