NORFOLK, VA | The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) has added its voice to those of other trade groups and businesses opposing proposals by the U.S. Trade Representative to impose significant fees on operators of Chinese-built ships when their vessels call U.S. ports. Comments submitted by VMA and others highlight concerns over the proposed fees that could result in higher costs for importers and consumers, as well as potential job losses. The plan, introduced by the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, aims to impose millions of dollars in new fees each time an ocean carrier calls a U.S. port (1) with a Chinese-built ship, (2) based on the percentage of Chinese-built ships in their fleet, and (3) the orders placed for new Chinese-built ships.
The VMA is monitoring the situation and has communicated its concerns to the Virginia Congressional delegation and Governor Youngkin. While VMA supports the administration’s objective to revitalize American shipbuilding and broader maritime industries, we question whether the proposed fees and restrictions will achieve these goals. Our members, particularly those in Virginia’s coal export and agricultural sectors, have raised concerns that these fees will directly increase transportation costs, affecting global competitiveness. Moreover, the limited availability of non-Chinese vessels could result in higher charter rates, longer wait times, and inflationary pressures on supply chains. Reduced sailings by ocean carriers, focusing only on the largest ports, will likely exacerbate
VMA’S MLCP CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATES
NORFOLK, VA | On March 19, 2025, The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) proudly celebrated the graduation of the Maritime Leadership Certificate Program (MLCP) Class of 2025, marking the program’s sixth graduating cohort.
Over the course of the year, the MLCP Class of 2025 engaged deeply with the maritime industry through immersive tours and hands-on experiences, expanding their knowledge and leadership skills.
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congestion, delays, and inefficiencies, impacting manufacturers, exporters, importers, and the broader economy. The potential for higher costs will ultimately be passed down to consumers, a concern shared by VMA members.
While VMA appreciates the administration’s focus on strengthening U.S. shipbuilding, the immediate negative impact of these proposed fees could outweigh the long-term benefits. As the potential for job losses and increased costs looms, the maritime industry is urging a reevaluation of the plan to ensure that it doesn’t inadvertently harm the very sectors it aims to support. Review the official letter here
Photo: The Port of Virginia
“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
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
EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY IN THE INTERMODAL INDUSTRY: A NEW ERA OF EFFICIENCY AND CONNECTIVITY
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the intermodal industry is at a critical crossroads, with technological advancements poised to redefine operations, enhance efficiency, and streamline logistics. Embracing cutting-edge technologies has become essential for the intermodal transportation sector to stay competitive in an increasingly interconnected and data-driven environment. Intermodal transportation—moving cargo via multiple modes, such as rail, truck, and ship—relies heavily on coordination, communication, and tracking. This article explores how the intermodal industry is benefiting from technology innovations and how they contribute to optimizing operations and ensuring smoother, more efficient transport of goods.
The Role of Technology
Through advanced GPS tracking and sensor-based monitoring, technology companies such as Blackberry Radar, provide realtime insights into fleet operations. This ensures that managers can track the progress of shipments, identify potential delays, and make more informed decisions. Asset tracking technology is especially valuable for intermodal operations, where containers or shipments are often transferred between various transport modes. The seamless tracking of goods across different transportation methods minimizes inefficiencies, reduces the risk of lost cargo, and improves overall supply chain visibility.
Integrating IoT for Smarter Operations
The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a significant role in enhancing the intermodal industry. IoT devices enable continuous monitoring of vehicles, cargo, and equipment. By embedding sensors into containers, trucks, and ships, operators can monitor temperature, humidity, shock levels, and other critical factors that could affect the integrity of the goods being transported. This is particularly useful for sensitive or perishable items that require specific conditions during transit.
By integrating these smart devices with predictive analytics,
intermodal companies can foresee potential maintenance issues, optimize routes, and prevent downtime. This results in substantial cost savings and improves the reliability of the entire transportation network.
