




For the first two weeks of August, a team of high-school students from Green Run Collegiate attended the Virginia Maritime Association’s Summer Maritime Academy. Here, students participated in highly immersive site visits to maritime employers across Hampton Roads. Throughout the course, students engaged with professionals across five industry-leading organizations:
Gilco Transport Services – Students were introduced to the fundamentals of commercial transportation and logistics. The visit covered CDL training requirements, long-haul trucking operations, and the end-to-end import/export process. Key topics included customs brokerage, freight compliance, vessel booking, cargo documentation, and distribution logistics.
Port of Virginia® – Students explored terminal operations, crane simulation, and container movement logistics, where they learned about the role of RFID and OCR technologies. This included the port’s safety procedures, sustainability initiatives, current expansion projects, and community investment.
NORFOLK, VA | For more than two decades, the Virginia Maritime Association’s International Trade Symposium has been the East Coast’s premier conference for shipping, ports, logistics, and trade professionals. Now celebrating its 22nd year, VMA25: International Trade Symposium Forward promises to be the most impactful yet.
Global trade and logistics are in a state of constant disruption, shaped by shifting regulations, evolving technologies, and geopolitical uncertainty. At VMA25, you will gain insights from industry leaders, government officials, and business executives who are tackling these challenges head-on and moving the industry Forward. Sessions will cover everything from the transformative impact of AI on supply chains to ocean freight contracting, tariff management, cargo security, carrier alliances, sustainability, and the 2026 economic outlook.
But VMA25 is more than a conference. Over three days, you will have access to keynote presentations, panel discussions, and signature networking events such as the Maritime Mixer, 105th Annual Maritime Banquet, and Golf Open. These experiences
create invaluable opportunities to connect with over 1,000 participants from across the Commonwealth and globally, each committed to driving the maritime industry Forward.
Whether you are a shipper, logistics provider, policymaker, or industry partner, attending VMA25 means equipping yourself with the knowledge, relationships, and strategies to step confidently Forward This is not just about adapting to change, but about shaping the future of maritime trade.
Join us October 14 – 16 in Norfolk, Virginia, and be part of the conversation that defines what’s next. Learn more at VMAsymposium.com
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 Development
Director................................... Shayla Prince
Executive Assistant ................... Chanel Bolling
Marketing Manager ................. Jennifer Deason
Event Manager &
Accounting Assistant ............. Jennifer Parham
Membership Services
Manager ........................... Susan Wisniewski
For Questions about the Bulletin or Advertising jdeason@vamaritime.com - 757.628.2667 The MARITIME BULLETIN is provided through membership.
Contact jdeason@vamaritime.com to submit an article in the Next Bulletin!
My time as an intern at the Virginia Maritime Association gave me a new perspective on the power of advocacy in connecting industry needs with government action. As a student at the University of Maryland, I am studying Public Policy with a focus on Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation. My internship provided me with the opportunity to meet political figures and industry leaders, and I was able to connect those experiences with my policy classes. VMA’s mission was clear to me: serving as a voice for our community, strengthening and advocating for policies, resources, and partnerships that keep our ports and waterways competitive.
As I progressed in my internship, I learned more about Virginia’s importance as a hub for international commerce and the opportunities for our region to lead in maritime competitiveness. Firsthand, I saw the offshore wind project at PMT progress and how NIT practiced sustainability and utilized automated cranes to modernize operations. I was able to see the steps VMA takes to ensure that the concerns of the maritime sector are addressed. From monitoring legislation in Richmond and Washington, D.C., to coordinating with industry leaders on infrastructure, workforce development, and environmental goals, collaboration and strategy are essential to remain competitive.
Throughout my internship, I observed how this mission is put into practice. Whether through research projects, policy discussions, or attending events, I saw how VMA bridges the gap between industry stakeholders and policymakers. During my time, I contributed to an ongoing project and saw how the advocacy process is built step by step through a coordinated strategy and the alignment of priorities. I came to appreciate the complexity of the maritime world and the importance of having an organization, like the Virginia Maritime Association, that is dedicated to representing its collective interests.
