CONTAINER SHIP DALI ARRIVES IN HAMPTON ROADS
PORTSMOUTH, VA|The container ship Dali, which struck Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge in March, arrived in Hampton Roads on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The 984-foot vessel crossed the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and entered Norfolk
waters around 5 a.m., escorted by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Cutter Sailfish, an 87-foot patrol boat, established a 500-yard safety zone around the Dali as it entered the Elizabeth River. Coast Guard watchstanders closely monitored the ship’s progress.
At Virginia International Gateway in Portsmouth, crews unloaded containers to reduce the ship’s draft. After this, the Dali would move to Norfolk International Terminals for further repairs and salvage operations by a third-party contractor.
A spokesperson for the ship’s owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., based in Singapore, informed the Baltimore Sun that after initial repairs in Norfolk, the ship would move to another shipyard for more extensive repairs.
DOMINION INSTALLS FIRST MONOPILES FOR OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | Dominion Energy has begun the construction of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, with the first monopile installation completed on May 22, 2024. This $9.8 billion initiative will feature 176 wind turbines
located 27 miles off the Virginia Beach coast, expected to generate 2.6 gigawatts of power and supply electricity to 660,000 homes upon completion in 2026.
The installation was carried out by the Orion, a heavy-lift vessel from the Belgium-based DEME Group, which is equipped to handle the massive monopiles that are 272 feet long, 31 feet in diameter, and weigh over 1,000 tons each. These foundations were transported from Germany, where they were manufactured by EEW SPC, to the Portsmouth Marine Terminal. Eight monopiles will be delivered in batches until all 176 are on site, with Dominion aiming to install 75 to 100 by October 2024.
The CVOW project also includes three offshore wind substations, with the first set to have its topside foundations installed in late 2024 or early 2025.
Photo: Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot
“The Voice of Port Industries”
Photo: The Port of Virginia
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
Senior Vice President....................... Will Fediw
Vice President of Finance & Administration.............................. Sam Davis
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
jdeason@vamaritime.com -
MARITIME LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
NORFOLK, VA |Interested in applying for the Maritime Leadership Certificate Program (MLCP) starting in early 2025? The application period opens on September 16, 2024.
Begin preparing your MLCP application now. Talk with your employer, build MLCP into your budget, secure your recommendations, polish your resume, and be ready to apply in September! The program is designed to be completed in one year with a class size of 25 participants.
The MLCP Class of 2025 is well underway! A huge thanks to Dominion Energy for taking our program participants to see the largest offshore wind project on the East Coast. Don’t wait to apply, this could be your year!
in September APPLY AT VAmaritime.com/MLCP
Photos: Christopher Seelie/Kaufman & Canoles
Photo
DALI CONT.
According to the Coast Guard, the ship’s journey and repair operations were closely monitored, ensuring that safety protocols were strictly followed.
The Dali’s arrival in Hampton Roads marked a significant step in its post-accident recovery process, as authorities and involved parties worked to ensure the ship was adequately repaired and prepared for future operations.
David White, executive director of the Virginia Maritime Association, noted that the Dali’s arrival in Norfolk was a continuation of the demonstration of the role VMA members play in the post-accident recovery process, lending their expertise to the repair and salvage of the vessel. On a daily basis, VMA businesses in the maritime and logistics industries respond and adapt to keep operations humming and commerce flowing despite the magnitude of unforeseen disruptions.
Source: The Virginian-Pilot
OFFSHORE WIND CONT.
In line with federal protections for the endangered North Atlantic right whales, Dominion will halt monopile installations from November 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. During this period, the company will focus on preparing for the subsequent phases of installation, which will resume in 2025. The entire installation process will take place in a 113,000-acre area of the Atlantic Ocean leased by Dominion.
Overall, the CVOW project represents a significant advancement in offshore wind energy, demonstrating the industry’s capability provide clean, reliable energy while creating opportunity for businesses to participate in a growing industry.
