The Port of Oakland today has appointed Eric Napralla as its new chief wharfinger.

According to the port, Napralla replaces Chris Peterson, who has retired after 25 years of service. Napralla will manage seaport operations that range from tenant relationships to facilities leasing.

He will also 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, including marine terminals, warehouse operators and trucking companies.

Napralla has been with the port for six years. He was most recently a senior project administrator in the operations department and held a position in maritime security. He previously held a management position at the Port of Redwood City and served four years in the United States Coast Guard.  

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