ILA & USMX REACH LABOR AGREEMENT
On January 8, 2025, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced a tentative agreement on a new six-year Master Contract. This agreement avoided a potential work stoppage scheduled for January 15, 2025. Both parties agreed to continue operating under the current contract until it has been ratified by the memberships of both the USMX and the ILA.
In a joint statement, ILA and USMX emphasized that the
agreement protects current ILA jobs while facilitating the adoption of technologies aimed at modernizing East and Gulf coast ports. The modernization efforts are intended to enhance safety, efficiency, and capacity, thereby strengthening supply chains. Specific details of the agreement have not been disclosed to allow ILA and USMX members to review and approve the final document.
Throughout this process Virginia’s interests have been represented by the leadership of the ILA in Hampton Roads and the Hampton Roads Shipping Association. The Virginia Maritime Association applauds these efforts which have kept our port operating without additional interruption and allow all parties to focus on the work of continuing to improve and grow the business in our port.
OPINION: MARITIME EDUCATION STARTS WITH LOCAL ACTION
“Maritime Education Starts With Local Action” and Hampton Roads is an “Ocean of Opportunity.”
The member businesses of the Virginia Maritime Association are proud to collaborate with workforce development organizations, training providers, and educational institutions—starting at the K-12 level—to grow and strengthen our talent pool. Together, we are ensuring our youth see the many prospects for a bright future in the maritime industry.
This aligns with the impactful insights highlighted in Benjamin Miner’s Op-Ed, published in The Maritime Executive. The article underscores the importance of local initiatives in strengthening the maritime workforce and fostering the next generation of industry leaders. You can find the full Op-Ed below.
Over 400 years ago, Jamestown was founded, chosen for its deep waters and defensible position—an ideal seaport. Today, our region thrives as a maritime hub, home to commercial, private, and military vessels that benefit from our central location, extensive waterways, and the bounty of the ocean.
The Problem: A Decline in Maritime Workforce
Despite this rich maritime history, our seafaring future faces significant challenges. Fewer young people are entering the maritime industry as high school students and young adults seek careers in other fields.
Photo: Military Sealift Command
“The Voice of Port Industries”
OFFICERS
Chair of the Board
Judy Barrett
President Lang Williams
Vice Presidents
Capt. Kenneth Flowers
Capt. Whiting Chisman Camille Cherry
Executive Director & Secretary
David White
Treasurer Dana Truxell
Assistant Treasurer Clyde Clark
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
SUPPLY CHAIN TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION COMMITTEE LAUNCHED
The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) is taking a bold step forward with the formation of the Supply Chain Technology & Innovation (SCTI) Committee. Recognizing the vital roles technology and innovation play across all VMA initiatives, this new committee is set to harness the expertise of its member companies to drive innovation, strengthen the Association and its members, and enhance Virginia’s competitive edge in the maritime and supply chain industries.
Why It’s Needed
Technology is a game-changer for maritime and supply chain operations, and innovation is a key driver of competitiveness. Across VMA’s diverse committees and initiatives, technology is a common thread that connects challenges and solutions. This committee aims to de-mystify complex technological challenges, providing a strategic approach to problem-solving and ensuring that technology not only supports VMA’s members but propels them to new heights.
Objectives That Matter
The SCTI Committee has a clear mission:
• Identify cross-cutting challenges and opportunities that impact VMA members.
• Support the identification, clarification, and validation of tech-related problems within the industry.
• Align with VMA’s strategic plan to ensure technology is an advantage for Virginia, VMA, and its members.
• Bring cutting-edge technology solutions to VMA’s top priorities.
• Collaborate with other organizations developing industry standards, ensuring Virginia stays at the forefront of maritime and supply chain innovation.
Impact & Outcomes
The Committee’s work will shape industry standards, influence policy, and drive investments into high-impact technology areas. It will provide tech-driven insights to support VMA’s committees, elevate the importance of tech jobs in the supply chain, and create pathways for community engagement where technology can drive progress.