The Future: Artificial Intelligence and Automation
The next wave of technological innovation in the intermodal industry lies in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. AIpowered systems can process vast amounts of data to identify trends, optimize schedules, and predict delivery times with high accuracy. Meanwhile, automation, through the use of autonomous vehicles or robotic systems, can help eliminate human error, reduce labor costs, and enhance safety.
In combination with IoT and advanced tracking systems like Blackberry Radar, AI and automation are laying the groundwork for a more intelligent, autonomous, and efficient transportation network. This opens up new possibilities for streamlining processes, reducing bottlenecks, and creating a truly interconnected and data-driven logistics ecosystem.
Technology: The Key to a Seamless Intermodal Future
As the intermodal industry continues to grow and evolve, embracing technology has become a necessity for staying competitive in a fast-paced global market. From Blackberry Radar’s advanced fleet tracking capabilities to the broader adoption of IoT, AI, and automation, the integration of these technologies enhances the efficiency, transparency, and reliability of intermodal transport. By continuing to leverage cuttingedge solutions, the intermodal sector is poised to deliver more seamless, sustainable, and efficient transportation solutions for the future.
Contributor: Jeff Allen
Sr. Sales Manager
Blackberry Radar VMA SCTI Committee
The “Navigating Innovation” column features industy expert insights from VMA’s Supply Chain Technology & Innovation (SCTI) committee.
MLCP CONT.
This class’s year was packed with diverse and enriching activities, including:
• A scenic sunset and informative tugboat ride with McAllister Towing
• Bagging numerous oyster shells for environmental efforts
• An in-depth tour and boat ride courtesy of the Virginia Pilot’s Association
• Visits to both the Inland Port and Virginia International Gateway (VIG)
• Tours of manufacturing facilities, cold storage units, transportation entities, shipyards, and a container yard
• A deep dive into maritime history at the Mariners’ Museum and a visit to the Virginia International Raceway
• A firsthand look at cutting-edge technology at the New College Institute and workforce development initiatives at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
• Interactive improv exercises focused on partnership and communication
• Defining individual strengths and personal values
• A lively one-day negotiation of the state budget, complete with intense museum funding debates
• A close-up look at offshore wind turbines
• Engaging with Legislators during VMA’s Maritime Day in Richmond
• Connecting with local youth to discuss workforce development opportunities
Earlier in the day, the MLCP Class of 2026 kicked off their welcome and orientation, marking the largest cohort to date.
MLCP CLASS OF 2026
The MLCP Class of 2025 leaves with not only unforgettable memories but also a deeper understanding of the maritime and supply chain industries, enhanced leadership skills, and a lasting network of colleagues and friends. Congratulations to all graduates on this remarkable achievement!
VMA’S MULTI-EMPLOYER 401K PLAN
VMA proudly welcomes Cita and Habitat for Humanity as the newest members of our Multi-Employer 401K Plan. Simplify your retirement planning responsibilities by joining VMA’s comprehensive program. Focus on your business while we manage all administrative tasks seamlessly.
In early 2024, Strategic Retirement Partners conducted a thorough analysis of VMA’s Equitable Multi-Employer Retirement Plan, comparing costs, services, and investments with other providers. Their conclusion? Our plan stands out for its superior administration, cost-effectiveness, meticulous recordkeeping, proficient investment management, and competitive 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
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 sixmonth membership term, from May 1 to October 31, is OPEN. Submit your enrollment form by April 21, 2025. Learn more at VAmaritime.com/AffinityPrograms
OF HAMPTON ROADS TEU’S
CUSTOMS RECEIPTS
EXPLORING OFFSHORE WIND GROWTH AND INNOVATION AT ODU’S MARITIME CONFERENCE
On March 25, 2025, Old Dominion University hosted its third annual Maritime Conference, a free, all-day event that brought together over 300 students, industry professionals, educators, and policymakers. This growing conference, which filled its venue last year, moved to a larger space for 2025. This year’s theme, Offshore Wind, focused on Virginia’s expanding role in the sector and its maritime community’s efforts to support it. The event
featured insightful panels and presentations on project progress, innovation, and workforce development, covering topics such as maritime workforce recruitment, emerging technologies, and legislative developments.
