Virginia Maritime Bulletin, Vol 88, No. 5

CONTAINER SHIP, DALI, HEADED TO NORFOLK FOR REPAIRS

BALTIMORE, MD |The container ship Dali, which crashed into Baltimore’s Key Bridge on March 26, remains in Baltimore for preliminary repairs and debris removal, nearly two months after the incident. The McAllister Baltimore team ensured the safe transit of the Dali to Seagirt Marine Terminal after crews

removed wreckage from its sides and some debris from the channel. However, significant debris, including parts of the roadway, remains on the bow, necessitating further clearance. According to the U.S. Coast Guard and Synergy Marine spokesperson Darrell Wilson, the ship will stay in Baltimore for an additional four to six weeks to complete these tasks and make temporary repairs before heading to Norfolk for more extensive work.

In a press conference, Maryland Governor Wes Moore highlighted the scale of the maritime tragedy, calling it the most expensive in the nation’s history. As operations to clear the channel and remove remaining debris continue, a temporary 400-foot-wide by 50-foot-deep channel has been established to facilitate 24/7 port operations. The ship’s final journey to Norfolk for comprehensive repairs is anticipated to take place over the summer.

ORION LOADS FIRST MONOPILES FOR COASTAL VIRGINIA OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT

PORTSMOUTH, VA |The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project marked a significant milestone with the departure of its first batch of wind turbine foundations from the Portsmouth Marine Terminal. Six steel monopiles, each nearly

the length of a football field, are en route to the construction site located 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. They were loaded onto the DEME Group’s installation vessel, Orion, which is equipped with advanced technology to ensure safe and environmentally conscious installation. This $9.8 billion project, set to be the largest offshore wind farm in the United States, will eventually feature 176 Siemens Gamesa 14 MW wind turbines, capable of generating enough electricity to power up to 660,000 homes.

The CVOW project highlights the significant investment and transformation within the Port of Virginia, which has allocated $220 million to develop the Portsmouth Marine Terminal into a premier offshore wind hub. Construction of the wind farm is expected to continue through the end of 2026. Once operational, it will provide clean and reliable energy, contributing substantially to the region’s renewable energy goals.

h CP&O Safety Award (4)

h Upcoming VMA Events (2)

h VMA Committees (3)

h Women in Maritime (4)

h Port Statistics (5)

h Association in Action (6)

h Multi-Employer 401k Plan (6)

h VMA New Members (7)

Photo : McAllister

“The Voice of Port Industries”

Photo: DEME

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 -

VMA INDUSTRY COMMITTEE UPDATES

EDUCATION & TRAINING - 02/01/24: Information sessions for secondary school counselors are planned for April 9-12, to educate them about the maritime industry in Virginia. A Career Guide focused on aaritime and supply chain career opportunities is being developed for local school districts, and member companies are encouraged to participate. Additionally, a two-week maritime education program has been created for Green Run Academy Summer Bridge students, featuring classroom sessions and tours of maritime businesses, while ongoing efforts are being made to gather information on current and future maritime education plans from area public schools.

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION CENTERS - 02/06/24:

Standing reports were received from VPA, VEDP, and the industrial real estate sector, noting low industrial vacancy rates overall but some underutilization of port-related warehousing and distribution space. Lang Williams of Colliers International has been appointed as co-chair of the committee.

CARGO OWNERS - 02/07/24: During Port Day activities in Richmond in February, the commitee had a good turnout for the in-person meeting and participated in legislative visits at the Capitol, discussing the impact of port operations with Senators and Delegates. Focus is now on reviewing the current ocean freight negotiation period and preparing for the upcoming VMA24 conference, while also working on recruiting new members.

TERMINAL OPERATORS - 02/14/24: Will Fediw outlined various grant programs including the Port Security Grant and provided updates on state regulations from the ongoing Regular Session of the General Assembly. Gary Bahena from the Portsmouth CTE Board briefed the committee on the Education & Training committee’s efforts to promote maritime careers, emphasizing the need for member participation in upcoming information sessions. Will Fediw also shared details on upcoming events including the Maritime Mixer and fall conference, while LTJG Young from USCG discussed changes to explosive load-out procedures and cybersecurity measures, highlighting concerns about malware. Additionally, there was an open discussion on the Chesapeake Industrial Waterfront Study, with encouragement for group feedback.

