Volume 85 No. 7
July 2021
“The Voice of Port Industries” @VAmaritime
VMA’S INTERNATIONAL TRADE SYMPOSIUM: NEW VENUE & VIRTUAL OPTION NORFOLK | After 17 years of hosting the East Coast’s premier conference dedicated to addressing the topics most affecting ports, INTERNATIONAL TRADE logistics, and trade industries, the SYMPOSIUM Virginia Maritime Association made two major changes that will make the 18th Annual International Trade Symposium more accessible than ever before: first, to hold the conference at a larger venue, Norfolk Hilton | The Main, and second, to provide a virtual experience.
VMA
On September 29-October 1, 2021, guests will be able to choose how they want to participate during the Symposium: in-person, virtually, or a little of both. “We missed being able to gather last year, but are so excited
that this year, the VMA Symposium will be the preeminent transportation and logistics conference with a gathering of industry leaders from all aspects including ocean carriers, rail, truck, transportation intermediaries and cargo interests,” said Marc Marling, Senior Vice President/Chief Legal Officer for CMA CGM Group North America and Chair of the VMA Symposium Planning Committee. “We will welcome them all to downtown Norfolk for several days of conversation, idea sharing and hospitality to review the past year and forecast the year ahead.” All attendees will benefit from the series of panels and keynotes addressing topics related to the theme, “The Resilient Supply Chain,” as all the programming on location will be recorded. Panels following “track 1” will be available live and “track 2” panels will be made available on-demand. Not only does the Continue Reading on Page 3
COL. HALLBERG, USACE, VA PORT EXPANSION ASSUMES COMMAND CONTRIBUTES TO TRANSATLANTIC TRADE REBOUND
NORFOLK | Col. Brian P. Hallberg assumed command of the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a change of command ceremony held on July 8, 2021. As Commander of the Norfolk District, Hallberg manages USACE’s water resources development and navigable waterways operations for the Rappahannock, York, James and Chowan river basins, and the Chesapeake Bay coastal basin. Colonel Brian P. Hallberg is also responsible for the Corps’ Hallberg military design and construction projects for Army, Army Reserve and Air Force military installations throughout Virginia. He also will manage regulatory, environmental restoration, flood risk reduction (including hurricane and storm damage reduction) and disaster response activities.
INSIDE THIS EDITION h Membership Announcements (2) h Photos: MLCP Activities (3)
The Journal of Commerce (JOC) has ranked Virginia as one of the top ports in the U.S. for 2021, placing it in second for imports and third for exports, and recognized that ports which completed expansion projects in 2019 and 2020, contributed to the major increase in containerized volume between the U.S. and Europe.Volume rose 7.4 percent in the first 5 months of 2021 compared to the same period one year prior. This amount has mostly offset the 7.9 percent decrease seen during the first 5 months of 2020 and the start of the pandemic lockdowns. The U.S. gateways that recorded the largest growth from January to May in 2021, were, first, Virginia – up by 34.1
h VA Governor Appoints New Port Commissioners (4) h $1.5M Fed Grant Supports Maritime & Defense (4)
Continue Reading on Page 4
h Benjamin G. Cotrell Passes On (4) h Upcoming Chapter Events (7) h New Members (7)
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MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS MEMBERSHIP DUES:
President Michael W. Coleman
The VMA Executive Committee has approved a modest dues increase effective with the October 1, 2021 billing cycle. The new dues rates for standard membership levels will be: Future Leader $155 ($10 increase), Non-Profit/Additional Representative $310 ($20 increase), Business Service $375 ($25 increase), Moving Cargo or Offering Maritime-Related Services $725 ($50 increase) and Vessel or Marine Terminal Operations $1,070 ($70 increase).
Vice Presidents George Brown Lang Williams Rolf A. Williams
The increase for Anchor Members will be even less on a percentage basis: Bronze $1,890 ($90 increase), Silver $3,020 ($120 increase), Gold $5,975 ($175 increase) and Platinum $11,985 ($235 increase). Due to COVID-19, it will have been two years since the last increase in dues.
