VMA Maritime Bulletin Vol. 87, No. 4, June 2023

PORT OF VIRGINIA® DRIVES JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NORFOLK | The Port of Virginia® continues to solidify its position as a crucial economic force in the Commonwealth, according to a recently published study conducted by The College of William & Mary. The study examined the economic impact of the activities generated by the six facilities owned or operated by the Virginia Port Authority (NIT, VIG, PMT, NNMT, RMT, VIP), comparing fiscal year 2022 (FY22) to the 2021 fiscal year.

With the fiscal year spanning from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, the Port of Virginia’s® contribution to job creation and economic investment has been substantial. Mr. Stephen Edwards, the CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA), expressed optimism about the port’s future, stating, “We are investing $1.4 billion to expand our overall capacity and cargo handling capabilities, and this will have a positive effect on the Virginia economy. As this port grows, so will its benefits to all Virginians.”

The FY22 performance of the Port of Virginia® marked its most productive fiscal year to date, with over 3.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units processed at its terminals. The movement and handling of this cargo, combined with the port’s efficiency and productivity, significantly contributed to the Virginia economy.

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GO-ZERO: INCENTIVES FOR ZERO-EMISSION DRAYAGE TRUCKS AT THE PORT OF VIRGINIA®

NORFOLK | The Green Operator program is open for the first round of funding for GO-Zero, a program designed to provide incentives toward the purchase of environmentally friendly drayage trucks.

The GO-Zero program, an extension of the existing Green Operator program, aims to encourage the adoption of zeroemission and near zero-emission drayage trucks specifically for service at the Port of Virginia® facilities. Unlike the current program, diesel-to-diesel upgrades will no longer require the scrappage of an older diesel-powered truck. However, an additional incentive will be available if an older drayage truck is scrapped.

The application period for GO-Zero will be open from May 1, 2023, through July 31, 2023. During this time, interested individuals and businesses can submit their applications for funding consideration. Following the application period, an evaluation will be conducted to determine the awards. To stay informed and access additional information about GOZero, we encourage you to visit the Green Operator website, greenoperator.org

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MLCP COHORT EXPLORES WINCHESTER

OFFICERS

Chairman of the Board

Michael Coleman

President

Judy Barrett

Vice Presidents

Lang Williams

Capt. Kenneth Flowers

Capt. Whiting Chisman

Executive Director & Secretary

David White

Treasurer

Camille Cherry

Assistant Treasurer

Tracy Gregorio

STAFF

Vice President of Finance & Administration.............................. Sam Davis

Vice President of Industry & Government Affairs....................... Will Fediw

Director of Membership Development............................ Kristen Greene

Executive Assistant....................

Shayla Prince

Event Manager & Accounting Assistant................ Jennifer Parham

Marketing Manager ................ Jennifer Deason

Membership & Publications Coordinator........................... Susan Wisniewski

For Questions about the Bulletin or Advertising jdeason@vamaritime.com - 757.628.2667

Contact jdeason@vamaritime.com to Advertise in the Next Bulletin!

WINCHESTER |

In June, as part of Virginia Maritime Association’s Maritime Leadership Certificate Program ongoing professional development journey, the 2024 cohort embarked on an educational and engaging trip to Winchester, VA, where they delved into the world of importer and exporter customers of our port, the Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO), while honing their problem-solving skills.

The group visited Allegheny Exports to gain insights into operations and processes, supply chains, and concerns of BCO’s. They also explored the Virginia Inland Port, observing efficient supply chains in action.

To enhance their problem-solving abilities, they participated in an escape room challenge, showcasing their critical thinking and collaboration skills. The day concluded with dinner and a self-guided Winchester pub crawl, fostering camaraderie and informal networking.

The Winchester excursion was a significant milestone for the class of 2024, providing valuable industry knowledge and strengthening professional relationships. The program continues to empower maritime leaders.

For more information on MLCP, visit our website at VAmaritime.com/mlcp.

APRI HAMPTON ROADS HONORS LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS

NORFOLK | The A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) Hampton Roads Chapter proudly celebrated its 8th Anniversary Scholarship Dinner on May 20, 2023. The event took place in Norfolk, VA, where esteemed individuals from the community were recognized for their exceptional contributions and outstanding achievements.

