Virginia Maritime Bulletin, Vol 88, #9 by VAmaritime

EAST AND GULF COASTS PORT STRIKE BEGINS

NORFOLK, VA | On October 1, 2024, the U.S. saw its largest port strike in nearly five decades as 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) headed to the picket line when their six-year agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) expired without a new agreement in place and negotiations at an impasse. The strike brought cargo

operations to a halt at major ports along the East and Gulf coasts, including the Port of Virginia®.

Key terminals at the Port of Virginia®, such as Norfolk International Terminals, Virginia International Gateway, and Newport News Marine Terminal, ceased operations. Marine terminals which move cargoes other than containerized freight and do not utilize ILA labor continued operations. Local officials, including U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, urged both sides to reach a resolution quickly to minimize disruptions.

The impacts of halting cargo operations at ports from Maine to Texas, including here in Virginia, are significant. Those first affected are the businesses and their employees directly involved in the transportation and handling of the freight. The impacts then flow to those who rely on receiving imported goods for inventory, production, and consumption and to the ability of domestic producers to deliver their exports to overseas customers. The longer the disruption, the greater the impacts.

The Virginia Maritime Association recognizes that our members are concerned and seeking the latest information about the state of negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). Please visit our Resources page, VAmaritime.com/LaborNegotiations, for links to updated information from the respective parties.

Source Virginia Business

PORT 460 LOGISTICS CENTER BREAKS GROUND

SUFFOLK, VA | On September 4, 2024, Rockefeller Group and Matan Companies officially broke ground on the first phase of the highly anticipated Port 460 Logistics Center in Suffolk, Virginia.

The development, in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate New York, Chuo Nittochi, and Taisei USA LLC, will deliver 2.4 million

square feet of industrial space across five buildings in its first phase, with the first two buildings and infrastructure expected to be completed next year. The second phase, bringing an additional 2.6 million square feet, will follow.

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“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

DON’T MISS VMA24 - REGISTER TODAY!

NORFOLK, VA| Concerning what’s currently happening at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, you DON’T want to miss VMA24 this year. ALL the players will be there, and we will discuss ongoing impacts throughout the supply chain.

Join us on October 9-10, 2024, in Norfolk, VA for VMA24, the East Coast’s Premier Conference on Shipping, Ports, Logistics, and Trade and the inaugral International Bulk Conference.

Online registration closes on Friday, October 4th. Inperson conference and maritime mixer registration opens on October 9th at the Hilton Norfolk| The Main.

PORT 460 CONT.

JP Matan, Director of Leasing for Matan Companies, highlighted the significance of the project, calling it “one of the most impactful industrial developments in the country,” while Hilary

Celebrating its 21st year, the VMA’s International Trade Symposium has become well-known as a boutique, attendeecurated event tailored to connecting, discussing ideas, and benefiting from shared experiences. You’ll hear senior 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 at VMAsymposium.com.

Allard Goldfarb, Senior Managing Director of Rockefeller Group, emphasized its potential to support industries ranging from logistics to advanced manufacturing, further positioning Suffolk as a logistics hub.

Governor Glenn Youngkin celebrated the project, noting the creation of 2,600 construction jobs and the potential for over 9,000 jobs once the site is fully operational. He underscored Virginia’s commitment to infrastructure investments, including a $30.1 million allocation for road improvements and a $3.5 million grant for site readiness.

Port 460 offers direct access to the Port of Virginia, and will serve U.S. and international businesses with a strategic location that reaches 75 percent of the U.S. population.

Photo courtesy of Suffolk News-Herald

MARITIME LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

DANVILLE, VA | On September 11 – 12, 2024, the Maritime Leadership Certificate Program (MLCP) Class of 2025 embarked on an out-of-region visit to Southern Virginia. This trip provided participants with a unique opportunity to engage with regional leaders and explore key educational and industrial hubs, fostering a deeper understanding of the area’s role in maritime leadership and workforce development.

The visit began with a discussion at the New College Institute in Martinsville, where Kristen Greene, VMA’s Director of Membership Development, and Kim Clark, VMA’s Southern Virginia Chapter Chair shared insights on maritime initiatives, workforce trends, and the evolving needs of the maritime industry. After the discussion, participants engaged in a team building activity and then toured the New College Institute’s innovative facilities, which play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals.

The following day, the group visited the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville. Here, they explored cutting-edge advancements in advanced manufacturing and

robotics, sectors that align closely with maritime and logistics industries. The tour highlighted IALR’s efforts to drive regional economic growth through innovation and workforce development.

The final stop was a tour of the Virginia International Raceway (VIR), an internationally recognized motorsports facility that serves as an economic engine for the region. Attendees learned about the operational challenges and leadership strategies involved in managing a high-profile venue with global reach.

Overall, the trip to Southern Virginia provided valuable insights into the region’s contributions to maritime and logistics sectors. Through engaging discussions and informative tours, the program participants gained fresh perspectives on leadership, collaboration, and the future of the industry.

MLCP is accepting applications for the next cohort beginning in March 2025. Apply by November 1, 2024.

VMA’s Maritime Leadership Certification Program (MLCP) provides professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the maritime industry, a network of key industry stakeholders, and critical leadership skills.

The program is designed to be completed in one year with classes of 25 participants and encourages all VMA members to apply. Learn more and submit you application by November 1st at

DISTRIBUTION OF COAL DUMPINGS

PORT OF HAMPTON ROADS TEU’S

Source: Virginia Port Authority

CUSTOMS RECEIPTS

VIRGINIA CUSTOMS DISTRICT

PARTNER WITH ODU’S PORT DAY!

