PORT OF VIRGINIA AWARDED $380 MILLION FOR SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
NORFOLK, VA | The Virginia Port Authority is set to receive $380 million in federal funding to acquire zero-emission cargo handling equipment and charging infrastructure. This funding
comes from the EPA’s Clean Ports grant program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, aimed at supporting environmental goals and achieving a net-zero economy by 2050. The grant will enable the Port to replace outdated gasoline and diesel equipment with electric cranes, locomotives, and onterminal vehicles, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Stephen Edwards, CEO & Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, highlighted the transformative impact of the grant on operations and local communities, positioning the Port to become the East Coast’s first net-zero port. Congressional members, including Abigail Spanberger, Bobby Scott, and Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, praised the funding as crucial for Virginia’s economy and a step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing the state’s leadership in clean energy.
VMA24: A SUCCESS FOR VIRGINIA’S MARITIME & SUPPLY CHAIN INDUSTRIES
NORFOLK, VA | The Virginia Maritime Association’s 21st Annual International Trade Symposium (VMA24) and inaugural International Bulk Conference saw record-breaking attendance, with global industry leaders and stakeholders gathering for three days of key insights, engaging panels, and networking at The Hilton Norfolk | The Main.
Governor Glenn Youngkin kicked off VMA24, highlighting Virginia’s strength in the global maritime industry, fueled by infrastructure, workforce development, and a pro-business climate. “Virginia is where global commerce thrives,” he said, emphasizing the Commonwealth’s appeal to shippers and manufacturers. Governor Youngkin also congratulated The DeLong Co., Inc., recipient of the 2024 Port of Virginia® Shipper of the Year award, honoring its role as a top agricultural cargo exporter and the U.S.’s third-largest container exporter.
Photo: Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury
VMA24 Photos by ToCCreative
“The Voice of Port Industries”
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
VMA24 CONT.
In the keynote Intermodal Equation: Ports, Corridors, and the Power of Rail, Ed Elkin, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Norfolk Southern and Stephen Edwards, CEO & Executive Director at the Port of Virginia® discussed rail’s essential role in enhancing supply chain sustainability. Edwards praised the Port’s partnership with Norfolk Southern, citing its impact on efficiency and sustainability.
Federal Maritime Commissioner Carl Bentzel emphasized the need for improved maritime data standards to reduce port congestion. Ambassador Doug McKalip joined AAPA CEO Cary Davis, advocating for trade policies that support American industry and a resilient workforce.
A Fireside Chat with Tom Barkin, President & CEO of the Richmond Federal Reserve, moderated by David Bennett of Farrow, offered a critical economic outlook for 2025. Barkin expressed cautious optimism, reminding the audience, “the fight [against inflation] isn’t over.”
The inaugural International Bulk Speaker event gathered industry leaders for a comprehensive look at emerging trends and challenges in bulk shipping. BIMCO’s Chief Shipping Analyst, Niels Rasmussen, delivered a keynote, “Charting the Course: 2024 Trends, Tonnages, and the 2025 Market Outlook in Bulk Shipping,” highlighting the impacts of IMO 2023 regulations on fuel efficiency and trade. The conference equipped professionals with vital strategies to navigate an evolving market.
Photo: VMA
Photo
VMA24 CONT.
VMA24 concluded with a powerful fireside chat featuring Lars Jensen, a leading voice in the container shipping industry. Jensen offered expert insights into emerging trends for 2024 and beyond, reflecting on the challenges of recent years and forecasting the future of global trade. Attendees left with actionable insights into the evolving dynamics of container logistics, ensuring they are well-prepared for what lies ahead
VMA24’s success was made possible by the dedication of our
planning committee, speakers, sponsors, VMA staff, exhibitors, and attendees. Thank you. We were also proud to host the golf open, maritime mixer, the 104th Annual Maritime Banquet, and exclusive shipper events, adding value to the experience.
Save the date for VMA25, happening October 14-16, 2025, in Norfolk, VA, where we’ll continue advancing Virginia’s global maritime leadership. See you next year! Learn more at VMAsymposium.com.
VMA RECOGNIZES LEADERS IN MARITIME
NORFOLK, VA | On October 10, 2024, the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) hosted its 104th Annual Maritime Banquet, bringing together over 800 industry executives and dignitaries at the Hilton Norfolk | The Main. This annual tradition celebrated Virginia’s ports and supply chain industries, while honoring outstanding individuals with the 2024 “Distinguished Service Award” and “Port Champion Award.” A special resolution was also presented.
Edward F. O’Callaghan, Founder and President of Audax Transportation, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to the maritime and logistics sectors over a career spanning more than four decades. Jeffrey Allen Orrock, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the
National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia, received the Port Champion Award, underscoring the essential partnership between Virginia’s maritime community and the National Weather Service, which plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient marine operations. Finally, the VMA recognized Mark Laria, the retiring Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News, with a Resolution of Appreciation for his distinguished service to the maritime industry.
The VMA extends a sincere congratulations to this year’s recipients. Learn more: vamaritime.com/Web/Resources/News/ VMA_Recognizes_2024_Leaders_in_Maritime.aspx
View more VMA24 photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBPwoY
DISTRIBUTION OF COAL DUMPINGS
Source: Coal figures compiled by coal terminals & third party sources **Estimated figure HAMPTON ROADS REGION (IN NETTONS OF 2,000LBS)
Source: Virginia Port Authority
PORT OF HAMPTON ROADS TEU’S
Source: Virginia Port Authority
CUSTOMS RECEIPTS
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.
