"Not only have we had growth but we've had tremendous cultural changes within our organisation.
"We are more engaged with our staff, we are recognised leaders in port health and safety and we are working more closely with our community than ever before," Mr Cowie said.
Napier Port chairman Alasdair MacLeod said Mr Cowie should take great pride in achievements that have positioned Napier Port well for the future.
He said he had developed an outstanding senior management team and motivated and dedicated staff across the board - across their marine, cargo handling and support functions.
"They are pushing industry boundaries nationally and internationally in health and safety, technology and logistics.
"Napier Port's relationship with customers and suppliers is strong and the company is forging partnerships for collaboration across the globe."
Mr MacLeod said they were heading towards a healthy profit this year and were planning for a wharf development that would see Napier Port significantly increase capacity.
Mr Cowie believed it was the right time to go but said it would be sad leaving his friends and colleagues.
"Napier Port is now exceeding all expectations and the company is in excellent shape to tackle the huge growth that's coming.
"The future is bright for Napier Port and I have a few other things on my list that I want to tick off," Mr Cowie said.
This included spending more time with his wife Monique and their children and grandchildren. He had also set his sights on some new projects.
Mr MacLeod said, while it will be difficult to replace Mr Cowie, his decision to retire will create a huge opportunity for someone in the industry.
The recruitment process will begin immediately.
