ASSOCIATION IN ACTION

July’s often oppressive heat gave frequent cause to think about the extreme conditions many people regularly work in to keep our port and supply chains working without disruption. On the water and docks, in shipyards and warehouses, on the roads and rails, and elsewhere; essential frontline workers regularly endure wet, freezing cold, or extreme heat as they reliably perform their work. The VMA appreciates and will always be grateful to these everyday supply chain heroes, and to the employers who take the steps to keep them safe.

NOAA has proposed amendments to existing North Atlantic Right Whale protection regulations which would increase the size of regulated areas where vessel speeds are not to exceed 10 knots, make the 10-know limit applicable to all vessels larger than 35 feet, and other changes which could unduly hinder maritime operations and compromise navigational safety. However, NOAA has yet to implement North Atlantic Right Whale monitoring systems required by the 2022 Coast Guard Reauthorization Act. The VMA made a request to the Virginia Congressional Delegation to support the bipartisan “Protecting Whales, Human Safety and the Economy Act of 2023” bill (H.R. 4323), which would be a companion to the Senate’s S. 1833 of the same title. These bills would delay NOAA’s pending amendments until it has implemented the previously required monitoring systems, providing a technology-based solution for whale protection prior to placing further restrictions that would compromise maritime operations and navigational safety.

Throughout July, the VMA was busy conducting port tours and attending events held across Virginia to continue strengthening our industry’s relationship with numerous legislators from both political parties. When the General Assembly convenes in 2024, it will be made-up by an unprecedented number of newly elected legislators and will be suffering from a critical loss of institutional knowledge. This upheaval will substantially impact the legislative and budgetary decisions made by the General Assembly. Throughout 2023, the VMA is focused on ensuring that we are well positioned to work with a very different General Assembly for the benefit of our mission and membership.

Continued cargo growth through the port, and ability to support associated business growth and economic development requires new freight-handling capacity. Advocating for increasing Virginia’s inventory of business-ready sites, and additional warehousing and distribution space has been a legislative priority for VMA. Projects can encounter NIMBY resistance from local communities. In July, VMA spoke at a Chesapeake City Council meeting in support of a proposed new facility. The Council deferred the vote, pending additional information.

VMA is the vigilant advocate for our commercial waterways, and the potential they hold for increased business growth and economic development. In July, VMA convened a meeting of industrial property stakeholders on the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River to explore such opportunities.

VMA represents the interests of our port and member businesses on several standing boards, advisory committees, and in other venues. In July, these included:

• Advisory Committee on International Trade to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership

• Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority

• Regional Energy Steering Committee of the Hampton Roads Alliance

New Members

STERNCASTLE CONSULTING

Cargo/Maritime Related

Consultant/Maritime

3311 W. Broad Street Suite 212 Richmond, VA 23230 sterncastleconsulting.com h Chris Holt

Principal chris.holt@sterncastleconsulting.com

(804) 278-7787

WILDCAT PROPELLERS, INC.

Platinum Anchor

Marine and Industrial Suppliers/Ship Chandlers

3313 S. Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23323 gjcobert.com h Troy Erb President wildcat@wildcatprops.com

(757) 647-9525 h Shawn King Supervisor shawn@wildcatprops.com (757) 334-0177 h Brian Marks Supervisor brian@wildcatprops.com

(757) 485-4260

Club Contacts

Customs Brokers & Int’l Freight Forwarders Assn.

Ben Nelson • cbiffa.va@gmail.com

Hampton Roads Coal Association Finn Host • treasurer@hrcoal.org hrcoal.org

Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council Kevin Speers • info@hrgcc.org hrgcc.org

WILSON PIPE & FABRICATION LLC

Bronze Anchor

Marine and Industrial Suppliers/Ship Chandlers 2810 Cromwell Drive Norfolk, VA 23509 wilsonpipe.com h Steven Riley Production Manager sriley@wilsonpipe.com (757) 816-5485 h Brandon Wilson Owner bwilson@wilsonpipe.com

(757) 524-4470

New Additional Representatives

h Bentley Dudek* Operations Manager bendudek@haslergroup.com

(757) 334-9582

HASLER GROUP

Norfolk, VA h Joe Locke

Operations Manager joel@morantug.com

(757) 625-6000

MORAN NORFOLK

Norfolk, VA morantug.com

*Young Maritime Professional

VMA 2023-2024 MEMBERSHIP DUES INCREASE

The VMA Executive Committee has approved dues increases effective with the October 1, 2023 billing cycle. The new dues rates will be:

STANDARD MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:

• Young Maritime Professionals $180 ($10 increase)

• Non-Profit Organization $350 ($15 increase)

• Business Service $425 ($20 increase)

• Moving Cargo or Offering Maritime-Related Services $825 ($40 increase)

• Vessel or Marine Terminal Operations $1,225 ($65 increase)

ANCHOR MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

• Bronze $2,115 ($90 increase)

• Silver $3,345 ($140 increase)

• Gold $6,510 ($235 increase)

• Platinum $12,850 ($375 increase)

Propeller Club - Port of Norfolk Noel Stokes • norfolkpropellerclub@gmail.com PropellerClubNorfolk.org

Shenandoah Valley Traffic Club shenandoahtrafficclub@gmail.com shenandoahtrafficclub.com

Tidewater Motor Truck Association Ray Jalkio • ray@servicetransfer.net tmtava.org

Virginia Ship Repair Association Sylvia Bell • 757-233-7034

VirginiaShipRepair.org

Virginia International Business Council robert.davenport@vdacs.virginia.gov vaibc.org