COAL - 02/15/24: Debbie Gholson provided updates on the Education & Training Committee’s initiatives to promote maritime careers among middle and high school counselors and announced upcoming information sessions. Discussions covered the 55’ dredging project, emphasizing the need for more dredge capacity and coordination with the USACE, as well as addressing vessel wait times and logistical challenges at Cape Charles Anchorage. Additional topics included coal loading logistics, tug availability, and federal regulations on vessel stay limits, with plans for further meetings with the USACE and U.S. Coast Guard.

INLAND TRANSPORTATION - 02/22/24: A well-attended kickoff meeting focused on workforce development, the Green Truck initiative, and a TMTA Port of Virginia Pier committee update. The Committee plans to meet quarterly, with the next meeting scheduled for April 23, and will focus on keeping members informed about legislation affecting the trucking community and Port of Virginia stakeholders. Attendees expressed strong support for workforce development initiatives and pledged active participation in future related meetings.

FREIGHT FORWARDERS & CUSTOMHOUSE BROKERS

02/29/24: Elspeth McMahon from Old Dominion University presented on the university’s current maritime initiatives and the new School of Supply Chain, Logistics, and Maritime Operations. Rachel Upshaw from Capes Shipping Agencies provided an update on the School Counselor – Workforce Development program. Additionally, Vinny Di Costanzo, the Chair, shared the latest updates on the conditions in the Red Sea and Panama Canal.

HARBOR ANCHORAGE DREDGING & NAVIGATIONAL RULES - 03/12/24: Brian Siegel presented an overview of the HRT Peninsula-Southside Ferry feasibility study, and Capt. Rabena discussed the progress on dredging Anchorage F and the removal of the one-way channel restriction for ULCVs following Thimble Shoal Channel’s dredging. Additionally, Capt. Rabena and Will Fediw talked about improvements to Craney Island Dykes, the need for Craney Island Disposal area for handling dredge material, and preparations at Portsmouth Marine Terminal for wind farm vessel movements.

COMMUNICATION & OUTREACH - 03/14/24: Debrief was received on the General Assembly Session and a successful Port Day. We’ve also discussed beginning the coordination of summer port tours with legislators who expressed an interest in those outings. We received updates on federal funding for port projects and continued discussions of a separate marketing workflow for the committee.

SHIP OPERATORS & AGENTS - 03/14/24 Committee received an update from VIT on their operations and improvements. The committee also discussed the U.S. Coast Guard ACPARS study update, the NOAA Right Whales Rules update and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Central Atlantic Lease Area update. The meeting closed with a discussion on how the Red Sea and Panama Canal issues were impacting commercial trade.

OFFSHORE WIND - 03/21/24: Featured updates given on Atlantic coast projects from wind energy developers Dominion Energy, Ocean Winds, and Avangrid. Dominion Energy’s offshore wind turbine facility, CVOW, with 176 turbines, is set to begin construction in early May under global contractor DEME. Numerous VMA member companies are involved as supporting subcontractors for DEME and other associated firms.

STRATEGIC PLANNING - 03/21/24: The committee reviewed the strategic plan review checklists, and heard remarks by David White. A concern by the Chair is that the Vice Chair remains open, and that it takes a board action to appoint a vice chair. Currently there are no volunteers for this position. The remainder of the meeting was a discussion on grant proposals available to the VMA.

PORT SECURITY - 03/27/24: Guest speaker Alan Delahunty of McGriff Insurance, provided a presentation discussing emerging cyber threats and cyber insurance. The committee also addressed concerns about drones near maritime facilities and vessels, covering security implications and legal response limitations. Following the meeting, leaders consulted with the U.S. Coast Guard, FAA, and TSA, and a planned webinar will focus on drone regulations in maritime settings.

Photo

CP&O 2024 Q1 SAFETY AWARD

At the May 14, 2024, meeting of the HRSA-ILA Safety Committee, CP&O President Jim Ford presented a plaque and a $1000.00 donation to the HRSA-ILA Scholarship Fund to ILA International Vice President Thomas Little and ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President Larry Bachtell in appreciation for the ILA’s support for CP&O’s Safety Program and to commemorate CP&O’s milestone achievement of zero lost time for injuries for the first quarter of 2024.

Join us in congratulating VMA member companies CP&O and ILA on their zero-loss time safety accomplishment.

VMA CELEBRATES WOMEN IN MARITIME

NORFOLK, VA| VMA celebrated International Day for Women in Maritime on May 17 at Cafe Genevieve in Selden Arcade. What a fantastic group!