What Sets This Committee Apart
Unlike other initiatives, this committee will collaborate with mature and early-stage companies and innovation communities, identifying common industry needs, communicating problems, and bridging the gap between tech challenges and solutions. As a committee of VMA ambassadors, it will also work to expand VMA’s engagement and membership within the tech sector and technology-focused departments within current members, ensuring our maritime industry stays ahead of the curve.
VMA is stepping boldly into the future, and the SCTI Committee is an opportunity to get engaged in transforming Virginia’s maritime and supply chain landscape!
Contributor: Kevin Speers CEO & Co-Founder of SPLICE Chair, VMA SCTI Committee
UPCOMING VMA COMMITTEE MEETINGS
VMA is built on a foundation of committees dedicated to improving and supporting the maritime supply chain. As a member, you have the option to get involved and have your voice be heard. If you are interested in sitting in on an upcoming committee meeting, please let us know.
• Coal Committee - Thursday, February 20
• Inland Transportation Committee - Tuesday, February 25
• Offshore Wind Committee - Thursday, February 27
2025 VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION CONVENES
RICHMOND, VA |The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia convened briefly on January 8, 2025, commencing the 2025 “short” legislative session.
Long sessions of 60 days, in even years, are reserved for adopting the new biennial budget, while the 46-day short sessions in odd years were originally reserved for enacting indispensable budget amendments. Contemporary governors and legislatures often use the short session to overhaul the budget. The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on Saturday, February 22. Richmond welcomed a modern-day record of new legislators in 2024 after the House and Senate general elections of 2023. Last January, 18 new senators and 35 new delegates joined the General Assembly. The Senate has 40 members, and the House has 100 members. As Kemper Consulting reported after the 2023 elections, the historic number of new members was the result of Virginia’s revamped decennial redistricting process that spawned a significant number of competitive primaries and a wave of retirements (voluntary and involuntary). The retiring members accounted for more than 700 years of legislative service.
On January 7, two new senators and a new delegate were elected in special elections. The recent November election of two state senators to the U.S. House of Representatives required the senate elections, while the resignation of a delegate, who is one of the new senators elected yesterday, necessitated the House election. The special elections maintained the current balance of the Senate (21 Democrats and 19 Republicans), and the House (51 Democrats and 49 Republicans).
Senator-elect Luther Henry Cifers, II (R-Farmville) was elected to the 10th Senate District previously represented by Republican U.S. Representative John McGuire. The district covers parts of Southside Virginia (Appomattox, Buckingham, Amelia, and
Cumberland Counties and a piece of Prince Edward County) as well as parts of central Virginia and suburban Richmond (Powhatan, Goochland and Fluvanna Counties and parts of Hanover, Louisa, and Henrico Counties). Former Delegate Kannan Srinivasan (D-Loudoun) was elected to the 32nd Senate District. U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D) previously represented this Loudoun County-centered district. Delegateelect JJ Singh (D-Loudoun) was elected to replace Srinivasan, who was representing the 26th House District, which is also entirely based in Loudoun County.
2025 is a big election year in the Commonwealth. Virginians will elect a governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general in November after the June primaries. Additionally, the 100 seats of the House of Delegates are on the ballot. The Senate is next on the ballot in 2027. Delegates serve two-year terms and Senators serve four-year terms.
On December 18, 2024, the Governor introduced his biennial budget amendments, including his tax package, and released the state’s updated revenue estimate.
• Virginia’s year-to-date revenues are up 7.3 percent over 2024.
• The Governor’s introduced tax package includes extending the state’s standard income tax deductions set to expire this year ($8,500 for individuals and $17,000 for joint filers); initiating a new state “car tax” credit up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for couples filing jointly; and eliminating state taxes on tips for service industry workers.
Although to be determined, disputes over tax cuts might cause the Republican Governor and the Democratic legislature to go into budget overtime.
The House and Senate will adopt their respective budget amendments in early February and reconcile their differences before adjournment. The Constitution provides governors the authority to approve, amend, and veto legislation, including the budget. Governors are constitutionally required to act on all legislation within 30 days of adjournment.