I am grateful that I was able to take concepts from my policy and nonprofit classes and see how they are applied in a policy world that is driven by both urgency and long-term planning. Overall, my experience in this internship taught me that advocacy is not just about passing legislation, but rather about building relationships, shaping conversations, and keeping that momentum behind your priorities. As I move forward academically and professionally, I will carry an appreciation for organizations like the VMA that operate behind the scenes, advocating to sustain industries. I am grateful to have learned about VMA’s leadership in a field I was unfamiliar with but grew up around.
Contributor: Annalee Marling
VMA Intern University of Maryland
Better Connected, Informed, and Represented is the tagline of the Virginia Maritime Association. My internship with them has shown me how the association carries out this commitment each day for their members and the maritime industry in the Commonwealth. From prioritizing resourceful communication and valuable networking opportunities to collaboration with elected officials, this association truly operates like no other.
One of my most significant takeaways from my time with VMA was witnessing their teamwork in action. Each member of the team is constantly doing more than their defined role, never hesitating to assist another in a project or task during the day. I believe that this is an extremely notable quality for an organization to have and inspires me to find similar collective coordination in my career path. It should be no secret that there is a lot of hard work and effort going on behind the scenes of the VMA, and an incredible job of representing the industry with professionalism and meaningful influence is being done.
As an intern, I had the opportunity to sit in meetings regarding key topics that broadened my view and perspective of the industry. Additionally, I went on tours of Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) and the Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT). Seeing the scale and intricacies of terminal services was something that I will not forget. There is so much happening within these facilities, and seeing it from the outside does not compare to seeing the operation take place inside. I found it extremely impactful to see the ongoing offshore wind project at PMT and understand its significant role in East Coast supply chain development.
Additionally, I took a great interest in the political advocacy sector of VMA and how they work with legislators to establish positive change for the industry. Hearing about the efforts made for the Wider Deeper Safer® project was a standout example to me, as it showed how VMA’s advocacy directly contributes to infrastructure enhancements that shape the future of Virginia’s ports. The opportunity to meet with Congresswoman Jen Kiggans further highlighted the association’s influential role in policy development and legislative action.
My internship with the Virginia Maritime Association confirms my ambitions of becoming a part of the Maritime industry, and their team provided me with a multitude of resources to help me get there. I sincerely thank the VMA for providing me with this experience over the summer.
Contributor: Henry Glover
VMA Intern
The University of Alabama
Submissions: Contact Jennifer Deason, jdeason@vamaritime.com
The Virginia Maritime Association is pleased to share our updated Maritime Bulletin, now published quarterly in both digital and print editions. This publication highlights the voices of our members, offering timely articles, insights, and perspectives, as well as VMA news, that reflect the depth and diversity of our maritime community. We are excited to share this first issue featuring our members.
The latest issue’s news stories are available on the VMA website, where you can explore industry updates, thought leadership, and association activities shaping commerce across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
We invite all VMA members to submit content for the upcoming editions. Submission deadline for the November issue is October 31.
Articles should be 400–600 words, educational in nature, and relevant to either the general membership or targeted groups within the Association. High-resolution images, charts, or infographics are encouraged to enhance storytelling. All sources must be properly credited. Please note, submissions should focus on sharing expertise and industry knowledge rather than the promotion of individual businesses.
For additional submission guidelines or to discuss your ideas, please contact us. Together, let’s continue to strengthen our community through impactful contributions to the Maritime Bulletin. We appreciate everyone who submitted for this issue. Thank you!
The logistics industry is at a pivotal crossroads. With global supply chains growing more intricate and customer expectations reaching unprecedented levels, artificial intelligence is no longer a luxury—it’s becoming the critical divide between companies that lead and those that fall behind.
For NVOCCs, freight forwarders, and shippers, this shift goes far beyond adopting new technology. It marks a fundamental transformation in the way business is conducted, where speed, precision, and intelligent automation are now key to securing market leadership.
