VMA COMMITTEES

VMA is built on a foundation of committees dedicated to improving and supporting our port and the maritime supply chain. The following summarizes the VMA industy committees that met over the past quarter. We also recognize the following VMA’s events and adminstration committees that met: Annual Banquet, Maritime Briefing, Membership, and Nominating. Thank you to our chairs and members for their service and contributions to our committees. If you are interested in learning more about VMA committees or joining, please contact Shayla Prince, sprince@vamaritime.com to coordinate.

All Hazards

5/31/23 - The Annual SAR Forum and Annual Marine Firefighting School were discussed, as well as the Spirit of Norfolk casualty report. Increased private sector engagement in drills and exercises were also discussed, as well as offshore wind response challenges.

Cargo Owners

5/3/23 - There was a group discussion on interactions with carriers during contract season, geopolitical impacts to the market, supply & demand in various sectors, etc. Updates were also provided on container terminal operations and trucker reservation systems

Harbor Anchorage, Dredging,

and Navigation Rules

6/24/23 - The USACE provided an overview of the status of the USACE Craney Island Dredge Material Management Area, to include capacity, ongoing dredging projects, future availability, and alternative disposal sites. Alternative disposal areas were also discussed.

Communication & Outreach

5/16/23 - Federal earmarks submitted by the Virginia Congressional Delegation and the debt ceiling impacts to the Appropriations Bill were discussed, as well as the status of the state budget and upcoming elections in November.

Education & Training

6/20/23 - An update on the internship video series was presented, and the Committee’s progress on their Strategic Plan assignments was discussed. Upcoming career fairs and K12 curriculum enhancement was discussed as ways to improve workforce attraction.

Environmental Affairs

5/23/23 - Virginia DEQ’s Office of Environmental Justice provided a presentation on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s environmental justice draft guidance and tools. Updates were provided on several environmental regulations, and several dredging projects were discussed.

Offshore Wind

5/18/23 - Siemens Energy and the Virginia Port Authority provided presentations on the development of PMT, and project updates were provided by Avangrid Renewables and Dominion Energy. The U.S. Coast Guard also discussed adapting operations to offshore wind.

7/20/23 - NOAA provided an overview of the 2023 hurricane season, as well as historical weather trends. Project updates were provided by Avangrid Renewables, Ocean Winds, and Dominion Energy, and increased coordination and collaboration between state agencies to attract more development opportunities was discussed.

Ship Operators & Agents

5/2/23 - Updates were provided on BOEM’s Central Atlantic offshore wind call area, the U.S. Guard’s consolidated Port Access Route Study regarding Safety Fairways, and NOAA’s proposed revision to the North Atlantic Right Whale speed reduction rule. Several dredging projects were also discussed.

Terminal Operators

6/29/23 - Chip Davis, the new MTS Cybersecurity Specialist for USCG Sector Virginia introduced himself and provided an update on several current cybersecurity issues, and there was also a discussion on enhancing cybersecurity as part of the FSP. Increased terminal operator participation and increased collaboration around common issues was discussed.

Towing & Barge

6/14/23 - There was a discussion on bridge opening delays, as well as a presentation on new sexual assault/ harassment regulations. Hurricane season preparedness and the upcoming season were also discussed.

Warehousing & Distribution Centers

5/16/23 - An update on the Hampton Roads commercial real estate market and other regions around Virginia, as well as vacancy rates. There was also a discussion on import volumes, future projects and needs, as well as increasing financing rates and construction costs. VEDP initiatives related to real estate and economic development and port operations were also discussed.