North Carolina Ports Appoints New COO

North Carolina Ports is pleased to announce the arrival of Brian E. Clark as its new chief operating officer. Clark will oversee terminal operations and the execution of the authority’s infrastructure investment plan.

“We have already established a great on-terminal experience for our customers at North Carolina Ports,” said executive director Paul J. Cozza. “As we continue to grow, it is absolutely vital to our success to reinforce the operational efficiencies we’ve become famous for. Brian’s key leadership role will help us navigate that growth tomorrow and into the future.”

Clark has over twenty years of experience in the maritime industry. Prior to his role as COO, Clark served as managing director for APM Terminals at Port Elizabeth, where he was responsible for directing the overall operations of a 350-acre marine terminal with 500 vessel calls, 800,000 marine lifts, 150,000 intermodal moves and in excess of 1,000,000 gate moves annually. In addition, Clark spent four years as project director for APM Terminals at Mobile’s container terminal.

“Brian joining the Ports represents the continued strengthening of our senior management team,” said Tom Adams, chairman of the North Carolina State Ports Authority’s board. “Couple that with an existing talented management group, and North Carolina Ports are well positioned to handle continued growth.”

Clark’s appointment closely follows the announcement of four new container services at the Port of Wilmington. To prepare for this growth, North Carolina Ports has ordered two New Panamax ship-to-shore cranes with an option to purchase two more. Between the new cranes, its turning basin expansion project, various berth improvements, and the expansion of the container yard, North Carolina Ports will invest over $150 million in its infrastructure over the next few years.