Elected leaders in Washington and the Virginia state capitol regularly make decisions affecting our port and industry with impacts which cannot be overstated. VMA works diligently to build relationships with and educate elected officials. In September, this included discussions with four members from the Virginia Congressional Delegation; Rep. Bobby Scott, Rep. Rob Wittman, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, and Rep. Jenn Kiggans.
September’s calendar was also full of meetings, events, and port tours allowing for discussions with State leaders. They included Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, Attorney General Jason Miyares, Speaker of the House Don Scott, House Appropriations Chairman Luke Torian, members from the Senate Republican Caucus and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, and several others.
VMA was pleased to speak in support of a Conditional Use Permit application required for LS GreenLink’s submarine power cable manufacturing facility to be built on the banks of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. At $681 million and
330 full time jobs, it is the largest project announcement in the history of the City of Chesapeake.
VMA represented industry interests during a daylong meeting held by the U.S. Coast Guard Ports and Waterways Safety Risk Assessment Board of Inquiry. The focus was to identify and assess risks to critical port infrastructure due to larger commercial vessels and increased traffic density and identifying potential risk mitigations.
Other notable events and meetings in which VMA made presentations or represented the membership included:
• Old Dominion University Maritime and Supply Chain Advisory Committee
• Virginia Economic Development Partnership Advisory Committee on International Trade
• WHRO Public Media Board of Directors
• Elizabeth River Project Board of Directors
• U.S. Coast Guard Area Maritime Security Committee, Cyber Subcommittee
• Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization Freight Transportation Advisory Committee
• Lead Virginia at Newport News Shipyard
• Virginia Economic Developers Association Conference
VMA is excited to partner with the United Way this holiday season to give back to our community. We’re collecting essential items, and you can participate by dropping off donations at:
• VMA Office until 12/10/24.
• Annual Business Meeting on 12/10/24.
• Holiday Celebration on 12/10/24.
LEARN MORE at VAmaritime.com/News
VMA NEW MEMBERS
HYSTER YALE MATERIALS HANDLING
Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Manufacturers and Distributors 1400 Sullivan Drive Greenville, NC 27834 hyster-yale.com
Claire Boyd
Americas Logistics Manager (252) 417-5672 claire.boyd@hyster-yale.com
HALEY & ALDRICH
Business Services Consultants
140 Dedar Lane E Cape May, NJ 08210 haleyaldrich.com
David Morgan
Senior Client Account Manager (609) 675-4342 dmorgan@haleyaldrich.com
MEMBERSHIP UPGRADE
UPGRADE TO SILVER ANCHOR BAE SYSTEMS
Silver Anchor
Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Maintenance, Drydocks 750 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23523 baesystems.com
David Thomas, Jr.
Vice President/General Manager david.thomas21@baesystems.us (757) 494-4990
Eddie Goldman Director of Facilities eddie.goldman@baesystems.us (757) 494-4990
ADDITIONAL REPS
Kailey Martinez
kailey.zdankiewicz@kimley-horn.com (757) 469-6471
KIMLEY-HORN
Virginia Beach, VA
Brooke Patton
Terminal Manager
GENERAL DYNAMICS NASSCO-NORFOLK
Bronze Anchor
Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Maintenance, Drydocks 200 Ligon Street Norfolk, VA 23523 nassconorfolk.com
Larry Ehmer
Director of Business Development (757) 636-2630
lehmer@nassconorfolk.com
Paul Clifford General Manager pclifford@nassconorfolk.com
FERGUSON ENTERPRISES
Silver Anchor Manufacturers and Distributors 751 Lakefront Commons Newport News, VA 23606 corporate.ferguson.com/home
Sundra Glennon
Director of International Logistics (201) 303-7682 sundra.glennon@ferguson.com
kristen@vamaritime.com
Chris Desaulniers* Director of Finance christopher.desaulniers@baesystems.us (757) 494-4298
bpatton@oceancontainertransport.com (757) 271-6901
OCEAN CONTAINER SOLUTIONS Suffolk, VA
Michael Miller* Director of Programs michael.miller6@baesystems.us (757) 494-4147
*Young Maritime Professional
Photo by: Independent Docking Pilots
P.O. Box 3487
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
PLATINUM ANCHORS
Bay Power Solutions
CIE Manufacturing
Colliers
CSX Transportation
AdvanSix
Amazon
BAE Systems
BDO USA
Capes Shipping Agencies
CMA CGM (America)
Coastal Design & Construction
Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
PERMIT
GOLDEN ANCHORS
CV International, Inc.
Excel Truck Group
Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.
Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.
SILVER ANCHORS
Ferguson
FORVIS Mazars
Givens Logistics
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
H&E Rentals
KITCO Fiber Optics
Kokosing Industrial
Kuehne + Nagel
LS Greenlink USA
T. Parker Host
VHB
Virginia Pilot Association
Wood Rogers
Pender & Coward, P.C.
Perdue Agribusiness
Port City Transportation
SeaGate Terminals
Tecnico Corporation
TMEIC Corporation
Truist
Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Tech Corporation Research Center