Companies integrating AI into their freight operations are seeing tangible, measurable improvements. From higher quote conversion rates to significantly faster response times and fewer missed opportunities, the benefits are clear. AI-powered systems can now read rate requests, extract shipment details, pull matching rates, and send replies in seconds, removing the traditional human bottleneck that once delayed critical interactions.
Sophisticated tools like automated quote follow-ups, intelligent pricing engines, and discrepancy detection systems are now handling what used to require multi-step workflows and various software platforms. These AI solutions not only streamline operations but also enhance accuracy, making every customer interaction more efficient and dependable.
On the backend, AI is transforming financial operations in ways that directly impact the bottom line. Smart systems now
compare vendor invoices to contracted rates line by line, flagging discrepancies that manual reviews might miss. This level of detail prevents overpayment and ensures precise cost reconciliation. Even more compelling, these systems continuously learn and improve, getting smarter over time.
At the same time, AI-powered analytics are equipping logistics companies with insights previously out of reach. From identifying pricing trends and customer behaviors to evaluating carrier performance, these systems offer predictive intelligence that enables proactive decision-making. The result? Better strategic planning, optimized operations, and new revenue opportunities.
It’s important to note: AI isn’t replacing people, it’s empowering them. By automating routine, error-prone tasks, it frees logistics professionals to focus on high-value work like strategic planning, customer engagement, and creative problem-solving.
As global trade grows more complex and service expectations rise, AI has moved from a futuristic concept to a present-day necessity. For logistics companies aiming to stay competitive, embracing AI isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Contributor: Al Benki
V.P. USA Territory Info-X
Ever heard of a millwright? Well in the world of offshore wind (OSW) turbines, it is an increasingly important trade.
“Millwrights specialize in installation, maintenance, and precision alignment of mechanical systems in such industries as manufacturing, material handling, and renewable sectors like offshore wind (OSW),” says Jeremy Garrett, Council Representative of Millwrights
Local 443, which has more than 1,300 members, including approximately 300 based in Virginia.
For OSW, millwrights assemble and install components, conduct preventative maintenance, assist with pile driving and foundation set-up, align and assemble large tower sections and components at staging areas (like Portsmouth Marine Terminal). They also can gather together turbine components at staging areas before transportation to sea and maintain gearboxes, draft shafts, and rotating equipment as well as hydraulic and lubrication systems while on site.
To become a millwright, individuals typically pursue a formal apprenticeship program, combining hands-on training with classroom instruction. Contact Local 443 ubcmillwrights.org/ local443 for more information.
Contributor: Joel Rubin
Chief Executive Officer
Rubin Communications Group WINDSday
QED Systems, LLC – Through a series of interactive training rotations, students gained exposure to essential shipboard systems and trade skills. Sessions included fire safety, fall protection, rigging, and welding simulations. A guided tour of the fabrication and design facilities presented many of the engineering and technical services that support naval and commercial vessels.
The Apprentice School – Offered students a detailed look at a tuition-free, earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship program operated by Newport News Shipbuilding. Students learned how classroom instruction is paired with hands-on trade training in fields such as welding, marine design, pipe fitting, and machining. Programs such as YouthBuilder and EDGE were highlighted as direct pipelines for high school students to strengthen their applications.
Colonna’s Shipyard – Provided students with a comprehensive overview of maritime trades in action. Students toured fabrication, machine, and paint shops while learning about technical drawing interpretation, shaft preservation, plasma cutting, and safety protocols. The visit emphasized the scale, precision, and teamwork required in shipyard operations and numerous maritime careers.
The Green Run Collegiate Maritime Summer Academy provided high-school students with invaluable exposure to diverse career paths within the maritime industry.
Through direct engagement with industry leaders and handson experiences, these students gained a clearer vision of future opportunities. As partnerships between educational institutions and maritime employers continue to grow, effective programs such as the Maritime Summer Academy play a crucial role in cultivating a skilled workforce, prepared to meet the evolving needs of this dynamic sector.
