The Maryland Port Administration hired Port of New Orleans COO Matt Wypyski to lead commercial development at the Port of Baltimore as it wrestles back lost business following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, the agency announced last week.
Wypyski, a 33-year maritime industry official, joined the state agency in the newly created role of deputy executive director for commercial development last month.
“Matt is extremely well-respected in our industry and he will be playing a significant role in helping us grow our cargo and cruise businesses as well as overseeing strategic initiatives,” Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels said in the announcement.
Wypyski brings leadership experience from public- and private- sector maritime roles — including the world’s largest container shipping line. His hire comes as Baltimore’s auto and roll-on/roll-off recovery outpaces that of its container volumes since the reopening of the Fort McHenry Federal Channel in June.
The role, which expands the port’s leadership from its two existing deputy executive jobs, will carry significance beyond the bridge collapse. The Howard Street Tunnel Project, a $566 million heightening of a CSX rail passageway under the city, is expected to double the port’s container capacity by welcoming double-stacked trains.
Before joining the Port of New Orleans last year, Wypyski served as deputy executive director and COO of the the Mississippi State Port Authority in Gulfport for 13 years.
He previously served as EVP of Mediterranean Shipping Company’s New Orleans and Houston terminal operations.
The Port of Baltimore’s strong leadership, successful history and “strong current business portfolio” enticed Wypyski to take on the new challenge, he said in the announcement.
“Baltimore is very well-regarded as a leading U.S. port for both cargo and cruise activity and I’m looking forward to helping our team contribute to the port’s future growth and success,” Wypyski said.
