Port of Seattle Names Metruck Executive Director
The Port of Seattle Commission has appointed retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Stephen P. Metruck as its new Executive Director, effective February 1, 2018. Metruck will succeed interim executive director Dave Soike, who took over following the resignation of port CEO Ted Fick in February 2017. Metruck brings 34 years of executive experience in maritime, security and financial leadership to his new role. Most recently, Metruck was Commander of the Mid-Atlantic Region, overseeing 3…
Port of Seattle CEO Resigns
Port of Seattle CEO Ted Fick tendered his resignation at a public port commission meeting Thursday after more than 2.5 years at the helm. Fick was recently placed on paid administrative leave due to “personnel issues” and the separation was described as “mutual”. “We accept the resignation of Ted Fick, and acknowledge his desire to return to the private sector,” said Commission President Tom Albro. Port of Seattle Chief Operating Officer Dave Soike, a 35-year port veteran, will serve as interim CEO. The port said the public process to find a replacement will begin later this year.
Norwegian to Build New Ship for Alaska Cruising
Norwegian Cruise Line will commence a new era of Alaska cruising beginning June 2018, as the company announced today that its next new vessel, Norwegian Bliss, will be custom-built with features and amenities for Alaska cruising. Norwegian Bliss will cruise to America’s Last Frontier from Seattle and will be the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to make its debut in the Emerald City. At a ceremony held at Port of Seattle’s Pier 66, Norwegian President and CEO Andy Stuart shared the news alongside Port of Seattle CEO Ted Fick and Port of Seattle Commission President John Creighton.
Norwegian Cruise Line, Port of Seattle Ink 15-year Lease
The Port of Seattle signed a 15-year lease with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The deal secures NCLH ships in Seattle for the full term of the lease and provides passenger volume guarantees estimated to bring $73 million dollars of revenue to the port. “We thank Norwegian Cruise Line for their commitment to Seattle and the Alaska cruise business,” said Commissioner John Creighton. “Cruise in Seattle means $440 million in annual economic impact for this region.
AAPA Applauds Senate Passage of Trade Promotion Legislation
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) applauded Senate passage over the past weekend of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (TPA-2015), and today sent a letter to House leadership to urge making passage of TPA-2015 a priority. Trade activity through seaports accounts for 26 percent of the U.S. economy, generates over 23 million American jobs, and provides over $320 billion in local, state and federal tax revenues, the AAPA noted.
Port of Seattle Co-Presidents Reelected for 2015
The Port of Seattle’s co-presidents Stephanie Bowman and Courtney Gregoire have been reelected by the port’s commission for another full-year term. The commission also elected John Creighton to serve as vice president, Tom Albro to serve as commission secretary and Bill Bryant to serve as assistant secretary. “We began 2014 with a focus on critical issues including enhancing the competitiveness of our seaport, finding the right executive leadership for the port and expanding job opportunities in our communities,” said commission co-president Gregoire.
