Waterfront Wednesday News

June 11, 2025

Port of Bellingham parts ways with Executive Director

Port of Bellingham Commissioners in public meeting, with Director Fix (left). Photo: Dan Tucker

[Port of Bellingham Press Release] - The Port of Bellingham and Executive Director Rob Fix have mutually agreed to part ways effective immediately. The Port Commission expressed appreciation for Fix’s contributions to the Port and the community during his 13 years of service as Executive Director. A recording of the June 3rd Port Commission meeting, including the Commission’s discussion about Fix’s departure, is available on the Port’s You Tube channel.

The Port Commission has appointed Tiffany DeSimone, the Port’s current Director of Maritime, to serve as Interim Executive Director. As Director of Maritime, DeSimone oversees a diverse portfolio of maritime operations and community-focused initiatives. In her leadership role, Tiffany manages the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, ensuring efficient cargo operations and supporting regional economic growth. She also directs operations at both Blaine and Squalicum Harbors, providing vital services for commercial and recreational marine users.

Tiffany leads the Port’s internal maritime security programs, maintaining safe and compliant waterfront operations, and she coordinates community outreach to strengthen public engagement and transparency in maritime activities. Additionally, she oversees the Marine Life Center, advancing the Port’s educational mission and environmental stewardship. DeSimone is currently leading one of the largest capital projects in Port history, the reactivation of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal. “The Port has a stable and knowledgeable leadership team in place and a skilled, dedicated staff ready to advance the Commission’s vision and execute its strategic priorities,” said DeSimone.

The Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition has worked collaboratively with the previous Director to the benefit of our maritime trades, and will continue to work with any incoming Port Director on promoting the economic benefits and vitality of our working waterfronts. We wish Interim Director DiSimone a steady turn at the helm.

Bill aims to modernize USCG Merchant Mariner Examinations

In Washington, D.C., U.S. Reps. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss.worked together this week to introduce the Mariner Exam Modernization Act. The Act would direct the U.S. Coast Guard to develop and implement a plan to modernize the merchant mariner credentialing exam with the goal to reduce redundancies and make the process more efficient. Read more about the proposed Act via the link below:

Free vessel turn-in event in Whatcom

Bellinghistory's Kolby LaBree shares photos of the old waterfront during "Shore Leave". Photo: Dan Tucker

Good Times on the Waterfront
Once you make it down to the waterfront, enjoy a fun, informative and memorable tour around with Bellinghistory: The Good Time Girls!  Their "Shore Leave" Tours are happening June 28th, July 26th, and August 30th. All are Saturdays, 3:00pm to 4:30pm.  Bellinghistory's Kolby LaBree and her team have put together a great walk with knowledge, stories, and insights that will surely make you appreciate the waterfront differently.

See their schedule below:

Waterfront Trolley makes debut

Getting down to the waterfront in Bellingham has never been easier nor more fun this summer. WTA has added their new Waterfront Line #47 with full service beginning June 15th. The new bus has also received a new wrap that recalls the classic trolley look. The line links downtown Bellingham with Squalicum Harbor, the Trackside area, and points in between.

Southern Resident Orcas. Photo: Wikipedia

"Whales in our Waters", a collaboration between Canadian agencies and NOAA, helps inform and guide mariners when it comes to navigating whale traffic in the Salish Sea. Submitted by a Coalition member, read more about it via the link below and learn how you can identify local whales as well as learn strategies to help protect them :

Do you have a news story, link, or highlight that you'd like to see in our newsletter? Members are welcome to submit potential stories and links!

These workshops provide hands-on experience and practice. Photo: Dan Tucker

Bosun's Workshop, led by the Schooner Zodiac's Captain, Calen Mehrer, will be holding upcoming community workshops that are available for anyone to join. The workshops are a great way to gain skills in vessel maintenance from experienced mariners and tradespeople. See the upcoming courses listed below:

Outboard Maintenance 101 - Saturday, June 21st,12:00-3:00pm

Outboard 201 - Saturday, July 12th, 12:00-3:00pm

Knife Sharpening - Tuesday, Aug.12th, 6:00-9:00pm

Classes happen in Fairhaven. To find out more information or to sign up for any of these workshops, please email info@bosunsworkshop.org and request the course you're interested in.