The APRI Outstanding Community Service Award was bestowed upon Mr. Roger Giesinger, President Emeritus & Chief Negotiator of the Hampton Roads Shipping Association. Mr. Giesinger’s commitment to improving the lives of individuals in the community, coupled with his exemplary leadership, earned him this prestigious recognition. His dedication and tireless efforts in supporting various charitable causes have made a significant impact on the region.

Mr. Thomas Little, International Vice President of the International Longshoremen’s Association received the APRI Leadership Award. Mr. Little’s exceptional leadership skills and profound impact on the labor movement have earned him this distinguished recognition. Through his visionary approach and dedication to improving working conditions and securing fair wages for workers, Mr. Little has made a lasting difference in the lives of many.

Mr. Charles Spivey was honored with the APRI Labor and Community Service Award. As the President of the United Steelworkers Local 8888, Mr. Spivey has demonstrated outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and wellbeing of workers and the community as a whole.

In addition to Mr. Giesinger, Mr. Little, and Mr. Spivey, several other outstanding individuals were acknowledged for their exceptional service and commitment to their respective fields as well as the 2023 scholarship recipients. CAPT. Janet Days, Commander of Naval Station Norfolk, received the APRI Service in Excellence Award. The Honorable Senator Lionell Spruill, Jr., and Fmr. Congresswoman Elaine Luria were recognized as a APRI Honorary Honoree.

Congratulations to Mr. Giesinger, Mr. Little, Mr. Spivey, and all the honorees on their achievements.

APRI Chapter President, Mr. Anthony Abisia, extended his congratulations to the recipients and honorees, acknowledging their remarkable contributions and achievements. He expressed admiration for the resilience and diversity of the Hampton Roads community, emphasizing their exceptional leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of labor and service in safeguarding our nation’s interests. Mr. Abisia expressed gratitude for their invaluable commitment and its profound impact on the community.

The APRI Hampton Roads Chapter is dedicated to advancing the principles and values advocated by its namesake, A. Philip Randolph, a prominent civil rights leader and labor union organizer. The organization is committed to promoting social and economic justice, civil rights, voter education and registration, and equal opportunities for all individuals. Through various initiatives and programs, APRI works tirelessly to create a fair and inclusive society for everyone. The A. Philip Randolph Institute has over 35 chapters nationwide, including in all major cities, where they assist the community in areas such as voter registration, voter education, food drives, charity events, and fostering good relations with community leaders to bridge the gap between the labor movement and civil, human, and women’s rights movements.

June 27 from 7:15 - 9:30 AM

VMA Breakfast Briefing, $55

Norfolk Yacht & Country Club

Norfolk, VA

August 1 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Member Orientation, Free Virtual

Charles Stuppard received for Ms. Luria, CAPT. Janet Days, Charles Spivey, Lionell Spruill, Jr., Tommy Little, and Roger Giesinger

PORT OF VIRGINIA® (CONT.) GO-ZERO (CONT.)

The economic impact resulting from the flow of cargo across the VPA’s terminals during FY22 was impressive:

1. $124.1 billion in output sales, up by 24% compared to FY21, accounting for 12% of total Virginia output.

2. $63 billion in Virginia gross state product, showing a remarkable increase of 33% and constituting 10% of the gross state product.

3. $41.4 billion in Virginia labor income, up by 53%, representing 7% of total labor income in Virginia.

4. 565,000 full- and part-time jobs, indicating a substantial growth rate of 29% and contributing to 11% of total employment in the state.

5. $5.8 billion in state and local taxes and fees, witnessing an impressive surge of 110% and accounting for 8% of all state and local taxes.

The Port of Virginia® plays a pivotal role in Virginia’s economy through three key aspects: the movement and transport of export and import cargo within the state, the export of locally made goods, and the processing and distribution of imports by Virginia businesses for sale across the state and the nation.

Mr. Stephen Edwards emphasized the exceptional circumstances that contributed to the record-setting year in FY22, as the port continued to recover from the disruptive effects of the pandemic on trade. Looking ahead, Edwards acknowledged the return to normalcy in trade and expressed a focus on maintaining the gains achieved while improving efficiency and service levels.

To solidify its position as a leader among U.S. East Coast ports, the Port of Virginia® is making strategic investments. The ongoing dredging efforts will soon give Virginia the deepest port on the U.S. East Coast, while expansion projects, such as the Central Rail Yard at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) and the North Berth at NIT, will further enhance trade operations.

