VMA's Maritime Bulletin - Vol. 85 Edition 7 - July 2021

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.”