“As construction progresses at VIG (Virginia International Gateway) and the civil work at NIT (Norfolk International Terminals) continues, the port team is performing at a very high level with no reduction in service levels and the safety of our colleagues as our first priority,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA). “Heavy construction on the south-side stack yard at NIT will begin just as the peak season nears its end, so our timing on that project ensures a successful start with minimal disruption to the operation.”

On a calendar-year basis, total TEU volumes are up 7.4 percent; containers up 7.7 percent; rail, up 4.7 percent; trucks, up 9 percent; and barge, up 26 percent.

“We are tracking for a solid performance for the calendar year on top of several recent successes,” Reinhart said. “We signed the contract for the new ship-to-shore cranes for VIG – the largest the manufacturer, ZPMC, has ever delivered to the U.S. We were the first port call for the (CMA CGM) Theodore Roosevelt, the largest ship ever to call the U.S. East Coast and its twin, the John Adams, called this week (Sept. 6). The number of ship calls is dropping, but the vessels are getting bigger so we are continuing our effort to ensure our channels are deeper, wider and safer to accommodate two-way maritime traffic. And our Class-1 rail partners are expanding double-stack service into Harrisburg and Pittsburgh.”

Reinhart also highlighted growing port-related economic development activity with the opening of Emser Tile’s first East Coast warehouse and distribution center in Suffolk. Emser officials said the facility’s location was chosen in order to take advantage of the port.

• Loaded Export TEUs – 75,430, down 11%
• Loaded Import TEUs – 113,188, up 5.5%
• Buy Shipping Buy Shipping Container Nashville Nashville – 136,826, up 3%
• Virginia Inland Port Buy Shipping Buy Shipping Container Nashville Nashville – 3,241, down 10%
• Truck Buy Shipping Buy Shipping Container Nashville Nashville – 82,947, up 5%
• Rail Buy Shipping Buy Shipping Container Nashville Nashville – 50,029 down .7%
• Total Barge Buy Shipping Buy Shipping Container Nashville Nashville – 3,850, up 1.5%
• Richmond Barge Buy Shipping Buy Shipping Container Nashville Nashville – 1,887, up 16%
• Newport News Marine Terminal Automobile Imports – 4,178, up 101%

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The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VPA owns and through its private operating subsidiary, Virginia International Terminals, LLC (VIT), operates four general cargo facilities Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Newport News Marine Terminal and the Virginia Inland Port in Warren County. The VPA leases Virginia International Gateway and Richmond Marine Terminal. In fiscal year 2013, The Port of Virginia provided more than 374,000 jobs and generated $60.3 billion in total economic impact throughout the Commonwealth.