Massport Appoints Charlie Cunnion and Announces $100 Million in Upgrades at Flynn Cruiseport

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) named Charlie Cunnion as its new port director, while also confirming an investment of more than $100 million to modernize Flynn Cruiseport Boston. The announcement combines a leadership change in the maritime division with an upgrade plan that includes new holding areas, streamlined security screening, and an additional escalator.

Cunnion brings more than 25 years of experience in global transportation, supply chain management, operations, and strategic planning. Before taking on the role, he served as vice president of supply chain and customer service at CMPC Forest Products North America, a company he joined in 2024 following a previous stint at International Forest Products, where he rose to vice president of global transportation. In his new role, he will oversee both Flynn Cruiseport and Conley Terminal, the port's container terminal.

The upgrade plan calls for expanding holding areas with additional seating and restrooms, streamlining security screening, and installing a new escalator to improve passenger flow. Massport framed these works as part of its goal to strengthen operations and sustain growth at the Port of Boston.

In addition to the facility upgrades, Massport plans to introduce shore power at Flynn Cruiseport by 2030, allowing cruise ships to shut down their auxiliary engines while in port. According to the port authority, nearly 80% of the vessels currently calling at Boston are already equipped to connect to shore power or use alternative low-emission technologies.

Flynn Cruiseport handled more than 454,000 passengers and 149 cruise calls during 2025. According to data released by Massport, that activity generated an estimated economic impact of $256 million and supported more than 3,000 jobs tied to the terminal's operation.