The Port of Virginia’s® commitment to growth, efficiency, and service excellence ensures its continued contribution to the Virginia economy. As the port thrives, it will drive job creation, economic investment, and prosperity for all Virginians.

Source: American Journal of Transportation

If you have any questions regarding the program or the application process, please feel free to reach out to Ed Mihalski at emihalski@ecologixgroup.com.

The Virginia Green Operator program is a public-private, voluntary initiative dedicated to reducing air pollution from drayage trucks in the state of Virginia. By incentivizing the purchase of zero-emission and near zero-emission drayage trucks through programs like GO-Zero, the Port of Virginia® aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the community and beyond.

Join us in our efforts to embrace clean technology and contribute to a healthier environment. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in Virginia.

Source: Virginia Port Authority

VMA AFFINITY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Did you know VMA has been offering its Multiple Employer 401k Plan (MEP) to members since 2016? Participating members have enjoyed lower fees, enhanced fiduciary services, quality investment options, and local service. VMA’s MEP offers a reduced fiduciary liability, administrative workload, and fees and provides guaranteed investment options and a diversified fund lineup. Consider adding your company’s 401k plan. Learn more about our Affinity programs at VAmaritime.com/affinity.

Top Reasons Why Your Company Should

Join

» Lower fees and expenses

» Enhanced fiduciary services

» Quality investment options and local service from Capital Financial Group and Equitable Advisors

» Improved outcomes for you and your employees

VMA23 SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED

NORFOLK | VMA is pleased to announce an exceptional lineup of industry experts who will be speaking at the highly anticipated International Trade Symposium in October. These distinguished speakers are poised to provide invaluable insights into “Navigating Routes to Reliability,” the latest issues and trends shaping the maritime industry, port logistics, and international trade. For a complete speaker line-up, visit our website at VMAsymposium.com.

The symposium itself will encompass three full days of engaging industry discussions and networking opportunities, including the highly anticipated maritime mixer, the prestigious maritime banquet, and attendee favorite, golf. Take advantage of the limited-time offer for BCO discount. To register, visit our website at VMAsymposium.com

VESSELS BY TYPE

ASSOCIATION IN ACTION

A primary purpose of VMA, and benefit of membership in the association, is our work to make sure our port and member businesses are in the best position to meet the challenges and opportunities of today, as well as those on the horizon and beyond. During May, this included VMA’s advocacy and representation of member interests in the political arena, education and workforce, freight transportation, commercial vessel navigation, energy supply, and in other matters.

In 2023, all 140 seats in the Senate and House of the General Assembly are up for election. Redistricting and retirements will result in the election of new members and a loss of institutional knowledge at unprecedented levels. Throughout May, the VMA was busy attending meetings and selected events held across Virginia to continue strengthening our industry’s relationship with numerous legislators from both political parties. The VMA is committed to ensuring we are well positioned to work with those who will be elected to serve in 2024 and beyond.

Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) and Old Dominion University (ODU) are collaboratively working to establish a maritime-focused lab school. This high school would be a pipeline of potential employees to fill positions in the skilled maritime trades, or in maritime and supply chain fields requiring further education. VMA was invited to participate in the May 3 gathering in Richmond held by Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera of K-12, higher education, business and community groups to explore how to create and grow sustainable lab schools. VMA also participated in a May 25 planning meeting held at ODU.

VMA participated in a two-day planning workshop held in Blacksburg at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Virginia Tech is pursuing a National Science Foundation grant in support of a proposed “Dock-to-Door” regional innovation engine to drive advances in logistics, vehicle decarbonization, multimodal automation, and advanced decision-making to supercharge the

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

economy while creating value for industry partners regionally and beyond. With an eye on decisions affecting freight transportation policies and funding, VMA also participated in the May meetings of the Virginia Freight Advisory Committee (VFAC) in Richmond, and the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) in Charlottesville.

VMA was pleased to facilitate a meeting held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to discuss the navigational considerations associated with new mooring dolphins being proposed at a site along the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. VMA similarly facilitated a meeting held by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to discuss anchorage requirements of the port, as well as participating in the quarterly meeting of the Virginia Harbor Safety Committee.