OFFICERS Chairman of the Board Scott Wheeler
Executive Director & Secretary David C. White Treasurer Judy M. Barrett Assistant Treasurer Camille Cherry STAFF Vice President of Finances & Administration.............................. Sam Davis Vice President of Industry & Government Affairs....................... Will Fediw Director of Membership Development............................Kristen Greene Executive Assistant................ Jennifer S. Deason Event Manager & Accounting Assistant............ Jennifer N. Parham Marketing Coordinator.................. Laura V. Bird Membership & Publications Coordinator...................... Susan N. Wisniewski
VMA AFFINITY PROGRAMS: *NEW* Nauticus: VMA members get a discount
on tickets and membership with Nauticus located at One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510.
Current VMA Affinity Programs Hotel Discounts: VMA members get discounted room rates on select hotels including
the Norfolk Waterside Marriott and the Norfolk Waterside Sheraton.
401K retirement plan: Through Capital Financial Group, VMA members can join an
AXA Network retirement plan, including local service, employee education, lower plan expenses, fiduciary services, and plan analysis. Virginia Business Magazine Subscription: VMA Members will receive 12 monthly issues of Virginia Business magazine. If located within Hampton Roads, members will receive two additional annual publications: The Virginia Maritime Guide & Virginia Statistical Digest.
For Questions about the Bulletin or Advertising laura@vamaritime.com - 757.628.2667
Trade Missions through VEDP’s VITAL Program: VMA offers access to trade missions
The MARITIME BULLETIN is provided through membership.
Special Rates at the YMCA: VMA Members recieve special membership rates for
Contact laura@vamaritime.com to Advertise in the Next Bulletin!
Follow Us on Social Media:
@VAmaritime
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through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership that helps both new and experienced exporters enter new international markets by identifying new markets, developing market entry strategies and locating distributors and representatives for products or services.
individual and family plans at YMCA’s in the Hampton Roads and Richmond areas.
How to access these benefits?
Sign into your membership account at www.vamaritime.com/login.aspx Go to “my profile” > “manage profile” >“affinity programs” Contact Susan at memberdesk@VAmaritime.com or 757-628-2661 if you need help with your login information.
SYMPOSIUM (CONT.) virtual component allow participants to hear from the speakers and panelists from their office or home, but if an emergency presents itself or if someone misses a panel due to a business call, they are still able to access all the content virtually and reach out to other attendees via the event’s mobile app. As for the new venue, The Main will allow VMA’s Symposium to host about 500 guests during the day and 1,200 for the 101st Annual Maritime Banquet in the evening, the largest and most popular of the networking events selling out year-after-year. The Symposium also features a Maritime Mixer harbor cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk for Wednesday evening and a Golf Outing on Friday, which for the first time ever, will be held at Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club in Portsmouth, VA. “We’re excited to again host industry thought leaders and decision makers after a long time apart,” said Will Fediw, VMA Vice President, Industry and Government Affairs. “So much has changed globally and domestically since 2019 regarding our supply chain, and I believe the excellent content of our 18th International Trade Symposium will reflect what we’ve overcome and where we’re going in the future.” What to Expect at the 18th Annual International Trade Symposium, “The Resilient Supply Chain:” Global logistics are evolving; the world has drastically changed even since 2019. Trade tensions, a pandemic, and critical trade route bottlenecks have forced us to rethink our industry. Additionally, shipping practices (or cargo flows) have shifted, environmental regulations have increased, and technology continues to transform how we move goods throughout the supply chain. What will appear next on the horizon? At VMA’s 18th Annual International Trade Symposium, industry experts and speakers
will dive into the current and future resiliency of the global supply chain in an ever-changing world of trade. Currently, keynote speakers will include Stephen Edwards, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority discussing “Virginia as a Gateway to the World” and H. Michael Ligon, former Vice President of Universal Corporation (retired), addressing the “Virginia International Trade Strategic Plan.” The panelists will discuss: h What U.S. Trade Policy might look like and how might it be
received by the rest of the world?
