The Port of Oakland named maritime veteran Eric Napralla as its Chief Wharfinger. Napralla, a 6-year Port employee, will manage seaport operations ranging 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.”
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. Wharfingers oversee Port facilities, tenant relations and lease agreements.
Before becoming Chief Wharfinger, Napralla was a Senior Project Administrator in the Operations Department at the Port of Oakland, with a position in Maritime Security. He previously had a management position at the Port of Redwood City and served four years in the Coast Guard.