Contributor: Reilly Auld
High School Senior, Class of 2026
Maritime Ambassador
Virginia Maritime Association
The Maritime Ambassador Program is a Virginia Maritime Association initiative designed to spark youth awareness and build public interest in careers across the maritime and supply chain industry. Ambassadors serve as advocates amongst their peers, sharing insights about the vital role maritime plays in global trade and highlighting the diverse career opportunities available in ports, logistics, shipbuilding, and beyond. By engaging schools, community groups, and the public, the program helps inspire the next generation of maritime professionals.
The Virginia Maritime Association Southern Chapter held its most recent meeting on July 16 at the Hooker Furnishings Corporation showroom located in High Point, NC—famously known as the Furniture Capital of the World. The event was co-hosted with the North Carolina World Trade Association and marked another step in the Southern Chapter’s efforts to expand its reach into North Carolina. This expansion allows VMA to better serve and connect with shippers, logistics providers, and other stakeholders engaged in commerce via Virginia ports.
We were honored to welcome Michael Cuomo, Vice President of Finance, Accounting, and Corporate at Ocean Network Express (ONE), as our lunch sponsor. Michael provided a company overview highlighting ONE’s sustainability initiatives, core values, and their commitment to supporting local communities.
Our keynote presentation was delivered by Sal Mercogliano, professor at Campbell University and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and creator of the popular maritime-focused YouTube channel “What’s Going On With Shipping”. Sal shared detailed statistical data on container volume trends and offered an in-depth look at the current challenges facing maritime shipping.
Maureen Spring, LCB with Kuehne+Nagel, presented timely updates on tariffs and customs regulations, providing attendees with valuable insights into evolving trade compliance matters. Lauren Foley, Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager at Virginia International Terminals, closed the program with an update on Port of Virginia® operations and developments.
“The VMA Southern Chapter extends its gratitude to our speakers, co-hosts, sponsors, and all attendees for making the event a success. We look forward to continuing to connect, educate, and serve our region’s maritime and logistics community across Virginia and North Carolina,” said Kimberly Clark, Chair of the VMA Southern Chapter.
Contributor: Kimberly Clark
VMA Southern Chapter Chair
Senior Logistics Manager Hooker Furnishings
On July 17, the Virginia Maritime Association’s Northern Chapter hosted its Summer Networking Event at Courthaus Social in Arlington, VA, and what an energizing evening it was! Nearly 35 industry professionals joined us to connect, share insights, and explore the dynamic developments shaping Northern Virginia’s maritime, logistics, and supply chain landscape.
As Chair of the Northern Chapter, alongside our Co-Chair Stephanie Bender from Kuehne+Nagel, I was thrilled to see the enthusiasm and engagement in the room. From seasoned maritime leaders to emerging professionals, the event highlighted the strength of collaboration in our region and reinforced the value of staying connected across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
A special thank you goes to our local sponsors, CV International and Cornerstone Systems, as well as our statewide partners, Gilco Transport Services and Gilco Trucking, whose support helps make these events possible. The energy in the room made it clear: Northern Virginia is buzzing with innovation, growth, and opportunities for collaboration.
If you are located in Northern Virginia and want to be part of the growth of our chapter, I encourage you to reach out. We have some very exciting initiatives in the works and look forward to continuing to strengthen our community.
Here’s to continued collaboration, meaningful connections, and the exciting journey ahead for the VMA Northern Chapter!
Contributor: Sean Magness
VMA NoVA Chapter Chair
Assistant Vice President of Sales Cornerstone Systems, Inc.
On September 3, the VMA welcomed over 100 attendees to its Maritime Breakfast Briefing, which focused on one of the most urgent topics shaping industry today: artificial intelligence (AI). The briefing explored how AI is transforming industries and the implications for supply chain, maritime, and logistics.
The discussion was moderated by Kevin Speers, CEO and Co-Founder of SPLICE and chair of VMA’s Supply Chain Technology and Innovation Committee. Panelists included John Bovatsek, Area Vice President for Customer Success at Appian Corporation, Marc Marling, Chief Business Officer at Cargomatic, and Tim Ryan, Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads. Together they offered a wide-ranging perspective on how AI is being implemented today, the challenges of integration, and where the technology is headed.