h Greening of the Supply Chain h Cargo: Import Challenges & Opportunities h Blockchain Business Results – Realtime Supply Chain
Applications
h Cargo: Export Challenges & Opportunities h Turning the Regulatory Ship Around – Influencing the
Policy and Rulemaking Processes
h Supporting Supply Chain Visibility through the
Implementation of Emerging Technologies
h The State of Shipping: Post-Pandemic Ocean Carrier
Operations
The Symposium will adhere to any pandemic-related regulations in place at the time of the event (i.e. social distancing, masks for those unvaccinated, event capacity, sanitization, etc.), and be consistent with guidelines set by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Virginia State Golf Association Register at www.VAmaritime.com/Symposium
PHOTOS: MLCP JULY ACTIVITIES
VIEW FULL ALBUM AT www.VAmaritime.com/media
MLCP’s Inaugural Graduates pose with Ashley McLeod, who spearheaded the program’s launch MLCP’s current cohort resumed activities on July 15, 2021
Ashley McLeod, Chris Ruddik, and David White
Wanda Drees, briefly driving the boat during the Virginia Pilot Association Tour
Thank you to the guest speakers Capt. Whiting Chisman, CAPT Samson C. Stevens, Jr., RADM Thomas W. Steffens, and Leslie Dobbins (not pictured). Topics presented: “Collaboration and Team Dynamics” and “Navigation & Federal Agencies.”
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$1.5M FED GRANT SUPPORTS MARITIME & DEFENSE
VA GOVERNOR APPOINTS NEW PORT COMMISSIONERS
RICHMOND | A $1.5 million federal grant has been awarded to the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide small businesses in the defense industry with required cybersecurity skills and certifications, and to help modernize the maritime industrial workforce.
Board of Commissioners of the Virginia Port Authority h Eva Teig Hardy* of Richmond, Retired, Executive Vice President, Dominion Energy and former Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources
“Virginia is a leader in the defense industry and the second highest recipient of Defense Department investments among all states,” said Governor Northam. “Local defense suppliers are critical to present and future military readiness, and this federal funding will help enhance their cyber capabilities while also improving the resiliency of our maritime workforce to meet modernization opportunities.” Funds from the grant will go to the GENEDGE Alliance, $1.026 million, and the Maritime Industrial Base Ecosystem (MIBE) initiative, $474,000. Managed by Old Dominion University, MIBE seeks to transform the shipbuilding and ship repair workforce with modernized and sustained maritime training pipelines. “This funding will help MIBE work with its stakeholders to strengthen Virginia’s maritime workforce, which is critical to our ability to continue building the world’s best warships, while also improving ship repair on-time completion rates,” said retired Rear Admiral Brad Williamson, Executive Director of the Maritime Industrial Base Ecosystem.
TRADE REBOUND (CONT.) percent, second, Savannah – up by 18.9 percent, and third, Charleston – up by 13.8 percent. All these ports finished major expansions in 2019 or 2020. From, January to May 2021, Virginia’s trans-Atlantic import volumes made up 13.1 percent of the market share (only 10.2 percent the prior year) and 16.1% for exports. This increase follows the mid-2020 installation of the Port of Virginia’s 86 semi-automated gantry cranes at NIT and VIG, marking the completion of the $375 million expansion project at NIT, increasing the Port’s handling capacity up to 2.2 million TEU and allowing the Port to service container vessels with up to 18,000 TEU capacities.
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h Maurice A. Jones of Norfolk, CEO, OneTen and CEO and former Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade h Aubrey L. Layne, Jr. of Chesapeake, Senior Corporate Vice President and Chief of Staff, Sentara Healthcare h Edward F. O’Callaghan of Virginia Beach, President and Owner, Audax Transportation h Faith B. Power, EdD* of Winchester, Executive Director, The Laurel Center *denotes reappointment
BENJAMIN G. COTRELL PASSES ON With a heavy heart we share the sad news that on July 16, 2021, Benjamin G. Cottrell, 62, president of Cottrell Contracting and father-in-law to VMA Board member Will Russell, passed on. The Cottrell family and namesake company Cottrell Contracting, established in 1928, have a long and distinguished history of projects improving our waterways and as part of the maritime community. Ben Cottrell’s obituary can be found at: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/ pilotonline/name/benjamin-cottrell-obituary?pid=199491618
ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT VIRGINIA PORTS ANNUAL www.VAmaritime.com/PortsAnnual
Photo Courtesey of the Virginia Por Authoirty
VESSELS BY TYPE Jun-21
YTD-21
PORT OF HAMPTON ROADS TEU’S Jun-20
YTD-20
Arrive
Arrive
Arrive
BULK
18
91
19
82
COAL
30
178
25
191
CONTAINER
123
715
100
618
GENERAL
7
52
13
54
PASSENGER
0
0
3
6
RORO
6
43
5
45
TANKER
6
53
9
71
TOTAL TEUS: PAST SIX MONTHS Current (2021)
Last Year
340,000 320,000 300,000 280,000 260,000 240,000 220,000
TOTAL
190
1132
174
1067
200,000 180,000
JAN
FEB
MAR
APRIL
MAY
Jun
6 month
2021
281,346
1,681,702
2020
210,669
1,274,115
Source: Virginia Port Authority
JUNE
PORT STATISTICS | JUNE 2021
Arrive
ULTRA LARGE CONTAINER VESSELS (ULCV) 10
ULCV
68
5
35
COMMERCIAL PRINTER
DISTRIBUTION OF COAL DUMPINGS
HAMPTON ROADS REGION (IN NET TONS OF 2,000LBS)
COAL DUMPINGS: PAST SIX MONTHS Current (2021)
Full-Service YOUR
Last Year
2900000 2700000 2500000 2300000 2100000 1900000 1700000 1500000
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUNE
Jun-2021
**6 month 2021
Jun-2020
6 month 2020
TOTAL
2,571,653
14,039,763
1,549,165
14,222,218
**NS
837,462
5,048,189
703,704
6,230,791
Pier IX
730,466
2,604,460
74,872
2,024,178
DTA
1,003,726
6,387,114
770,589
5,967,249
Contact PHIL
JONES
PhilJones@jones-printing.com
Source: Coal figures compiled by coal terminals & third party sources **Estimated figures
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ASSOCIATION IN ACTION In June, each of VMA’s four regional chapters held socials in their respective regions so members and guests could reconnect with each other in-person for the first time in over a year. Many reported the VMA chapter socials were the first work related in-person events they had attended since pandemic restrictions were implemented by government and employers. VMA’s participation and hosting of in-person meetings also increased, with most still including options for virtual participation. The VMA continued working with other organizations to advance a comprehensive regional infrastructure package with Congress - inclusive of port, waterway, and related freight movement projects. The 17 organizations of the Hampton Roads Infrastructure Coalition are presenting a unified voice for agreed priorities for infrastructure investment as Congress debates unprecedented levels of investment. The resumption of in-person meetings and gatherings allowed VMA to reconnect with and educate Virginia elected officials and key staff in the legislature. These activities included individual meetings, providing educational port tours, and attending various legislative events. In June, the VMA submitted to Governor Northam nominees for the Virginia Port Authority Board of Commissioners in order to fill a vacancy on the Board which resulted from the resignation of Captain Bill Cofer. The Code of Virginia establishes one
seat on the Board to be filled by the Governor by selecting one individual from at least three nominees from VMA. An ad-hoc committee was formed to select VMA’s nominees. Transportation was a topic in which VMA was very involved in June. VTrans is Virginia’s long-term transportation planning process and VMA participated in a review and discussion of the freight element of the plan. In June, VMA was interviewed by the General Assembly’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), which is preparing an analysis of the state’s transportation planning and funding programs. In March, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine convened the inaugural meeting of the Virginia Freight Advisory Committee (VA-FAC). Secretary Valentine established VAFAC to create a forum to communicate and engage with public and private partners to understand needs, inform policy, and advocate for freight to achieve a dynamic transportation system that creates economic opportunity for Virginia and the nation. VMA’s David White was elected to be chairman of the VA-FAC during its second meeting in June. VMA continued its representation of the membership and industry across many other lines of effort. Some of those included the regular meetings in June of the Advisory Committee on International Trade, the Hampton Roads Business Roundtable, and the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority.
