Port of Oakland’s Wan heads statewide port group

Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan is the new President of the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA). Members of the trade group selected Wan this week. He succeeds Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.

Wan manages both a seaport and airport. The Port of Oakland is California’s third-largest port. Its Oakland International Airport is the San Francisco Bay Area’s second-largest airport.

“I’m honored to represent California ports because of the significant role they play in supporting the state and national economies,” Wan said. “I hope to continue the association’s work in making our ports sustainable and efficient.”

Wan takes on the new role at a critical time. Unprecedented trade growth has congested California ports which process 40 percent of all containerized imports entering the U.S. The result has been disruption to global supply chains. CAPA will be instrumental in advocating much needed investments into California port, transportation and supply chain infrastructure.

Maritime interests are seeking government help to modernize ports and streamline regulations governing port operations. They’re also working closely with regulators on ways to curb emissions created by ships and cargo-handling equipment.

The port association represents 14 deep water ports. It sets public policy objectives that are advanced with local, state and federal government. Wan will guide the association’s deliberations and decision-making with the association’s members and staff.

Wan has been the Port of Oakland’s Executive Director since 2019. He has overseen the fastest growth in port business volume in its 94-year history. He also led Oakland’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, authorizing extraordinary measures that included:

• Berthing the Grand Princess cruise ship to disembark hundreds of passengers exposed to Coronavirus;
• Vaccine availability for Port workers; and
• Free Covid-19 testing at Oakland International Airport.