In addition to taxes, the legislature will address a number of high-profile legislative issues including a Medicaid funding shortfall of more than $600 million, debating legislation on K-12 accountability standards, data centers impacts, increasing behavioral health services and funding, adopting and funding new maternal health services, continuing to address the lack of affordable housing, and considering a state-driven solar project siting process that reduces local government land use controls.
Photo: Adobe Stock
Photo: Koegelenberg/AdobeStock
MARITIME EDUCATION CONT.
A project manager at a major local shipyard described the situation succinctly: “Attrition at the shipyard is essentially one-for-one.” The average age of a shipyard worker? Fifty-five years old. The trend isn’t limited to shipyards. Enrollment at the nation’s six maritime academies has dropped dramatically, from 7,350 students in 2017 to 5,918 in 2023—a 20% decline. Unlimited license track graduates fell from 1,086 in 2017 to just 813 in 2023.
This isn’t just a shipyard problem. Licensed mariners serve as the backbone of America’s maritime infrastructure. They pilot vessels through challenging waterways, enforce safety standards with organizations like the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and shape maritime policy with the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD). They also provide essential logistical support through entities like Military Sealift Command (MSC). Yet all these roles are now competing for the same shrinking pool of skilled professionals.
At a recent discussion with leaders in the offshore, shipyard, and private maritime sectors at Old Dominion University, one sentiment was clear: “We used to receive skilled mariners, but now we have to train them. After completing our apprenticeship program, many leave for higher-paying industries.” The issue isn’t money—it’s a workforce shortage. Across every facet of the maritime industry, we’re all vying for the same limited number of skilled workers.
The Solution Starts at Home
On a recent walk with my 16-year-old son, we discussed career paths. Living in Hampton Roads, he’s had access to incredible opportunities—learning to sail in the open ocean out of Norfolk, building a wooden boat at Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop, and studying in Grassfield High School’s Governor’s STEM program.
Reflecting on the region’s maritime potential, I shared with him the opportunities a maritime career offers. A fresh graduate from a maritime academy can start as a Third Assistant Engineer, earning over $100,000 annually. With commitment and a few
license upgrades, they could become a Chief Engineer in as little as five years, earning more than $200,000 annually while working a schedule of three months on, three months off. Beyond the financial rewards, the industry fosters leadership, critical thinking, and a deep connection to the natural world.
My son recently applied to—and was accepted by—one of the nation’s maritime academies. While I’m proud of his achievement, I can’t help but wonder: why isn’t this the norm in Virginia?
Why Not Virginia?
Virginia has no maritime academy of its own, nor is it a primary supplier of maritime professionals. This is especially striking given the role of the Port of Virginia, which handles over 65.6 million tons of cargo annually, contributes $56.9 billion in labor income, and directly supports more than 33,000 ship repair and building jobs.
Our region is uniquely positioned to produce the next generation of maritime leaders who will drive American commerce, defense, and the maritime economy. But we need to inspire and guide our youth toward these opportunities.
A Call to Action
We can and must do better. By investing in maritime education and encouraging young talent to explore this vital field, we can secure the legacy of Hampton Roads as a maritime powerhouse. Whether through the creation of a Virginia maritime academy or by expanding access to existing programs, the time to act is now.
To the readers of Hampton Roads: join the ranks of one of America’s most vital and often overlooked industries. Let’s prepare the next generation to lead the ships and ports that have shaped our history—and will shape our future.
Benjamin Miner is a licensed professional mariner with more than 25 years in industry, both at sea and on shore. He has been a resident of Hampton Roads since 2017, where he lives with his wife and son.
Interested in Submitting an Article or Presentation?
Contact Jennifer Deason, jdeason@vamaritime.com
We invite all VMA members to contribute content for our publications and propose ideas for in-person or virtual presentations that enrich our community’s knowledge and engagement. Submissions should be about subjects that are topical and timely, and informational and educational in nature with an interest to the general membership or certain portions of or membership.