Panelists discussed industry applications for AI, such as enabling companies like Cargomatic to optimize truck routes, avoid congestion, and maximize efficiency in freight movement. They noted that across industries, AI is being used to free up employees from routine administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex and higher-value work. The consensus was that AI is not about replacing people but about extending the capacity of existing teams and enhancing productivity
The conversation also emphasized the opportunities AI presents for entrepreneurs and investors. Startups and innovators are using AI to stretch dollars further, improve efficiency, and identify solutions within logistics, manufacturing, and related industries. At the same time, the panel observed that attitudes toward AI adoption differ globally, with the United States being among the most cautious and China among the most optimistic. This divergence in outlook could shape global competitiveness in the coming years.
Despite the promise, speakers underscored that the path to successful adoption comes with real challenges. Effective use of AI depends on high-quality, real-time data, carefully designed prompts, and keeping human expertise in the loop to validate outputs. Integrating AI into existing systems requires context-
specific solutions, and at the moment there is no one-size-fits-all application. Accuracy, governance, and continuous improvement are essential, but the panel made clear that progress will accelerate, and underestimating the pace of AI development would be a mistake.
The conversation closed on an optimistic note, stressing that AI will continue to improve rapidly and companies that embrace it thoughtfully will gain a significant advantage.
At the conclusion of the program, David White announced VMA’s Honorary Life Member Awards. Mike Abbott retired from Hapag-Lloyd this year, concluding a career of more than 40 years in the steamship industry in Hampton Roads. Greg Edwards retired this year from the Virginia Port Authority, bringing to a close a 33-year career in logistics at the Port of Virginia. Both of these honorees have time and again gone above the requirements of their jobs for the benefit of the industry and made substantial contributions to the efforts of the Virginia Maritime Association. Congratulations.
Before hashtags, friend requests, and instant messages, the world was already connected by something far more powerful: supply chains. Long before social media platforms came along to link us virtually, ships, trucks, trains, and planes were quietly weaving together a global network that shaped economies, cultures, and even daily life. In many ways, supply chains are the original social network, built not on likes and follows, but on trust, timing, and the movement of goods.
Think about the coffee you sip each morning. The beans may have been harvested in Colombia, roasted in Virginia, packaged in the Midwest, and delivered by a driver who made sure it arrived at your favorite café before sunrise. That single cup represents countless people connected through one invisible chain. Every link, from farmers to freight forwarders, is part of a conversation. It may not happen in a chat room, but it is a dialogue all the same: “I’ll get this ready for you. Can you take it from here?”
Supply chains have always been about human connection, even if the interaction takes place across oceans and languages. The exchange of goods is also an exchange of trust. When one link does its part, the rest of the chain holds strong. That is how relationships and resilience are built.
Like any social network, supply chains thrive on community. Ports, distribution centers, warehouses, and carriers form hubs where different players interact. If you zoom out, the map of a global supply chain looks remarkably like a web of friends-offriends on a networking site. Each node relies on another, and when one stumbles, the entire community feels it.
When the Suez Canal was blocked in 2021, the feed of the global economy froze. Suddenly, conversations were not about trending memes. They were about containers stuck in limbo and factories waiting for critical parts. The ripple effect showed us what happens when a major influencer in the network goes offline.
Social media celebrates influencers who shape opinions with a post. Supply chains have their own influencers: reliable carriers, efficient ports, innovative technology providers, and resilient logistics teams. They set the tone for the network. If a port introduces new efficiencies, others take note. If a carrier fails to meet commitments, word travels fast. Reputation spreads in logistics just as quickly as it does online, sometimes faster.
On Instagram, the currency is attention. On LinkedIn, it is credibility. In supply chains, the true currency has always been trust. A bill of lading is a handshake. A rate confirmation is a promise. Every shipment says, “I trust you to hold up your end.” Break that trust, and you lose not just a transaction, but a place in the network. Build it consistently, and your influence grows across regions, modes, and industries.