COMMITTEE UPDATES INLAND TRANSPORTATION (6/1): Updates were provided on the HRCP II, along with a discussion on global chassis shortages. Presentations were also given on the Port Authority’s Green Operator Program, as well as updates on the Pier Committee and on EDI/API application improvements. Finally, HRSA provided a presentation on stevedoring operations. MARITIME BANQUET (6/10): The committee discussed the keynote speaker, received updates, and made several decisions for the remainder of the program of the 101st Annual Banquet to be held September 30. OFFSHORE WIND (6/10): A review of the committee’s work on its one-year anniversary was given, along with project updates from Dominion Energy and Avangrid Renewables. A presentation was given by DLS Marine on drone inspection services, as well as a presentation by Nexans and Seaway7 on subsea cable installation. Finally, the U.S. Coast Guard provided an update on the PARS study. MEMBERSHIP (6/17): A recap was provided about the Maritime Mixer recently held in May and the first two Chapter socials. As the VMA continues to expand regionally, we continue to encourage members to meet potential business partners outside of their region or simply tour the state of Virginia alongside fellow
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members. The committee was asked to submit any final notes to the chair as they wrap up care calls for the quarter. The committee was also briefed on the status of the onboarding process stood for both new and current members. MARITIME BRIEFINGS (6/21) The committee reviewed potential dates, locations, and topics for the remaining calendar year and 2022. The next Membership Breakfast will be held in October. OUTINGS (6/21): The committee reviewed the attendance and financial results of the Maritime Mixers held on May 27th held at Town Point Park in Norfolk. A tentative schedule and locations were discussed for the remainder of 2021 through 2022. The next MIC Golf Classic will be held on May 12, 2022, at the Cedar Point Country Club. HARBOR-ANCHORAGE DREDGING AND NAVIGATIONAL RULES (6/29): The need to expand the existing “F” anchorage was discussed with regard to an increase in vessel sizes. The U.S. Coast Guard provided a presentation on a proposed expansion to a regulatory navigation area, as well as a revision to the ULCV Business Rules. Another presentation was given on under keel clearances and the hydrodynamic effects of larger vessels to provide greater context to the dredging project. Finally, the Committee was briefed on several other navigation-related projects in the area.
Photo : courtesy of Colonna’s Shipyard
CHAPTER UPDATES
UPCOMING EVENTS
After putting in-person events on hold due to COVID-19, the VMA was excited to hit the road and bring together businesses from across the maritime supply chain. During the month of June, VMA hosted multiple chapter socials throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia in Richmond, Danville, Winchester and Wytheville. Each social was held at a local brewery unique to the area and had attendees from the Port of Virginia, local economic development team members, current VMA members and non-members.
WWW.VAMARITIME.COM/CHAPTEREVENTS Looking into the future, the VMA will be hosting a Southwest Chapter social in August in Roanoke, VA. We will also be hosting chapter events for our Central, Southern and Valley Logistics Chapters in September. Be on the lookout for a an email with additional details. As we continue to expand regionally, we hope you will take advantage of the VMA’s chapters to meet potential business partners outside your region or simply tour the state alongside fellow members. All chapter events are open to VMA members, guests of VMA members and non-members.
SouthWest Chapter Social
Southern Chapter Meeting h Thursday, September 9, 2021 h Tuesday, August 24, 2021 h 12:00 PM h 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM h Registration Required h Big Lick Brewing Company, Roanaoke, VA Valley Logistics Chapter Meeting h Free to attend, Registration Required h Thursday, September 16, 2021 h First round on the VMA! h 3:30 PM h Registration Required
Central Chapter Meeting
h Tuesday, September 14, 2021 h 3:00 PM h Registration Required
NEW MEMBERS ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS, INC. Wood Products P.O. Box 867 Petersburg, WV 26847 www.alleghenywood.com h P.J. Wright
Transportation Director (321) 298–8281 pj@alleghenywood.com
h Tom Plaugher
Vice President of Operations (304) 257–1082 tplaugher@alleghenywood.com
NEW ANCHOR ALACRAN S Corp BRONZE ANCHOR 2200 Kraft Drive Blacksburg, VA 24060 www.alacraninc.com h Michael A. Fisher Director of Operations mfisher@alacraninc.com
h Ian W. Heyns President
iwheyns@alacranic.com
h Graham R. Reynolds Future Leader Vice President of Operations (540) 629–6095 greynolds@alacraninc.com