From skilled trades to positions of leadership, women are making strides in maritime and supply chain careers. They are working as dock workers, engineers, welders, truckers, mariners, in port operations, administration, and executives. Women bring new skills, perspectives, and ideas to the table. They make the industry stronger; their work plays a vital role in our national defense and in keeping our supply chain moving. Join us in recognizing women in maritime and inspire the next generation of women maritime and supply chain professionals to continue the journey!

VMA24 & INTERNATIONAL BULK CONFERENCE PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED

NORFOLK | VMA24 and International Bulk Conference programs have been announced. Join us on October 8-10, 2024, in Norfolk, VA. Don’t miss Early Bird registration and shippers/BCOs 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 the New Normal” & Register Today!

DISTRIBUTION OF COAL DUMPINGS

Source: Virginia Port Authority

Source: Coal figures compiled by coal

PORT OF HAMPTON ROADS TEU’S

Source: Virginia Port Authority

CUSTOMS RECEIPTS

CUSTOMS DISTRICT

Source: Virginia Port Authority

COMMITTEES CONT.

EDUCATION & TRAINING - 04/04/24: The committee conducted four information sessions for secondary school counselors and educators on April 9, 10, 11, and 12. Over 80 counselors attended these sessions over the course of the 4 days and asked questions and engaged with our industry represented panel in meaningful conversations about career opportunities in the maritime and supply chain industry. The committee will meet over the summer to discuss next steps and building upon the relationships established through the sessions held.

ALL-HAZARDS RESPONSE - 04/16/24: Discussed the events leading up to and the aftermath of the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore. Remarks related to the visit to the Unified Command Post were provided. The 32nd Annual Hampton Roads Marine Firefighting School was successful executed on May 6 – 11, 2024. Over 115 attendees from 38 different agencies participated in the event. The NOFO was released and is due by June 24, 2024.

COAL - 04/16/24: Will Fediw from VMA briefed the group on a recent USACE meeting concerning CIDMMA’s capacity and the challenges of finding alternative disposal sites due to USACE’s reluctance and the high cost of offshore disposal. The meeting also addressed cargo diversion from Baltimore, particularly impacting coal terminals, with discussions on the expected opening of Baltimore Channel targeted for the middle of May. Additionally, Will Fediw mentioned the upcoming VMA International Bulk Conference in October, with further details expected in early May.

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS - 04/16/24: Speaker Pollard reviewed the 2024 General Assembly session, focusing on key bills related to environmental justice, resilience, coastal flooding, PFAS, RGGI, and wetlands, along with recent vetoes. Regulatory updates included increased permitting contingencies for endangered species, a TOYR agreement for Atlantic Sturgeon on the James River, and discussions on North Atlantic Right Whale restrictions, PFAS, and TMDL proceedings. Will Fediw also provided an update on the Elizabeth River Southern Branch dredging project.

INLAND

TRANSPORTATION - 04/23/24: The meeting focused on three main issues workforce development, the Green Truck initiative, and a TMTA Port of Virginia Pier Committee update. This year a main focus of the Committee will be on keeping members informed of Legislation effecting the truck community and Stakeholders of the Port of Virginia. Prospective speakers include leadership of the Virginia Trucking Association, the Federal Maritime Committee, and IANA.

TOWING & BARGE - 04/24/24: The discussions focused on various bridge updates, including the North Landing Bridge’s modified opening schedule and the Coleman Bridge repair closure, as well as successful cable replacements at JRB and an upcoming NPBL meeting. Considerations for the upcoming hurricane season included increased vessel traffic due to offshore wind projects and diversions to Baltimore. Other topics addressed were Orion vessel transits, Key Bridge temporary channels, and plans to shift the Towing Vessel Safety Seminar (TVSS) to a forum format in 2025, with a subcommittee exploring alternative formats and topics like legal matters and cybersecurity.

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.

Each month VMA works across multiple fronts to protect and advance the interests of Virginia’s maritime industry. While that remained true for ApriI, VMA’s activities in workforce development and advocating for commercial navigation were prevalent.

VMA’s strategic focus on workforce development was evident when over four days 80+ school counselors from multiple school districts came out to hear from a wide array of VMA member companies about the career opportunities they offer. VMA also presented at the second annual ODU Maritime Conference which focused on students and faculty, participated in the regular meeting of the ODU Maritime Institute Advisory Board, and presented at Youth Waves which introduced Hampton high schoolers to opportunities in the maritime industry.