Articles should ideally range between 400-600 words. To enhance readability, submissions incorporating high-resolution images or infographics are encouraged. Please ensure all sourced materials are credited appropriately for attribution purposes. It’s important to note that submitted content should not serve as a platform for direct business promotion or solicitation. Instead, we aim to develop a collaborative environment where members can share expertise and contribute to the collective knowledge base of the maritime industry.
For those interested in submitting articles or presentations, we request contacting us for detailed guidelines on VMA’s policies regarding content publication. Together, let’s continue to elevate our community through informative and impactful contributions.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION CONT.
debating legislation on K-12 accountability standards, data centers impacts, increasing behavioral health services and funding, adopting and funding new maternal health services, continuing to address the lack of affordable housing, and considering a statedriven solar project siting process that reduces local government land use controls.
Legislative Calendar:
• Wednesday, December 18, 2024: Governor Youngkin introduced his proposed biennial budget amendments.
• Wednesday, January 8: Day One of Forty-Six (scheduled)
• Friday, January 10: Last day for Members to introduce Budget Amendments (House and Senate)
• Friday, January 17: Last day for Members to introduce bills (legislation)
• Sunday, February 2: Committees responsible for the Budget Bill to complete work by midnight (House Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee)
• Wednesday, February 4: Crossover: Each house can consider only legislation and amendments of the other house, except the Budget Bill
• Wednesday, February 11: Last day for each house to complete work on the Budget Bill and revenue bills of the other house; and each house to appoint budget conferees by midnight
• Saturday, February 22: Day Forty-Six
• Budget Overtime: TBD
• Governor’s deadline to act on legislation including the budget bill: 30 days from adjournment
Each year, VMA monitors, and sometimes requests, bills and budget proposals with implications for the business interests of its membership and its mission. VMA sifts through thousands of bills and budget proposals each year to determine their impacts, and actively participate in the legislative process to defend and advance these interests.
Join us at the VMA’s Maritime Breakfast Briefing on Wednesday, February 26 for the 2025 Legislative Update presented by Kemper Consulting, Inc. and The Roosevelt Group.
Source Ross Grogg, Kemper Consulting, Inc.
Photo: Koegelenberg/AdobeStock
DISTRIBUTION OF COAL DUMPINGS
PORT OF HAMPTON ROADS TEU’S
RECEIPTS
CUSTOMS DISTRICT
JEREMY BRIDGES HONORED AT THE URBAN LEAGUE OF HAMPTON ROADS CELEBRATION
Jeremy Bridges, President & Chief Negotiator of the Hampton Roads Shipping Association (HRSA), was honored on January 16th at the 41st Annual Urban League of Hampton Roads MLK Celebration for his remarkable contributions to economic development.
The Urban League of Hampton Roads
shared, “With decades of expertise in labor relations, Jeremy has been a catalyst for innovation and collaboration at the Port of Hampton Roads—an economic cornerstone of our region. His leadership in contract negotiations, workforce safety, and professional development has strengthened the maritime industry while creating opportunities for the next generation.
Jeremy’s unwavering commitment to driving economic progress and building pathways to shared success reflects Dr. King’s vision of justice, equity, and opportunity for all. For his transformative impact, he received the MLK Award for Economic Development at this year’s celebration.”
The Virginia Maritime Association proudly celebrates Jeremy’s achievements and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor.
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.
In December, Governor Youngkin introduced his proposed amendments to the fiscal years 2025 and 2026 biennial budget. Also, members of the General Assembly began pre-filing legislation for the 2025 legislative session, with Democrats holding very narrow control of both the state House and Senate. VMA began reviewing proposed budget amendments and introduced bills in the context of industry impacts and priorities. VMA also covered a lot of ground connecting with legislators during a final flurry of events held by legislators prior to the start of the 2025 General Assembly session.
VMA presented a Resolution of Appreciation to Barry DuVal, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, during the Virginia Economic Summit and International Trade Conference in Richmond. Having announced his plans for retirement, VMA determined the conference would be an appropriate forum to demonstrate gratitude for Barry’s many contributions benefiting the maritime industry during his time leading the Chamber, and previously as Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, as well as Mayor of the port city of Newport News.