What makes this analogy most powerful is that supply chains remind us of something social networks often forget: we are better when we move together. No shipment, no port, no carrier operates in isolation. The success of one depends on the reliability of many. It is a community effort where cooperation creates value that no single player could achieve alone.
As supply chain professionals, we should take pride in knowing that the network we manage every day is older, more resilient, and arguably more impactful than anything digital. The next time you scroll your phone or connect on LinkedIn, remember that the true original social network is already all around us. It does not just connect people through screens. It connects them through food, medicine, energy, and everyday essentials.
And unlike a trending hashtag, this network never goes out of style.
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.
Federal and state laws, regulations, and funding decisions have substantial impacts on the industries and supply chains VMA represents. VMA is a well-connected and trusted resource to elected officials and policy makers who make and influence these decisions. In August, several valuable meetings and discussions took place, including with Congressman Rob Wittman, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, Gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, several members of the Virginia General Assembly, and other federal and state officials from multiple agencies important to our industry.
Workforce development was another of VMA’s focus areas highlighted throughout August. For the second year, VMA conducted a two-week Maritime Summer Academy for students of Green Run Collegiate. We were grateful for the enthusiastic support from member companies who welcomed the opportunity to introduce these young people to different aspects of our industry. VMA said goodbye to our two summer interns, who both wrapped up valuable projects they undertook for VMA. They left with new-found connections, knowledge, and interest in our industry that will make them ambassadors amongst their peers for maritime and supply chain career opportunities. VMA was also pleased to help celebrate the groundbreaking of the Virginia Peninsula Community College’s Newport News Trades Center.
VMA remains a trusted industry representative and advisor to multiple agencies. In August, this included participating in discussions related to permitting of proposed new infrastructure along the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, as well as consideration of funding applications submitted under the Port Security Grant Program.
VMA was honored to be included in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Perdue AgriBusiness Chesapeake Grain Terminal. This facility on the Southern Branch supports over 1,500 farmers, exports 50% of Virginia’s soybean crop, and fills 100+ bulk ships and over 16,000 containers for export each year.
Other notable events and meetings in which VMA made presentations or represented the membership included:
• Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable
• Virginia Port Authority Stakeholders Committee
• Propeller Club of Baltimore Crab Feast
• Hampton Roads Federal Policy Coalition
• Virginia Harbor Safety Committee
DCLI
Charlotte, NC Silver Anchor
DEWBERRY *REJOINING* Glen Allen, VA Bronze Anchor
ALLIED UNIVERSAL *REJOINING*
Portsmouth, VA
CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
Newport News, VA
EFL GLOBAL
Miami, FL
IMTRA
New Bedford, MA
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANCHOR & MEMBERSHIP LEVELS & BENEFITS VAMARITIME.COM/MEMBERSHIP Contact Kristen Greene
kristen@vamaritime.com
MARITIME ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ACADEMY NEWPORT NEWS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Newport News, VA
SUPERIOR STAFFING COMPANY, LLC Norfolk, VA
WOOLPERT Norfolk, VA
P.O. Box 3487
Norfolk, Virginia 23510 PRESORTED
PERMIT NO. 1930
Bay Power Solutions
Colliers
CSX Transportation
CV International
AdvanSix
Amazon
Avoler Group
BAE Systems
Capes Shipping Agencies
CMA CGM (America)
CMP Global
Coastal Design & Construction
DCLI
Ferguson Enterprises
Excel Truck Group
Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.
Host Agency
LS Greenlink USA
FORVIS Mazars
Givens Logistics
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
H&E Rentals
Hampton Roads Alliance
KITCO Fiber Optics
Kokosing Industrial
Kuehne + Nagel
Millwright Local 443
Pender & Coward, P.C.
Ocean Network Express (North America)
VHB
Virginia Pilot Association
Woods Rogers
Perdue Agribusiness
Port City Transportation
SeaGate Terminals
Tecnico Corporation
TMEIC Corporation
Truist
Virginia Business
Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Tech Corporation Research Center