FAIRWINDS LANDING (CONT.)

deepwater access to the Elizabeth River and is conveniently located across from Portsmouth Marine Terminal.

“We’re excited to be the first tenant of the nearly 48,500-squarefoot monitoring and coordination center located right here, across from the Portsmouth Marine Terminal,” said Diane Leopold, Dominion Energy’s executive vice president and chief operations officer. Leopold emphasized the importance of Fairwinds Landing in establishing an offshore wind supply chain in Virginia, recognizing the partnerships that are making Virginia a hub for offshore wind, and contributing to the revitalization of the former Lambert’s Point.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Virginia Congressional Representatives Bobby Scott and Jen Kiggans, Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, the Virginia Maritime Association, and other regional officials who lauded the significance of the Fairwinds Landing project. Mayor Alexander described the center as a catalyst for business in Norfolk and the Hampton Roads region, solidifying their position as leaders in offshore wind energy on the East Coast. He also highlighted the rare and highly sought-after attributes of the Fairwinds Landing site, including two 10-acre piers with over 6,000 linear feet of deepwater access.

Jerry Miller, CEO of Fairwinds Landing and The Miller Group, expressed his excitement about the project and the potential it holds for the offshore wind industry. Miller emphasized the importance of the MCC in their strategic plan to transform Fairwinds Landing into a world-class marine logistics center. Robust port infrastructure, such as the one being developed at Fairwinds Landing, is vital for the emerging offshore wind industry in the United States and will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Hampton Roads.

The Virginia Maritime Association has been actively engaged in offshore wind since 2009, advocating for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project (CVOW), developing political support, fostering favorable policies, attracting industry participants, and ensuring that our membership is well-informed and connected to offshore wind opportunities. VMA’s continuous efforts and influence have played a significant role in positioning Virginia as a hub for offshore wind and driving the growth of this vital industry in the region.

The groundbreaking of Fairwinds Landing’s Monitoring and Coordination Center marks a significant step forward for offshore wind development in Hampton Roads. As construction progresses, the center will provide hundreds of construction and engineering jobs, further bolstering the region’s economy. The collaborative efforts are instrumental in establishing Virginia as a prominent player in the offshore wind industry and positioning Hampton Roads as a hub for innovation and advanced technology.

Source: Virginia Business

Founded in 1945, ZIM, subsidiary of ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., an Israeli international cargo shipping company, is a leading global container liner shipping company with operations in over 90 countries. It serves approximately 34,000 customers in more than 300 ports worldwide. ZIM’s innovative seaborne transportation and logistics services, coupled with its commitment to environmental, social, and governance values, have positioned the company as a key player in the industry.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, in collaboration with the City of Virginia Beach, the Hampton Roads Alliance, and the Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission, played a crucial role in securing this project for Virginia. The Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund approved a $1,497,300 grant to support the project, and ZIM is eligible for benefits from the Port of Virginia® Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities.

ZIM’s decision to expand its U.S. headquarters in Virginia is a testament to the state’s attractiveness for global businesses and its strong commitment to fostering economic growth. The Virginia Maritime Association congratulates ZIM on its expansion and looks forward to continued collaboration and success in the maritime industry.