The Port of Virginia has announced its most productive year on record having processed more than 3.5 million TEU in 2021.
Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, said, “We kept our focus and delivered a best-in-class performance with solid efficiency, customer service and a record amount of cargo.”
The port closed its year having processed more than 325,000 TEU in December, making it the most productive month in history, surpassing the previous record in October with 318,000 TEU.
Comparatively, last December’s volumes were ahead of 2020 December’s ones by 25%, which translates to more than 65,000 TEU.
“We own and operate the terminals and the Hampton Roads Chassis Pool and this allows for quick decision making that ensures we are doing the right thing for the customer within the capabilities of the operation,” noted Edward, adding that “The users of the port of Virginia have come to understand the Virginia Model and the role it plays in our success cannot be overstated.”
The port has also proceeded with the following investment projects during the previous year:
- Dredging: The Thimble Shoal West project is nearing completion and dredge crews are preparing to begin work on Thimble Shoal East. When complete in 2024, the port’s channels will be 16.76 metres deep and wide enough to accommodate two ULCVs in the channel at once.
- NIT Central Rail Yard: The project’s US$80 million budget was approved in November and work begins this winter. When complete, the Central Rail Yard at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) will be able to accommodate 610,000 annual container lifts, increased by 260,000 TEU from the current lift capacity.
- Equipment: Two new super-post Panamax ship-to-shore cranes will be delivered to NIT in early spring and will be in service by the start of summer.
- Offshore Wind: The port completed its lease of Portsmouth Marine Terminal to companies that will use the terminal as the staging and pre-assembly area for the components needed to develop a large-scale offshore wind farm off the coast of Virginia Beach.