AUXILIARY SYSTEMS, INC. Ship Repair Contractor/Manufacturer 311 E. 24th Street Norfolk, VA 23505 www.auxsysinc.com h Jeffrey F. Estes
CFO (757) 567–8831 jestes@auxsysinc.com
h Kenneth J. Lange
Senior Vice President and General Manager (757) 623–5674 klange@auxsysinc.com
THE MEECHAN GROUP, LLC Consulting Services and Leadership Development 4491 Hialeah Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23464 www.themeechangroup.com h Kate E. Meechan
President and CEO (757) 537–3229 themeechangroup@gmail.com
ADDITIONAL REPS COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL Commercial Real Estate and Property Management 150 W. Main Street, Suite 1100 Norfolk, VA 23510 www.colliers.com h Benton R. Anderson Future Leader Associate (757) 228–1839 ben.r.anderson@colliers.com
COTTRELL CONTRACTING CORPORATION Dredging (Harbor, etc.) 328 Battlefield Boulevard N. Chesapeake, VA 23320 www.cottrellcontracting.com h Benjamin G. Cottrell, VI Future Leader Project Manager (757) 705–7159 bgcvi@cottrellcontracting.com
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP 1288 Collierstown Road Lexington, VA 24450 813 Atley Lane Virginia Beach, VA 23452 www.exportvirginia.org h Caitlin C. Maxwell
International Trade Manager (540) 492–1237 cmaxwell@vedp.org 901 E. Cary Street, Suite 900 Richmond, VA 23219
h Monica L. Sadie
Supply Chain Program Manager (804) 545–5763 msadie@vedp.org
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PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORFOLK, VA PERMIT NO. 1930
P.O. Box 3487 Norfolk, Virginia 23510
CLUB CONTACTS: Customs Brokers & Int’l Freight Forwarders Assn. Tiffany Coffey • tiffany.coffey@jas.com Hampton Roads Coal Association Blair Priest • 757-668-1510 www.hrcoal.org Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council Melinda Mathews • 757-217-5249 www.hrgcc.org
Hampton Roads Traffic Club Dennis Wilson• 757-543-1941 www.HamptonRoadsTrafficClub.org
Tidewater Motor Truck Association Ray Jalkio • ray@servicetransfer.net www.tmtava.org
Propeller Club - Port of Norfolk Camille Crofton Cherry www.PropellerClubNorfolk.org
Virginia Ship Repair Association Sylvia Bell • 757-233-7034 www.VirginiaShipRepair.org
Shenandoah Valley Traffic Club Chad Brant • 540-398-9923
Virginia International Business Council www.vaibc.org
DISCOVER UPCOMING EVENTS AT VAMARITIME.COM/EVENTS
VMASYMPOSIUM
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Anchor Members P L AT I N U M A N C H O R S
Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2021 Bay Diesel & Generator CV International
GOLDEN ANCHORS Vandeventer Black LLP Greater Richmond Partnership VHB T. Parker Host Virginia Pilot Association S I LV E R A N C H O R S
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www.VAmaritime.com/ Symposium
AdvanSix Avangrid Renewables - Kitty Hawk Offshore Wind Bank of America BDO USA LLP Capes Shipping Agencies CMA CGM (America) Colliers Corman Kokosing Construction Company
CP&O, LLC Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP Enviva Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. Marine Oil Service, Inc. Nexans High Voltage USA Norfolk Oil Transit Pender & Coward, P.C. Port City Transportation
SeaGate Terminals SunTrust Bank, Truist Tecnico Corporation Tidewater Staffing TMEIC Corporation Universal Leaf Tobacco Co. Virginia Business Wells Fargo Bank Western Fumigation
18TH ANNUAL
SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 1, 2021 | NORFOLK, VA
WWW.VAMARITIME.COM/VMASYMPOSIUM
A Hybrid International Trade Symposium
HOSTED BY
VMA’s Annual International Trade Symposium is the East Coast’s premier conference addressing the topics most affecting port operations and cargo logistics, drawing-in attendees from around the globe. This year, panels and keynotes will be streamed live or available as on-demand content for virtual attendees.
Annual Maritime Banquet
The Virginia Maritime Association’s Annual Maritime Banquet draws in over 1000 industry professionals and maritime community members for networking, fine dining, awards, and announcements.
Maritime Mixer Cruise
Enjoy a celebration of our industries, our port, and good old-fashioned camaraderie at the largest Maritime Mixer of the year! Hosted on the Spirit of Norfolk Cruise Ship.
VMA Golf Outing
Enjoy a day of golfing exclusive to Symposium or Banquet attendees.
SPONSORS INCLUDE:
3 DAYS
WWW.VAMARITIME.COM/SYMPOSIUM CHECK WEBSITE FOR UPDATES & MORE SPEAKERS
WEDNESDAY KEYNOTE Stephen Edwards CEO and Executive Director
The Port of Virginia
of Industry Discussion & Networking Events
Virginia as a Gateway to the US and to the World Mr. Stephen Edwards, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, will share how The Port of Virginia’s strategy of maximizing productivity while minimizing environmental impacts is setting the pace for the industry, is helping to drive growth across Virginia, and is cementing the port’s status as the gateway to the world for America’s Heartland.