A key moment came when Patrick Shim, Managing Director of LS GreenLink USA, announced that the company would break ground on a $680 million offshore wind subsea cable manufacturing facility in Chesapeake. Once completed, it will be the tallest building in Virginia and the first of its kind in the country, creating over 330 jobs and reinforcing Virginia’s leadership in offshore wind manufacturing.
Panels explored new career paths in offshore wind, such as the “Charting Careers in OSW” session, where industry experts shared advice on soft skills and navigating offshore wind careers. Another panel, “Agile Evolution: Embracing Maritime Adjacents,” highlighted how maritime businesses are adapting to support the offshore wind sector.
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.
On February 13th, VMA hosted a successful 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 bills and funding favorable to Workforce Development, Freight Transportation, Business Ready Sites, and Economic Growth. The day also provided an opportunity to introduce newly elected officials to the VMA while reinforcing relationships with long-standing legislative partners.
The 2025 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly adjourned February 22. Governor Youngkin would have
through March 24 to act on bills approved by the legislature, including General Assembly amendments to the 2024-2026 biennial budget, with lawmakers scheduled to reconvene April 2 to act on any legislation vetoed or amended by the Governor.
VMA was pleased to be in attendance at the Half Moone Cruise Center to help celebrate the kick-off of year-round cruise ship service. Homeported in Norfolk, the Carnival Sunshine will attract an estimated 150,000 passengers annually with local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops expected to benefit from over $19 million in expected economic impact.
Other notable events and meetings in which VMA made presentations or represented the membership included:
• Virginia Economic Development Partnership Advisory Committee on International Trade
• U.S. Coast Guard Joint Port Recovery Executive Committee
• Virginia Freight Advisory Committee
Interested in Submitting an Article or Presentation? Contact Jennifer Deason, jdeason@vamaritime.com
Photo: Koegelenberg/AdobeStock
We invite all VMA members to submit content for our publications and propose ideas for in-person or virtual presentations that enhance our community’s knowledge. Submissions should be timely, educational, and relevant to the general membership or specific groups. Articles should be 400-600 words, with highresolution images or infographics encouraged. All sourced materials must be properly credited. Please note, content should focus on sharing expertise, not business promotion. For submission guidelines, please contact us. Let’s continue to elevate our community through impactful contributions.
VMA NEW MEMBERS
PENZANCE
Bronze Anchor
Commercial Real Estate & Property Management 2445 M Street NW Washington, DC 20037 pzre.com
Jeb BolandSenior Vice President of Leasing jboland@pzre.com
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS
Capt. Joseph Schacherer Pilot schachererj@vapilotassn.com
VA PILOT ASSOCIATION
Virginia Beach, VA
Mary Beth Erb
CRAFT AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC
Business Service
Employment Services
6325 North Center Drive Suite 229, Building 18 Norfolk, VA 23502
The conference also featured exhibitor booths from organizations like Dominion Energy, Tidewater Community College, and Newport News Shipbuilding, offering students and professionals opportunities to network and explore career pathways. Legislative updates were shared on efforts supporting workforce development, port infrastructure, and economic growth, although some workforce-related bills were vetoed.
The Virginia Digital Ship Challenge showcased the next generation of innovators, with local high school students designing and building stable vessels for ocean conditions. The winning team, Wet Socks from the Advanced Technology Center, was celebrated for their outstanding design.
This year’s conference demonstrated the importance of collaboration between education, industry, and government, reflecting Virginia’s commitment to a thriving maritime and offshore wind future. The Virginia Maritime Association and its members were proud to participate. We look forward to the continued growth of this vital platform for academic and industry connections.
Contributor: Shane Athey-Strayer
Maritime & Supply Chain Management
Old Dominion University
VMA Intern
P.O. Box 3487
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
PLATINUM ANCHORS
Bay Power Solutions
Colliers
CSX Transportation
CV International
AdvanSix
Amazon
BAE Systems
Capes Shipping Agencies
CMA CGM (America)
CMP Global
Coastal Design & Construction
Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
