VMA's Maritime Bulletin Edition 88 Vol. 3

RETURN OF 24/7 TWO-WAY SHIP TRAFFIC

NORFOLK, VA | On Friday, March 1, the U.S. Coast Guard

Captain of the Port released Business Rules for Ultra Large Container Vessels - Change 2, which removed one-way channel restrictions for Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) transits in and out of Hampton Roads. The significance of this action is the effective addition of capacity and improvements in efficiency of commercial and naval operations throughout Virginia’s ports.

“The importance of the return of 24/7 two-way navigation cannot be overstated,” says David White, Executive Director of Virginia Maritime Association. “Ships need to be on the move and terminals need efficiency from their facilities and operations. Time is money, and this improves the competitive position of our port and commonwealth. Projects like this are many years in the making, and it began as a priority of the Hampton Roads Navigational Summit. Along the way, many have supported the efforts and worked to reach this milestone in the journey to Wider, Deeper, Safer©. We are grateful to them all.”

The dimensions of the ULCVs which began calling our port in 2017 introduced new navigational risks and made it necessary to establish the first-in-the-nation ULCV Business Rules, a document developed through the collaborative efforts of multiple port partners that set the practices to be followed to coordinate ship movements. A central component of the Business Rules prohibited ships from sailing past a ULCV transiting Thimble Shoal Channel due to the limits of the channel’s widths. Ships were allowed to sail only in the same direction of the ULCV, creating periods on average of 3 hours of one-way traffic when ships needing to sail in the opposite direction were required to wait. Continue

The sympathies of the Virginia Maritime Association are with those in the Port of Baltimore impacted by the tragedy at the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The VMA is standing by to help bring the capabilities of Virginia’s maritime community to bear. #BaltimoreStrong

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

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

Photo by: InterChange

MLCP CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATES

NORFOLK, VA | On March 20, 2024, the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) celebrated the graduation of the Maritime Leadership Certificate Program (MLCP) Class of 2024. Gilbert Bland, President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, spoke about leadership to the graduating class as well as to the incoming Class of 2025.

Throughout the year, the MLCP Class of 2024 immersed themselves in the maritime industry through tours and hands-on experiences including tours of tugs, terminals, and shipyards, and offshore wind turbines. They honed adaptability and problem-solving skills in improv classes, learned negotiation tactics, and explored team dynamics. Additionally, graduates contributed to community and environmental initiatives by volunteering for Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration as well as other volunteer opportunities. They also engaged with policymakers during VMA’s Port Day in Richmond, gaining insight into industry advocacy. Thanks to the support of VMA member companies and thought leaders, the MLCP Class of 2024 emerged with enhanced leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the maritime sector.

These MLCP graduates take away unforgettable memories, a deeper understanding of the maritime and supply chain industries, new leadership skills, and a lasting network of colleagues and friends. Congratulations on this accomplishment.

FREEZPAK LOGISTICS ANNOUNCES $77.5

MILLION EXPANSION TO SUFFOLK

SUFFOLK, VA |On March 14, 2024, Governor Youngkin announced that FreezPak Logistics, LLC will invest $77.5 million to build a new 245,000-square-foot cold storage facility in Suffolk, Virginia, creating 80 new jobs. This facility, strategically located near The Port of Virginia, aims to enhance efficiency and market access for FreezPak. Governor Youngkin

praised Virginia’s supply chain infrastructure and emphasized the benefits of utilizing the port. The project was made possible through collaborative efforts involving various entities, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Hampton Roads Alliance. FreezPak will receive support from the Commonwealth, including a grant and tax credits. Dave Saoud, CEO of FreezPak, expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted Virginia’s role in their expansion plans. Established in 2001, FreezPak Logistics has grown into a national player, providing cold storage and logistics services across the country.

Source Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin

TWO-WAY SHIP TRAFFIC CONT.

Since 2017, the number of ULCV’s has become an increasing percentage of ships. In 2023, there were 2,547 commercial ships that called on the container, coal, and other dry bulk, liquid bulk, breakbulk, and passenger terminals in Virginia’s ports. The number of container ships was 1,647, with 176 being ULCVs. Since restrictions were required for each arrival and departure, 352 periods totaling over 1,000 hours of one-way traffic would have been incurred in 2023.

