THE Sea Swift Board has announced that chief executive Fred White has opted to retire.

In announcing Mr White’s departure, Sea Swift chair Steve Boulton thanked Mr White for his “invaluable service” and “outstanding contribution” to the northern Australia marine transport company during the past 12 years.

Mr White joined Sea Swift in January 2009 as CEO after spending 20 years in the mining sector, mostly in Mount Isa.

Since joining Sea Swift, he has been praised for seeing the company through the Global Financial Crisis, a change of ownership and expansion into the Northern Territory.

Mr White’s last day as CEO will be Friday 6 November, with current Sea Swift chief operating officer Lino Bruno to take on the role of acting CEO. The board has started searching or a permanent replacement.