It’s the game everyone talks about - ODU vs. JMU. Join Virginia Maritime Association and The Port of Virginia® for the excitement of ODU’s PORT DAY on Saturday, November 16, 2024, as the Monarchs take on the Dukes of James Madison University! Over the years, ODU’s Port Day has been a fun and engaging way to promote our port and educate the community about the importance of the maritime industry and its economic impact.

This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity for partners and affiliates to enjoy the game in style with a premium hospitality area and seating packages on the 50-yard line along with opportunities to participate in an on-field presentation, a fan tunnel experience, attend the Ricky Rahne Coach’s Show on the 10th floor of the Port of Virginia® NIT tower, branding within the game, Port Day t-shirts, and more. This event isn’t just an opportunity to mix and mingle; it’s also a chance to celebrate and spotlight the contributions of our maritime and supply chain industries.

Old Dominion University is offering a variety of sponsorship packages to companies who want to be a part of this partnership that celebrates our industry. All ticket packages include admission to the game and access to the premium in-stadium hospitality suite beginning one hour before kick-offcomplete with food and beverages.

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.

With so many changes having taken place in the last year in the party control, number of new legislators, and number of those assuming leadership positions for the first time the need to educate and strengthen relationships with Virginia legislators remains an area of focus for VMA. August’s calendar was full of legislator meetings, events, and port tours conducted by VMA.

VMA was privileged to host and present at meetings held by the Oceantic Network (formerly the Business Network for Offshore Wind). The Oceantic Network is a member-based organization with a mission to grow the offshore wind industry and its supply chains by coordinating efforts, providing education, and facilitating networking opportunities.

VMA was pleased to be in attendance to help celebrate completion of the Central Rail Yard expansion at Norfolk International Terminals, an $83-million-project which was delivered on-time and on-budget. The project adds two new

rail track bundles and three all-electric cantilever rail- mounted gantry cranes which gives the port an additional 455,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of annual on-dock rail capacity, a port-wide increase of 31 percent.

VMA provided comments to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) as it considered a request from NOAA to determine whether proposed amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule are consistent with the statutes and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VMA identified to VDEQ multiple inconsistencies with state regulations and priorities, highlighting in particular those which would increase the risks vessel operations and crews.

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

• Elizabeth River Project Board of Directors

• Virginia Freight Advisory Committee

• Virginia Harbor Safety Committee

YMCA ENROLLMENT IS OPEN

As a valued member company of the Virginia Maritime Association, your employees have access to our YMCA Corporate Membership plan, available in the South Hampton Roads and now Peninsula networks. Enrollment for the upcoming six-month membership term, from November 1 to April 30, is OPEN. Submit your enrollment form by October 20, 2024!

Learn more at VAmaritime.com/AffinityPrograms

VMA NEW MEMBERS

DOMINION COMMERCIAL DIVING

Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Diving Services

15 Bay Front Place Hampton, VA 23664 dominioncommercialdiving.com

Josh Green Owner/Partner info@dominioncommercialdiving.com (757) 453 3060

INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (IMCA) Non Profit Organization/Education Non-Profit Organization 66 Buckingham Gate London, SWIE 6 AU UK imca-int.com

Dustin Varnell dustin.varnell@imca-int.com (401) 835–7790

GHB CONSULTING, LLC

Business Services Consultants Norfolk, VA 23508

George Brown President ghbrown1978@gmail.com (757) 635–6528

K-LINE AMERICA, INC

Vessel or Marine Terminal Operations

Steamship Owners, Agents, Operators 4860 Cox Road, Suite 300 Glen Allen, VA 23060 kline.com

Christopher Pokorney Assistant Vice President chris.pokorney@us.kline.com (804) 762–6602

Yosuke Yokoyama President & CEO yosuke.yokoyama@us-kline.com

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

h Brett Johnson Manager, MIRT and Business Continuity bjohnson@portofvirginia.com (757) 683-8950 THE PORT OF VIRGINIA Norfolk, VA

h Molly O’Callaghan* molly.ocallaghan@audaxtrans.com CENTURY EXPRESS VIRGINIA Norfolk, VA

h Randall (Eric) Strickland Director of Safety estrickland@crofton.com (757) 397-1131

CROFTON INDUSTRIES Portsmouth, VA

*Young Maritime Professional

IN-PLACE MACHINING COMPANY

Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Field Machining and 3D Measurement 1201 International Plaza Chesapeake, VA 23323 inplace.com

Will Austin Director of Business Development waustin@inplace.com (757) 487-3200

LS GREENLINK USA, INC.

Silver Anchor Manufacturers and Distributors 1046 W. Westridge Court Upland, CA 91786 lLSGreenLink.com

Patrick Shim Managing Director pshim@ls-csa.com

WEST CONTRACT

Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Motor Carriers/Intermodal 151 Sachs Avenue Franklin, VA 23851 westcontractfranklin.com

Abe Applewhite

Managing Director aapplewhite@westcontract.com (757) 571–0023

LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS @ VAMARITIME.COM/MEMBERSHIP Contact Kristen Greene, kristen@vamaritime.com

VMA 2024-2025 Dues

The VMA Executive Committee has approved dues increases effective with the October 1, 2024 billing cycle. The new dues rates for standard membership levels will be:

• Young Maritime Professional $190 ($10 increase)

• Non-Profit Organization $370 ($20 increase)

• Business Service $450 ($25 increase)

• Moving Cargo or Offering Maritime-Related Services $875 ($50 increase)

• Vessel or Marine Terminal Operations $1,300 ($75 increase) The increase for Anchor Members will be:

• Bronze $2,250 ($135 increase)

• Silver $3,550 ($205 increase)

• Gold $6,910 ($400 increase)

• Platinum $13,350 ($500 increase)

Photo by: Independent Docking Pilots

P.O. Box 3487

Norfolk, Virginia 23510