The Coast Guard’s change to the Business Rules removing one-way restrictions was made possible because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Port Authority reported completion of the widening effort of Thimble Shoal Channel from 1,000 ft. to 1,400 ft. As a result of the channel’s expanded dimensions, vessel meeting situations can be conducted safely within Thimble Shoal Channel without continuing to require one-way restricted traffic patterns for ULCVs.

CLUB CONTACTS

Customs Brokers & Int’l Freight Forwarders Assn. (CBIFFA)

Casey Murphy • cbiffa.va@gmail.com

Hampton Roads Coal Association

Cody McMahan • treasurer@hrcoal.org hrcoal.org

Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council

David Cook • info@hrgcc.org hrgcc.org

The restoration of 24/7 two-way traffic, with some safety and security exceptions, adds vessel movement capacity, provides flexibility for ship movements, and allows cargo terminals to better optimize their berths and cargo operations. The Virginia Port Authority stated this change may reduce the amount of time vessels spend on berth at one of their facilities by up to 15 percent.

Work continues to dredge the Norfolk Harbor to 55 feet deep and the ocean approach to 59 feet deep so commercial ships of all types can maximize their cargo-carrying capabilities by sailing to and from Virginia terminals fully laden of imports and exports transported with greater economic efficiency.

With gratitude to all who have played a part, and pride in VMA’s contributions, the VMA celebrates the restoration of 24/7 twoway ship traffic and this milestone in making Virginia the Widest, Deepest, Safest© port on the U.S. East Coast.

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

Photo by: Dominion Energy

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR VMA24 AND INTERNATIONAL BULK CONFERENCE

NORFOLK, VA |Virginia Maritime Association announced that registration for VMA24 and the International Bulk Conference as well as the Golf Open and Annual Maritime Banquet will open on April 2. These events will be held on October 8-10, 2024, in Norfolk, VA. Don’t miss Early Bird registration and shippers/BCO can take advantage of a heavily discounted ticket of $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. “Harness to the New Normal” and register today.

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.

Throughout February, much of the Association’s focus was on advancing the VMA legislative agenda and protecting the industry from any harmful legislation during the Virginia General Assembly’s 2024 legislative session. VMA’s legislative priorities emphasized continued investment and improvements in workforce development, freight transportation, economic development, business ready sites, and energy. Over 40 bills and budget proposals were identified as part of VMA’s legislative agenda or to be monitored for possible defensive intervention.

On February 8, over 70 VMA industry representatives were divided into 21 teams that made visits to nearly 90 members of House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia. The discussions allowed for the formation of valuable connections, furthering the education of legislators about our industry, while advancing VMA’s legislative priorities. Speaker of the House Don Scott was presented three pieces of artwork and a navigational chart to be hung in the Speaker’s Office on loan from VMA as constant reminders or our industry. The legislative visits were followed by a luncheon during which the VMA delegation heard from Virginia Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater about the administration’s efforts to improve workforce development to meet the needs of the industry.

As Old Dominion University prepares to welcome the first students into the new School of Supply Chain, Logistics, and Maritime Operations the VMA contributed to discussions of its curriculum. VMA was also pleased to present to the CIVIC Scholars Program, a collaborative initiative between the CIVIC Leadership Institute, Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College. CIVIC Scholars fosters civic engagement, professionalism, and leadership in college students while connecting them to established business and community leaders.

VMA partnered with Dominion Energy and the Hampton Roads Alliance to host a Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project supplier event at the Chesapeake Conference Center. At the event, local businesses met with major contractors to find out how they can support onshore/offshore aspects of the project.

Each year, the VMA makes a presentation about port operations and supply chain issues to a current class from the National Defense University. NDU educates joint warfighters and other national security leaders in critical thinking and the creative application of military power to inform national strategy and globally integrated operations.

