Issuu

MEMBERS PROMOTE MARITIME AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

RICHMOND, VA | On February 13th, the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) hosted a successful 2025 Maritime Day at the General Assembly, bringing together over 80 members who engaged with more than 85 state delegates and senators. Organized into 20 teams, participants advocated for key maritime and supply chain priorities, fostering valuable discussions with policymakers. The event provided an opportunity to introduce newly elected officials to the VMA while reinforcing relationships with long-standing legislative partners.

The advocacy efforts began the evening prior with a Legislative Reception, offering an informal setting for VMA members to connect with General Assembly representatives and officials from Governor Youngkin’s administration. The following day, participants met with legislators at the General Assembly

Building to address pressing industry concerns and highlight the maritime sector’s impact on Virginia’s economy.

FIRST SUBSTATION ARRIVES FOR COASTAL VIRGINIA OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT

The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project has reached a significant milestone with the arrival of its first offshore substation

at the Port of Virginia’s Portsmouth Marine Terminal. This substation, weighing over 4,000 tons, is the heaviest equipment ever handled at the port and is the first of its kind to arrive at a U.S. East Coast port. Developed by Dominion Energy, the CVOW project is located approximately 40 kilometers off the coast of Virginia Beach. Once fully operational, it will feature 176 wind turbines capable of supplying power to 660,000 Virginia households. The CS Wind Offshore and Semco Maritime consortium was selected in 2021 to deliver three 880 MW offshore substations for this project.

Since 2009, the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) has been instrumental in the development of Virginia’s offshore wind industry. Collaborating with federal and state authorities, VMA has worked to identify suitable areas for offshore wind development that align with commercial and Navy vessel traffic needs. In 2020, VMA established the Offshore Wind Committee to connect Virginia businesses with offshore wind opportunities and support mid-Atlantic projects.

Photo: Virginia Port Authority

Continue Reading on Page 4

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

Workforce Director &

Executive Assistant ................... Shayla Prince

Marketing Manager ............. Jennifer Deason

Event Manager & Accounting Assistant ............. Jennifer Parham

Membership Services

Manager ........................... Susan Wisniewski

For

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

PORTS AS CENTRAL NEURONS: DEMYSTIFYING TECH AND INNOVATION IN VIRGINIA’S MARITIME INDUSTRY

“Did you ever stop to think that you can’t leave for your job in the morning without being dependent on most of the world? You get up in the morning and go to the bathroom and reach over for a sponge, and that’s handed to you by a Pacific Islander... Before you finish eating breakfast in the morning, you are dependent on more than half of the world.” — Martin Luther King Jr., “Christmas Sermon on Peace” (1967)

Though these words were spoken nearly 60 years ago, their relevance has only grown. The intricate web of global trade continues to expand, and ports — particularly Virginia’s maritime industry — serve as the central neurons of this interconnected reality.

Our ports are hubs where local effort meets global demand. The ever-increasing pace and complexity of trade require precision, efficiency, and above all, innovation. But innovation in ports doesn’t just mean state-of-the-art cranes or faster container handling. It means harnessing data, digital tools, and spatial awareness to simplify decisions and optimize operations. It means technology that integrates seamlessly into our workflows, often in ways that might surprise you.

One of the most powerful, and sometimes misunderstood, technologies driving this change is Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

What is GIS, and Why Should You Care?

At its core, GIS is about connecting data to location. Think of it as a digital map with a brain — a tool that lets us visualize, analyze, and interpret data with a geographical context. For the maritime industry, GIS helps answer critical questions like

• Where are delays most likely to occur in our supply chain?

• How can we optimize truck routing within the port and reduce congestion?

• What’s the most efficient way to track cargo movements in real-time?

When you use GIS to visualize data, complex problems become clear. Patterns emerge. Solutions become actionable.

Tech and Innovation: Simplifying the Complex

Virginia’s maritime industry has been a leader in integrating technology to modernize operations. From automated terminals to digital twins of port infrastructure, our region consistently looks to technology to reduce inefficiencies and enhance decision-making.

Take GIS-driven dashboards, for example. These tools provide a live, interactive window into port operations. Want to know how weather patterns are affecting cargo movement? Need realtime insights on vessel locations or truck turn times? A welldesigned GIS interface can answer these questions at a glance, empowering stakeholders with the information they need to act swiftly and confidently.

By embracing these technologies, we’re not just keeping up with globalization — we’re leading it.

The Human Element

But innovation isn’t just about the tech; it’s about people. It’s about equipping port workers, planners, and decision-makers with tools that make their jobs easier. It’s about fostering a culture of collaboration between supply chain experts, technologists, and community partners. As members of the Virginia Maritime Association’s Supply Chain and Tech Committee, our role is to demystify these technologies, making them accessible and relevant to everyone in the industry.