In the interests of commercial navigation, VMA submitted additional comments to Coast Guard regarding the designation of ship and tug corridors, participated in discussions at the state

level about ocean planning, and facilitated a meeting held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss possible changes to the operations of the Norfolk Portsmouth Beltline Bridge. It was also VMA’s great pleasure to join with the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Congressman Bobby Scott, the Commanding Officer of the Norfolk District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority to offer remarks in commemoration of the signing of the final dredging contract that will finish the efforts to make Virginia’s ports the Widest, Deepest, Safest on the U.S. East Coast.

Other notable events and meetings in which VMA made presentations or represented the membership included:

• National Association of Maritime Organization’s semiannual meeting in Washington, DC.

• Kuehne & Nagel Sea Logistics Seminar

• Shenandoah Valley Traffic Club U.S. Fleet Forces Salt & Sea Day

• Australian Delegation Shipbuilding & Ship Repair Trade Mission

• Virginia Clean Economy Act Summit

• Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority

• Area Maritime Security Committee, Cyber Subcommittee

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

AMAZON

Silver Anchor Exporters & Importers amazon.com

h Lindsay Winter Head of Virginia Public Policy lindswin@amazon.com (757) 513–7810

ANDRE + MARQUEZ ARCHITECTS, INC.

Business Service

Environmental Engineers/ Scientists and Planners 1420 Chestnut Street Portsmouth, VA 23704 metrosolutonsusa.com

h Georgie Marquez

President

gmarquez@amarchitx.com (757) 557-0630

KEYNVOR MORLIFT LTD.

Vessel/Terminal Operators

Renewable Energy Falmouth Wharves North Parade Falmouth, TR112TF UK keynvormorlift.co.uk

h Paul Scullion

VP Sales & Marketing paul.scullion@keynvormorlift.co.uk (845) 519–8123

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

h Randall Sierra*

Key Account Manager randall.sierra@logisticsplus.com (757) 402-1229

LOGISTICS PLUS, INC. Norfolk, VA

h Sean Cardinale

Director of Operations scardinale@venture-dynamics.net (757) 274-8409

VENTURE DYNAMICS Portsmouth, VA

*Young Maritime Professional

h Nate Sandel

Director of Education & Community Engagement nathan.sandel@norfolk.gov (757) 664-1027

NAUTICUS Norfolk, VA

h Ryan Cantu

Major Projects Director ryan@wilmotmodular.com (443) 202–2221

CAROLINA MARINE STRUCTURES

Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Contractors and Construction Supplies/ Equipment 582 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 300 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 carolinamarinestructures.com

h Joel Johnson Project Manager joel@carolinamarinestructures.com (757) 500–7145

h Joe Fassler Business Development joseph@carolinamarinestructures.com

NUSBAUM INSURANCE

Business Service

Insurance Services and/or Insurance Counselors

403 Boush Street, Suite 300 Norfolk, VA 23510 nusbauminsurance.com

h Edward Enright Vice President ted@nusbauminsurance.com (757) 622–4653

h Jerry Parsley

Terminal Logistics Mananger jerry.parsley@perdue.com (757) 849-3446

PERDUE AGRIBUSINESS Chesapeake, VA

WILMOT MODULAR STRUCTURES, INC. White Marsh, MD

GET SOLUTIONS, INC. A TERRACON COMPANY

Business Service

Engineers/Naval Architects/ Surveyors 5465 Greenwich Road Virginia Beach, VA 23462 getsolutionsinc.com

h Cindy Nash

Client Development Manager

cnash@getsolutionsinc.com (757) 518–1703

PMA + IT SOLUTIONS

Business Service

Information Technology 100 7th Street, Suite 104 Portsmouth, VA 23704 pmaitsolutions.com

h Marko Frigeli President & CEO mfrigelj@pmaitsolutions.com (571) 336–2408

h Andrew Smith* International Trade Execution Merchandiser andrew.smith1@perdue.com (757) 605–3473

PERDUE AGRIBUSINESS Chesapeake, VA

Photo by: Independent Docking Pilots

P.O. Box 3487

Norfolk, Virginia 23510

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

PRESORTED STANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

NORFOLK, VA

PERMIT NO. 1930

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.

KITCO Fiber Optics

Kokosing Industrial

Kuehne + Nagel, Inc.

Pender & Coward, P.C.

Perdue Agribusiness, LLC

Port City Transportation

VHB

Virginia Pilot Association

Wood Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC

SeaGate Terminals, LLC

Tecnico Corporation

TMEIC Corporation

Truist

Virginia Natural Gas

Virginia Tech Corporation Research Center