The Port of Virginia continues processing record container cargo having handled nearly 318,000 TEU in July, marking the most productive July in the port’s history.
July’s TEU total was ahead of the same month last year by more than 24,500 units, or 8.4%. Additionally, the last month was the fourth consecutive month of TEU volumes exceeding 317,000 units.
The combined volume of April, May, June and July is 1.3 million TEU, resulting in the busiest four-month stretch in port history, according to the Virginia port's data. Comparatively, the total TEU volume for the same period in 2021 was 1.17 million TEU, a difference of more than 10%.
Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, is expecting business to remain strong during the peak retail months leading up to the holiday season.
“We’ve brought on 10 new vessel services in the last 12 months and five of those in the last five months, so our growth is attributable to the reworked [and new] ship line services that are calling here and our efficiency is the result of an experienced team maximising modern terminals,” commented Edwards.
“What we are seeing is growing interest from ship lines and cargo owners that are working to restore some predictability and reliability to their vessel services and supply chains. We have a proven track-record of success in what remains a challenging trade environment and the result is growth at the Port of Virginia,” he added.