Turning the Regulatory Ship Around: Influencing the Policy and Rule-making Processes Every day, the shipping industry is impacted by complex and sometimes incredibly burdensome regulations from a variety of federal agencies… and each year, those agencies propose and finalize new rules. This panel, which includes a former senior political appointee from the United States Department of Transportation and a health economist with extensive experience in public policy and infectious diseases such as COVID, will dive into how the policy development and rule-making processes really work, the importance of industry participation, and how industry can impact policy and proposed rules. Discover how to develop relationships in the government to build industry credibility and voice when it comes to regulatory and policy matters. Blockchain Business Results: Real Time Supply Chain Applications. Blockchain is one of those words on everyone’s lips…but do they truly know what it means, or more importantly, how can it improve your supply chain? Blockchain solutions providers and experienced users will provide an inside look that will help prepare your business for the next decade. Supporting Supply Chain Visibility through the Implementation of Emerging Technologies While supply chain visibility was once considered a white glove feature, it has quickly transformed into a mandated necessity. Your informed customer base demands it and technology has cracked open a new world of risk mitigation and optimization opportunities. This panel will help support supply chain efforts through the implementation of emerging technologies. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, automation, robotics, and the like are continuously transforming every aspect of the supply chain. Learn the benefits and best practices of working with next generation technologies to create an effective strategy for technology driven processes that result in growth opportunities and drive success.
35+ SPEAKERS from Ports, Logistics, and Trade Industries
Virginia International Trade Strategic Plan In 2017, the Virginia General Assembly appointed Mike Ligon, former Vice President Corporate Affairs at Universal Corporation, to the Advisory Committee on International Trade where he serves as the chairman. With new funding and greater clarity, Mr. Ligon will be providing a neverLUNCHEON SPEAKER before-seen look into the state’s plans H. Michael Ligon Vice President, Corporate Affairs to increase Virginia’s international trade output by nearly 50% over the Universal Corporation next fifteen years. (Retired) Cargo: Import Challenges & Opportunities This Import panel will dive deeply into a diversified group of markets, to explore challenges and opportunities within their supply chains. Moderated by a large NVOCC representative, expect to hear from industry experts in dry and refrigerated container cargo, breakbulk, pharmaceuticals, and furniture to learn more about how their industries have been affected over the past year. Learn more about the “three C’s” of importing: Capacity, Continuity, and Contract integrity.
What U.S. Trade Policy might look like and how might it be received by the rest of the world? Both tariffs and a once-in-a-century worldwide pandemic, have influenced global value chains to the extent not seen in decades. U.S. manufacturers have been hit with tariffs not only on inputs from China but also steel and aluminum and other products from our allies. Countermeasures imposed by other countries have impacted many U.S. exporters. What will be the direction of trade policy in this new administration? How will it handle China? And trade irritants with our allies? How will it enforce the NAFTA rewrite, called the U.S.Mexico- Canada Agreement or “USMCA.” The World Trade Organization is in crisis with a nonfunctioning Appellate Body. Is there hope for the “Rules Based Trading System?” Our speakers – experts in international trade representing various perspectives - will discuss what may be in store for U.S. importers and exporters in 2022 and beyond.
Cargo: Export Challenges & Opportunities This Export panel will examine a diversified group of markets and shipping conveyances in both dry and refrigerated cargo, to explore challenges and opportunities. Moderated by a large NVOCC representative, expect to hear from industry experts in agribusiness, fresh and frozen proteins, forestry, and chemical products to learn more about how they had to reinvent their supply chains. Greening of the Supply Chain With global efforts well underway to reduce carbon emissions and slow climate change, the transportation and supply chain sectors have already initiated bold plans and new technology to do their part. From alternative fuels, smart scheduling, environmentally-friendly sourcing, hear from leaders in various transportation sectors discuss what their current sustainability initiatives and what lies ahead.
The State of Shipping: Post-Pandemic Ocean Carrier Operations Congestion, blank sailings, and fluctuating spot rates. Combined with continued carrier consolidation, a reduction in volumes, increased profit margins, empty shortages, and trade lane disruptions, you can hardly mention the global commerce without discussing recent trends in the ocean carrier market. Join our panel of ocean carrier leadership as we discuss what has changed over the last year, what still needs to change, and what trends will remain as the “new normal.”