In the Know 74: Mike LaFleur, COO of the Port of San Diego

 

In this episode of The Maritime Executive's podcast series, editor-in-chief Tony Munoz caught up with Mike LaFleur, a licensed mariner who serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Port of San Diego. 

Just eight miles north of the border with Mexico, San Diego is a popular cruise port and a strategic hub for specialty cargo, handing breakbulk, ro/ro, dry bulk and reefer shipments. To modernizes it operations, it is making big investments in infrastructure and electrification. At the National City Marine Terminal, the port is repairing berths dating back to the 1960s, and it is augmenting the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal with zero-emissions equipment and upgraded electrical infrastructure. The port also recently welcomed two green "firsts" - Crowley's eWolf all-electric tug, and the first two all-electric mobile harbor cranes in the United States. The overarching goal is to support maritime enterprises of all kinds, from "blue economy" startups to industry heavyweights. "I don't think that there's anything that we can't do here in San Diego," LaFleur says.

A USMMA graduate, LaFleur is an experienced mariner who worked for Chevron and Military Sealift Command before coming ashore to work for SEACOR and TOTE. He also served honorably as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy Reserves. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on the waterfront, sport fishing, and working to create a sustainable marine environment. For more on his perspective on port operations, listen in below.