North Carolina Ports announces industry veteran as next COO

The North Carolina State Ports Authority is pleased to announce the arrival of industry veteran Doug Vogt as its next Chief Operating Officer. At North Carolina Ports, Vogt will apply his extensive experience to further improve the operational excellence at the Port of Wilmington, Port of Morehead City and Charlotte Inland Port. Specifically, he will direct and coordinate the activities of all terminal operations. He will also oversee the execution of the infrastructure investment plan.

“Doug is the perfect addition to round out our leadership team. His experience and knowledge of the industry will be instrumental as we complete our multi-year capital improvements plan and look toward the future,” said Brian E. Clark, Deputy Executive Director, North Carolina Ports.

Vogt brings more than 20 years of port and terminal operations experience to NC Ports. He most recently served as the Vice President of Operations, Equipment and Maintenance for Tropical Shipping in Riviera Beach, Florida. During his tenure, Vogt was responsible for developing one of the most successful port operations in the United States focusing on safety, TEU throughput per acre, on-time vessel departures and truck turn times. He led the implementation of a new terminal operating system at multiple port facilities as well as the multi-year terminal development plans for Tropical Shipping. He also served in various roles with NYK Line, Maersk Inc., APM Terminals, DeWolff, Boberg & Associates, and Medline Industries, Inc. throughout his career.

“Doug’s experience will enable NC Ports to take advantage of critical infrastructure improvements as we continue to grow,” said Robert A. Wicker, Chairman of the North Carolina Ports Board of Directors. “We are excited to add a strong maritime industry veteran to our existing team of talented leaders.”

The addition of Vogt comes on the heels of several major operational milestones. North Carolina Ports welcomed the largest container ship to date to the Port of Wilmington last month. Earlier this year, NC Ports also completed phase two of its turning basin expansion project; opened 2,600 contiguous feet of container berth space; and completed an air draft improvement project which increased the air draft over the Cape Fear River.

Vogt will officially assume the role of Chief Operating Officer on November 16, 2020 as Deputy Executive Director Brian E. Clark continues to transition into the top leadership position effective January 1, 2021.