Lead Virginia is a statewide leadership program that gives select professionals the opportunity to surround themselves with other leaders, building a resource of social capital. VMA’s two Lead Virginia alumni, Will Fediw and Kristen Greene, participated and spoke at Lead’s 20th Anniversary program.
Through Virginia DEQ, the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program is developing the Virginia Ocean Plan to better understand and drive decision making about ocean uses, potential use conflicts, and needs related to data, resources, or policies. Representing industry interests, VMA participated in discussions of the Transportation Navigation & Security Committee.
Other notable events and meetings in which VMA made presentations or represented the membership included:
• Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable Board of Directors
• Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization Freight Transportation Advisory Committee
• U.S. Navy, Fleet Forces
• Virginia Beach City Public Schools
• American Waterways Operators
Photo: LEAD Virginia
Photo: Virginia Chamber
VMA NEW MEMBERS
ARCOSA/WINTECH/NABRICO
Cargo/Maritime Related Services
Engineers/Naval Architects/Surveyors 2009 Grange Hill Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 arcosa.com
Brad Jarnagin Industry Market Manager (843) 327-7824 brad.jarnagin@arcosa.com
M S INTERNATIONAL
Bronze Anchor Exporters and Importers 2095 N. Batavia Street Orange, CA 92865
Glenda Valdez Vice President glenda@msisurfaces.com
C. H. ROBINSON
Cargo/Maritime Related Services Logistics Consultants 3605 Chamberlayne Court Virginia Beach, VA 23452 chrobinson.com/en-us/
Douglas A. Coutts Senior Sales Executive (757) 285-0399 douglas.coutts@chrobinson.com
WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON
Business Service Law Firms 8350 Broad Street Suite 1500 Tysons, VA 22102 womblebonddickinson.com/us
Rajan Singh Of Counsel (703) 790-4683 rajan.singh@wbd-us.com
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS
Larry B. Pierce, Jr.
Project Manager lpierce@fairlead.com FAIRLEAD INTEGRATED Portsmouth, VA
Shanna Z. Klute Director of Supply Chain shanna.klute@stihl.us (757) 785-1240
STIHL, INC. Virginia Beach, VA
Aaron W. Dortch* Business Operations Manager adortch@fairlead.com FAIRLEAD INTEGRATED Portsmouth, VA
INTEGRATED DEFENSE SERVICES, INC.
Vessel or Marine Terminal Operations
Defense Contractor 2500 Cheyne Walk Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Jeffrey Johnson President (757) 574-3525 jeff@idsincglobal.com
Michael Bruno Cuomo Vice President Finance & Accounting and Corporate michael.cuomo@one-line.com (805) 256-2350
OCEAN NETWORK EXPRESS Richmond, VA
Dustin Rathbone* Project Manager drathbone@thayermahan.com THAYERMAHAN Chesapeake, VA
Justin Todd Pringle Operations Manager jtpringle@riversideship.com (757) 967-8000
RIVERSIDE SHIPPING Portsmouth, VA
Jim Michalski Vice President, Regional Logistics michalski.james@zim.com (757) 228-1333
ZIM AMERICAN INTEGRATED SHIPPING SERVICES Norfolk, VA
*Young Maritime Professional
P.O. Box 3487
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
PLATINUM ANCHORS
Bay Power Solutions
Colliers
CSX Transportation
CV International, Inc.
AdvanSix
Amazon
BAE Systems
Capes Shipping Agencies
CMA CGM (America)
CMP Global
Coastal Design & Construction
Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Ferguson Enterprises
U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORFOLK, VA
PERMIT NO. 1930
GOLDEN ANCHORS
Excel Truck Group
Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.
T. Parker Host
VHB
SILVER ANCHORS
FORVIS Mazars
Givens Logistics
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
H&E Rentals
KITCO Fiber Optics
Kokosing Industrial
Kuehne + Nagel
LS Greenlink USA
Pender & Coward, P.C.
Perdue Agribusiness
Virginia Pilot Association Wood Rogers
Port City Transportation
SeaGate Terminals
Tecnico Corporation
TMEIC Corporation
Truist
Virginia Business
Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Tech Corporation Research Center