Source: Virginia Business
LIEBHERR MINING EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER TO EXPAND IN VIRGINIA
NEWPORT NEWS, VA|Liebherr Mining Equipment has announced a $72.3 million investment to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Newport News and Hampton, Virginia, creating 175 new jobs. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership collaborated with local governments to secure this project, with Governor Glenn Youngkin approving a $1.5 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to support the initiative. Additionally, the company will benefit from The Port of Virginia® Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program for employee training.
Governor Youngkin praised Liebherr’s decision, stating, “Liebherr has recognized that Virginia is strategically located to
serve as its global production headquarters for mining trucks and service customers within the United States and across the world.”
Stephen Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, highlighted that this investment underscores Virginia’s positive business climate. He noted the productive relationship between The Port of Virginia® and Liebherr, emphasizing that the state’s strategic advantages have attracted this significant investment from a globally recognized brand. The expanded facility will enhance Liebherr’s capacity to produce large, industrial-scale mining trucks used to transport vast quantities of material at open-cast mining operations, benefiting both the local economy and the company’s global operations.
Source: Office of Governor
Photo: Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot
Photo: Christopher Seelie/Kaufman & Canoles
Glenn Youngkin
DISTRIBUTION OF COAL DUMPINGS
PORT OF HAMPTON ROADS TEU’S
Source: Virginia Port Authority
CUSTOMS RECEIPTS
VIRGINIA CUSTOMS DISTRICT
VMA24 SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED
NORFOLK, VA| Join over 35 key industry speakers at the VMA24 International Trade Symposium, from October 8-10, 2024. Learn from experts like FMC’s Commissioner Carl Bentzel, Vespucci Maritime’s Lars Jensen, and ZEBOX America’s Liz Ward. Whether you’re in transportation, logistics, or trade, this event is designed for you. Connect, learn, and lead the future of shipping, ports, logistics, and trade. VMA24 commences on October 8-10, 2024, in Norfolk, VA. Don’t miss the Early Bird registration! Shippers can take advantage of a heavily discounted ticket priced at just $200.
Celebrating its 21st year, the VMA’s International Trade Symposium has become well-known as a boutique, attendee-curated event tailored to connecting, discussing ideas, and benefiting from shared experiences. As the East Coast’s premier conference for shipping, ports, logistics, and trade, you’ll hear industry leaders discuss national-level content in an accessible, intimate location, sharing meaningful insights and engaging in authentic discussions. The inaugural International Bulk Conference will tackle both challenges and opportunities in the bulk trade.
Have a quiet conversation with a client or catch up with a colleague; make new connections during lively social events; enjoy fine dining at the 104th Annual Maritime Banquet; or simply enjoy the southern hospitality that Norfolk, Virginia, offers in the heart of the fastest growing port in the nation.
ASSOCIATION IN ACTION
Simply stated, active VMA members are Better Connected, Better Informed, and Better Represented. This segment of the Bulletin aims to provide insights into some of the ways in which the interests of VMA members were Better Represented during the previous month.
May was another month in which VMA’s influence was felt across numerous areas of interest for our membership. These included in the political arena, navigational issues, workforce development, emergency preparation and response, economic development, supply chain and logistic, and cyber security.
Following the conclusion of the regular legislative session, the calendar began to fill with events and meetings with members of the General Assembly. Educating the many new legislators and General Assembly members in new leadership roles about our industry is a priority of the VMA.
The business of our industry and success of our ports flows from the ability of ships to come and go, and VMA works to make Virginia’s waters the best operating environment for ships and other commercial vessels. In May, this included VMA’s involvement in discussions about a potential new sea plane operation and the placement of underwater power transmission cables.
Old Dominion University produced a panel discussion about the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. VMA spoke to the capabilities brought to bear by Virginia’s maritime industry in response to the incident and ways VMA member companies kept disrupted supply chains functioning.
As a member of the Advisory Board of the Dock-to-Door Coalition at Virginia Tech, VMA participated in two days of discussions in Blacksburg to learn about supply chain advancements, collaborate on solutions to solve supply chain challenges, and positioning the coalition for continued growth and success.
VMA submitted comments on the U.S. Coast Guard Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System.