As we look to the future, Virginia’s maritime industry has the opportunity to set the standard for how technology drives growth, efficiency, and connectivity. By understanding and integrating tools like GIS, we’re not just adapting to a changing world — we’re actively shaping it.

Contributor: Dakota Anderson Regional GIS Lead, Mid-Atlantic

VHB VMA SCTI Committee

The “Navigating Innovation” column features industy expert insights from VMA’s Supply Chain Technology & Innovation (SCTI) committee.

MARITIME DAY CONT.

Beyond educating on the impact and reach of Virginia’s maritime economy across the state, key legislative priorities emphasized during the event included:

Workforce Development – Advocating for initiatives that attract, retain, and develop talent within the maritime and supply chain industries.

Freight Transportation & Economic Growth – Supporting policies that enhance Virginia’s freight transportation networks to drive investment, improve efficiency, and generate jobs.

Site Readiness – Promoting continued investment in businessready sites and infrastructure to capitalize on market opportunities and strengthen Virginia’s economic competitiveness.

The success of 2025 Maritime Day highlights the collective dedication of VMA members from around Virginia in advancing policies that promote industry growth, competitiveness, and resilience. Through ongoing advocacy, collaboration, and representation, VMA remains committed to driving positive change for its members, the maritime sector, and the Commonwealth.

Photo: Koegelenberg/AdobeStock

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.

DISTRIBUTION OF COAL DUMPINGS

HAMPTON ROADS REGION (INNETTONSOF2,000LBS)

Source: Coal figures compiled by coal terminals & third party sources **Estimated figure

PORT OF HAMPTON ROADS TEU’S

Source: Virginia Port Authority

CUSTOMS RECEIPTS

CUSTOMS

Source: Virginia Port Authority

INDUSTRY COMMITTEE UPDATES

FREIGHT FORWARDERS & CUSTOMHOUSE BROKERS11/06/24: Presentations from the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) covered the Long-Range Transportation Plan and resilience efforts, while Norfolk Southern provided rail project updates. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shared insights on operational improvements, staffing concerns, and external affairs strategies, with a focus on improving industry communication

SHIP OPERATORS & AGENTS - 11/07/24: Topics included the North Atlantic Right Whale Speed Reduction Rule, USCG safety fairways, and charting of offshore wind-related subsea cables. Members reviewed concerns related to cruise ship regulation petitions and maritime policy impacts from recent elections, with discussions on legislative priorities for the upcoming year.

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS - 11/13/24: Committee reviewed updates on the Virginia Brownfield and Voluntary Remediation Program, as well as proposed North Atlantic Right Whale restrictions and their impact on maritime operations. Members discussed Virginia’s DEQ Marine Mammal Protection Plan and the upcoming release of the DEQ Construction Stormwater Handbook, with attention to industry compliance and mitigation strategies.

TOWING & BARGE OPERATORS - 11/13/24: The committee discussed ongoing challenges with Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge #5 closures, highlighting impacts on crew changes, vessel supply logistics, and dredging operations. Members emphasized the need for better communication with bridge tenders and coordination with VDOT to align closures with Berkley Bridge openings. USCG provided a cybersecurity update, and members contributed input for the VMA’s legislative agenda.

OFFSHORE WIND - 11/14/24: The committee addressed key industry updates, including offshore wind project developments and regulatory considerations. Members emphasized the importance of supplier registration with developers and networking within VMA. Additional discussions covered federal policy changes, emerging manufacturers, and the impact of new port infrastructure projects on the offshore wind sector.

SUPPLY CHAIN TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION - 11/19/24: The committee continued refining its marketing and communication strategy, focusing on producing educational content for VMA members. Members committed to drafting case studies on key technology topics, including data standards, asset visibility, and green technology integration, with plans to incorporate insights into industry outreach and advocacy efforts.

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION CENTERS - 11/21/24: The meeting covered updates on toll discount programs, warehouse rezoning efforts, and statewide commercial real estate trends. Discussions highlighted the impact of heavier electric trucks on road weight limits and the adoption of CNG-fueled vehicles, with committee members providing input on potential legislative and regulatory priorities.

EDUCATION & TRAINING - 11/21/24: Discussions included an overview of the Go-Tec curriculum and opportunities for VMA members to participate in a regional career fair. Additional topics covered included William & Mary information sessions, a Massachusetts Maritime co-op program, and plans to expand the Counselor Outreach initiative to the Richmond area to strengthen industry engagement.

Source: Virginia Port Authority

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 January, the Association devotes much effort to representing the interests of the VMA membership during the legislative session of Virginia’s General Assembly. Priorities for VMA during the 2025 session emphasized Workforce Development, Freight Transportation, Business Ready Sites, and Economic Growth. VMA and its consultant, Kemper Consulting, considered the over 3,000 bills and budget proposals introduced at the start of the 2025 legislative session to identify a list of 150 which were monitored for VMA’s possible supportive or defensive intervention on behalf of the association’s membership and mission.