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

• Virginia Economic Development Partnership Advisory Committee on International Trade

• Virginia Freight Advisory Committee, Chaired by David White

• Virginia Harbor Safety Committee

VMA Board member Clyde Clark, VPA Board Commissioner Ed O’Callaghan, and VMA Executive Director David White presenting port artwork to the Speaker of the House Don Scott during Port Day.

Photo by: Independent Docking Pilots

VMA NEW MEMBERS

ACORN CARE PRIMARY & URGENT CARE

Business Service

Health Services

200 Golden Oak Court Suite 410 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 acorncare.com

h Rudy Patel

CEO

rudy@pashmglobal.com (757) 993–2273

CROSSFIRE LOGISTICS, INC.

Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Warehouse

5998 Robin Hood Road, Suite 7A Norfolk, VA 23518 crossfirelogistics.com

h Kevin Cunningham President kcunningham@crossfirelogistics. com

h Lacie Ann Stafford*

Vice President Bonded Warehouse lstafford@crossfirelogistics.com

h Nic Wolk

Vice President of Sales nwolk@crossfirelogistics.com (757) 828–4246

MCGRIFF

Business Service

Insurance Services

2200 Old Brick Road

Glen Allen, VA 23060 mcgriff.com

h Alan Delahunty

Vice President adelahunty@mcgriff.com (804) 678–5060

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

h Andrew Jenkins*

Assistant Operations Manager ajenkins@givens.com (757) 233–4335

GIVENS LOGISTICS LC

Chesapeake, VA

h Vera Roe Operations Manager vera.roe@stgusa.com (757) 840–5036

STG LOGISTICS

Chesapeake, VA

h Matt Mader*

Senior Land Development Engineer mmader@vhb.com (757) 233–3242

VHB

Virginia Beach, VA

h Tomika Boyd*

Customer Service Manager tomika.boyd@stgusa.com (757) 274–8422

STG LOGISTICS

Chesapeake, VA

h Daniel Peterson

Market President

dan.peterson@truist.com (757) 456–1001

TRUIST

Norfolk, VA

HILLCREST TRANSPORTATION

BRONZE ANCHOR

Motor Carriers/Intermodal

10401 Hummingbird Way Petersburg, VA 23805 hillcresttransportation.com

h Jay Edmunds

CIO

jayedmunds@ hillcresttransportation.com (804) 861–1100

h John Edmunds

CEO

johnedmunds@ hillcresttransportation.com (804) 720–7332

INDIGO CORPORATE LODGING

Business Service

Hotels and Clubs

980 W. Ocean View Avenue #A Norfolk, VA 23503 indigocorporatelodging.com

h Tonia Moore

Maritime Lodging Specialist sales@indigocorporatelodging.com (281) 415–5796

INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS?

Contact Kristen Greene

kristen@vamaritime.com

VAMARITIME.COM/MEMBERSHIP

MILLER GROUP

Business Service

Commercial Real Estate and Property Management

2649 Production Road Virginia Beach, VA 23454 millergrpva.com

h Whit Hill

Vice President shill@millergrpva.com (757) 374–0062

STASINOS MARINE LLC

Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Towing and Transportation (Shipdocking and/or Barges) 16 Squanto Road

North Weymouth, MA 02191 stasinosmarine.com

h James Stasinos

Prinicpal Owner

james@stasinosmarine.com (781) 831–5344

*Young Maritime Professional

Photo by: Independent Docking Pilots

PLATINUM ANCHORS

GOLDEN ANCHORS

Bay Power Solutions Cadeler AS CIE Manufacturing Colliers

CSX Transportation

AdvanSix

BDO USA, LLP

Capes Shipping Agencies

CMA CGM (America), LLC

Coastal Design & Construction, Inc.

ECPI University FORVIS

CV International, Inc.

Excel Truck Group Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.

Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.

SILVER ANCHORS

Givens Logistics, LLC

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.

KITCO Fiber Optics

Kokosing Industrial

Kuehne + Nagel, Inc.

Pender & Coward, P.C.

Perdue Agribusiness, LLC

Port City Transportation SeaGate Terminals, LLC

Tecnico Corporation

TMEIC Corporation Truist Virginia Natural Gas Virginia Tech Corporation Research Center