Other notable events and meetings in which VMA made presentations or represented the membership included:
• Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable
• Robert E. Rumens annual Marine Firefighting School
• Hampton Roads Workforce Council’s Women in Skilled Careers
• Hampton Road Global Commerce Council’s State of the Port
• Joint Port Recovery Executive Committee
• Virginia Harbor Safety Committee
VMA’S MULTI-EMPLOYER 401K PLAN
Did you know the VMA has offered our Multi-Employer 401k Plan to member companies since 2016?
Lighten the burden of sponsoring a retirement plan by joining VMA’s MultiEmployer Retirement Plan. Enjoy the freedom to focus on your business while we handle all the administrative duties. Learn more today!
In early 2024, Strategic Retirement Partners conducted an extensive analysis of VMA’s Equitable Multi-Employer Retirement Plan, comparing costs, services, and investments against other vendors. Their verdict? Our plan excels in administration, costs, recordkeeping, investment management, and fees.
For more information or to join this plan, please contact James Blassingham, CLU, AIF, CPFA, jim.blassingham@capitalfinancialgrp.com, at Capital Financial Group. Sign in to the VMA website to learn more.
https://www.vamaritime.com/AffinityPrograms
VMA NEW MEMBERS
AUTOMATIC COATING LIMITED USA
Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Marine and Industrial Suppliers/Ship Chandlers 1013 Obici Industrial Boulevard Suffolk, VA 23434 aclcoatusa.com
Jocelyn Bamford CEO
jocelyn@automaticcoating.com (757) 712–5065
SOUTHEAST INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT, INC.
Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Crane Repair and Refurbishments 801 Earl of Balfon Circle Virginia Beach, VA 23454 sielift.com
Justin Sexton
Territory Manager jsexton@sielift.com (757) 406–8757
AZIMUTH MARITIME
SERVICES
Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Marine Surveyors and Appraisers 26 Water Street Fairhaven, MA 02719 marinesafetyconsultants.com
David Ledoux
Marine Consulting and Surveying davidl@marinesafetyconsultants.com (617) 803–9082
SUNTEX
Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Marine Fuels and Lubricants 10 Crawford Parkway Portsmouth, VA 23704 getsolutionsinc.com
Rick Monday
Regional Manager, Mid- Atlantic rick.monday@suntex.com (757) 939–2525
ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Suresh Prashar
Operations Director
prashar.suresh@deme-group.com (857) 256-2838
DEME
East Boston, MA
h Douglas Swartz
Marine Coordinator swartz.douglas@deme-group.com (857) 256-2838
DEME
East Boston, MA
H&E RENTALS
Silver Anchor
Marine Equipment Sales/Rental 1201 Cavalier Boulevard Chesapeake, VA 23750 HErentals.com
Scott Siercks Branch Manager ssiercks@he equipment.com (757) 295–4944
WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF HAMPTON ROADS
Non-profit Trade Association 445 Kings Grant Road Virginia Beach, VA 23452 hrwac.ort
Susan Bore President worldaffairs@hrwac.org (757) 363–3090
Photo by: Independent Docking Pilots
P.O. Box 3487
Norfolk, Virginia 23510 PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NORFOLK, VA
PERMIT NO. 1930
PLATINUM ANCHORS
Bay Power Solutions
Cadeler AS
CIE Manufacturing Colliers
CSX Transportation
AdvanSix
Amazon
BDO USA, LLP
Capes Shipping Agencies
CMA CGM (America), LLC
Coastal Design & Construction, Inc.
ECPI University
FORVIS Mazars
GOLDEN ANCHORS
CV International, Inc.
Excel Truck Group
Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.
Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.
T. Parker Host
SILVER ANCHORS
Givens Logistics, LLC
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
H&E Rentals
KITCO Fiber Optics
Kokosing Industrial
Kuehne + Nagel, Inc.
Pender & Coward, P.C.
Perdue Agribusiness, LLC
VHB
Virginia Pilot Association
Wood Rogers
Port City Transportation
SeaGate Terminals, LLC
Tecnico Corporation
TMEIC Corporation
Truist
Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Tech Corporation Research Center