Ship building and repair, transportation, manufacturing, and other maritime activities are energy intensive industries. A recent study conducted for the Hampton Roads Alliance considered the region’s energy requirements, traditional and alternative energy sources, and produced recommendations for developing an energy strategy with the goal of sustaining and growing regional economic development. VMA participated in the May meeting of the Hampton Roads Long-Term Energy Roadmap Implementation Steering Committee, which is considering implementation of the study’s recommendations. VMA also discussed offshore wind and energy transition in the maritime sector with former Delegate Glenn Davis, who was recently appointed the Director of the Virginia Department of Energy.

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

Photo by: Independent Docking Pilots

NEW MEMBERS

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

Vessel/Terminal Operators

Cruise Lines

3655 NW 87th Avenue

Miami, FL 33178

h Kelly Penton Chacon

Senior. Director, Public & Executive Communications

kpentonchacon@carnival.com

(305) 599–2600

OCEAN WIND NORTH AMERICA

Moving Cargo/Maritime Related

Renewable Energy

3 Center Plaza, Suite 205 Boston, MA 02108 oceanwinds.com

h Mr. Conan Cooper Head of Business Development conan.cooper@oceanwinds.com

(857) 289–3126

CBIFFA OF VA

Non-profit Trade Association

6310 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk, VA 23502 cbiffaofva.org

h Mr. Ben Nelson, III Director of Imports cbiffa.va@gmail.com

(757) 644–3978

VIRGINIA TECH CORPORATE RESEARCH CENTER, INC. SILVER ANCHOR

Education and Training

700 Tech Center Parkway, Suite 305 Newport News, VA 23606 vtcrc.com

h Mr. Brett Malone CEO

brett.malone@vtcrc.com

(540) 250–1628

h Ms. Mallory T. Tuttle Associate Director mtuttle@vt.edu

(757) 964–8855

NEW ADDITIONAL REPS

h Mr. Charles Jones, YMP*

Senior Market Development Representative charles.jones@bhegts.com

(804) 441–2067

BHE GT&S

Richmond, VA

h Mr. Kevin M. Sweeney

ksweeney@colonnaship.com

(757) 545–2414

COLONNA’S SHIPYARD, INC. Norfolk, VA

h Mr. Arlington Garrett Kelly YMP* gkelly@williamsmullen.com

(775) 473–5310

WILLIAMS MULLEN

Virginia Beach, VA

h Ms. Rachel Upshawn, YMP* Manager - Systems and Processes rupshaw@capesshipping.net

(757) 477–4687

CAPES SHIPPING AGENCIES

Chesapeake, VA

CROWN CARRIERS CORP. OF ROCKY MOUNT, NC

Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Warehouse

400 English Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804 crownlspgroup.com

h Ms. Angela Kelcher Director of Transportation akelchner@crownlspgroup.com

(252) 985–1070

WORKERSFIRST CLINIC Business Services

Health Services

477 College Park Square, Suite 306 Virginia Beach, VA 23464 workersfirstclinics.com

h Ms.Courtney Zydron CEO

courtney.zydron@workersfirstclinics.com

(757) 608–2760

h Mr. Tom O’Brien

tom.obrien@gamberjohnson.com

(715) 869–0481

GAMBER JOHNSON

Stevens Point, WI

h Ms. Zoe Walker, YMP* Development Manager, University Partnerships zwalker@ecpi.edu

(757) 995–0024

ECPI UNIVERSITY

Virginia Beach, VA

*Young Maritime Professional

Photo by: Independent Docking Pilots

P.O. Box 3487

Norfolk, Virginia 23510

Bay Power Solutions

Cargomatic

CV International, Inc.

Excel Trucking Group

PLATINUM ANCHORS

Albemarle Tug Company

AdvanSix

BDO USA, LLP

Capes Shipping Agencies

Capital Financial Group

CMA CGM (America), LLC

Colliers

ECPI University

Enviva

GOLDEN ANCHORS

Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.

Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.

Seajacks UK Limited

T. Parker Host

SILVER ANCHORS

FORVIS

Givens Logistics, LLC

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.

Kokosing Industrial

Kuehne + Nagel, Inc.

Marine Oil Service, Inc.

Pender & Coward, P.C.

Perdue Agribusiness, LLC

Port City Transportation

VHB

Virginia Pilot Association

Wood Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC

SeaGate Terminals, LLC

Shopify

Tecnico Corporation

Tidewater Staffing, Inc.

TMEIC Corporation

Truist.

Virginia Natural Gas

Virginia Tech Corporation Research Center

Wells Fargo Bank