Port of Virginia Raises the Bar, Dredging Project Progresses

The Port of Virginia processed more than 241,416 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in September 2019 – an increase of more than 9 percent vs. September 2018 – putting the port’s cargo volume growth for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 at more than 4 percent.

Commenting the latest news, John F. Reinhart, the CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, said: “We had a strong month for auto imports at Newport News Marine Terminal, cargo volume at Richmond Marine Terminal was up more than 45 percent and our overall truck volume increased by 8,700 moves. We are processing cargo more quickly, safely and dependably than ever before. We know there is room for improvement and will continue to fine-tune our processes to drive efficiency.”

The port is making progress on its channel deepening and widening project that when complete in 2024, will make Virginia home to the deepest port on the U.S East Coast.

In late September, the Virginia Port Authority Board of Commissioners approved a $78 million contract to begin the first phase of dredging the commercial ship channel to 55 feet.

The expansion at NIT is also progressing according to schedule.

There are 18 new stacks served by 36 new RMGs already in service. Work on the next phase of stack-yard construction is underway with the next group of rail-mounted gantry cranes scheduled for delivery in January 2020.