VMA proudly launched its fifth regional chapter — the Northern Virginia Chapter. With over 60 attendees, this inaugural gathering demonstrated strong industry support for this new chapter and the opportunity to expand VMA’s influence in Northern Virginia. The establishment of the Northern Virginia Chapter fulfills VMA’s Strategic Plan

goal to make the membership organizationally supported and networked to be more effective in each region, and to give VMA an even more powerful voice for the industry in the state capitol and Washington.

Executive Director David White was honored to deliver the keynote address to more than 100 members of the Association for Corporate Growth in Richmond. ACG is an association for middle-market M&A deal-makers and business leaders involved in corporate growth, corporate development and mergers and acquisitions. His industry overview demonstrated the ways Virginia is a maritime economy, showed how Richmond area businesses and citizens are connected to port-connected supply chains, highlighted related economic development, and he shared VMA’s priorities for continued industry growth.

VMA was included in a roundtable discussion the Hampton Roads Workforce Council coordinated with Chief Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Juan Pablo Segura, and Deputy Commissioner External Affairs, Virginia Works, Kathy Byron. The speakers provided updates on state workforce development initiatives and led a discussion focused on local workforce development needs.

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

• Hampton Roads Navigational Summit Working Group

• WHRO Public Media Board of Directors

• Elizabeth River Project Board of Directors

• Hampton Boulevard Working Group

• Sail250 Executive Committee

Photo: ACG

VMA NEW MEMBERS

CUSTOM GOODS

Cargo/Maritime Related Services

Warehouse 1743 Herrin Street Redondo Beach, CA 90278 custom-good.com

Margo Waldie

Senior Director of Sales margo.waldie@custom-goods.com

VIRGINIA BEACH CITY

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Business Service Education and Training

1800 College Crescent #H110 Virginia Beach, VA 23453

Dr. Brandon Martin Coordinator, Technical and Career Education brandon.martin@vbschools.com

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Aaron Arnold*

Work Based Learning Specialist aaron.arnold@vbschools.com

Lauren McIntyre*

Work Based Learning Specialist lauren.mcintyre@vbschools.com

ADDITIONAL MEMBER REPRESENTATIVES

Paige Christiansen*

Deputy Director of Business Operations pchristiansen@thayermahan.com

THAYERMAHAN

Virginia Beach, VA

*Young Maritime Professional

Mackenzie Orr

Deputy Director of Logistics morr@thayermahan.com

THAYERMAHAN

Virginia Beach, VA

Garry Murphy

Michael Tunney* Coordinator, Engineering & Technology

michael.tunney@vbschools.com

VIRGINIA BEACH CITY

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Virginia Beach, VA

*Young Maritime Professional

Customer Engagement/Talent Acquisition Manager garry@tidewaterstaffing.com

TIDEWATER STAFFING

Yorktown, VA

MARITIME DAY: AN INTERN’S EXPERIENCE

Attending VMA’s Maritime Day in Richmond felt like a homecoming. Growing up in the area, and then experiencing the event from a professional perspective was both exciting and surreal. As a student & intern, I aimed to understand how legislation impacts the supply chain and how VMA ensures Virginia’s supply chain operates efficiently. While I was nervous, I had looked forward to this event all week, and thanks to my amazing team lead, Morgan Whayland, the experience was incredible. I met with several legislators throughout the day, including Senator Tammy Mulchi and Delegates from various districts. This year focused on thanking legislators for their continued support rather than pushing major legislative changes. Even non-coastal legislators recognized the supply chain’s vital role in economic stability and the importance of strong infrastructure to prevent disruptions.

Discussions highlighted Newport News Shipbuilding’s role in Virginia’s economy & national defense. As a former intern, I

appreciated hearing legislators emphasize its significance. I also raised concerns about the “Gray Wave”—the urgent need to train the next generation of maritime professionals. The industry’s future depends on attracting and educating young talent, just as my classmates and I have been inspired to pursue careers in the maritime field.

Before attending this event, I was aware of the legislative aspects of the supply chain but hadn’t given them much thought. The experience opened my eyes to how policies and advocacy impact the industry. I confidently applied the knowledge and terminology from my ODU classes while discussing complex topics with legislators, thinking, “My professors would be proud.” The VMA organized the event exceptionally well, from pre-event briefings to a reception featuring the Governor. A key takeaway was how the maritime industry, despite competition, relies on collaboration across the supply chain to achieve common goals. I highly recommend this event to students interested in maritime, logistics, or policy for its invaluable legislative insights.—It’s an experience that will broaden your understanding and appreciation of the industry from a legislative view.