Virginia Ports Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: Virginia Ports

Overview:

Virginia's ports are a critical component of both the state and national economy, serving as major hubs for international trade and transportation. The most notable among these is the Port of Virginia, which consists of several terminals located around the Chesapeake Bay, primarily in Norfolk, Newport News, and Portsmouth.

Key Terminals:

• Norfolk International Terminals (NIT)

• Virginia International Gateway (VIG)

• Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT)

• Newport News Marine Terminal (NNMT)

Geographical Advantage:

• Situated on the natural deep waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia's ports offer some of the deepest shipping channels on the East Coast.

• Its strategic location provides direct routes to the Atlantic Ocean, making it an essential point for international shipping.

Economic Impact:

• Supports thousands of jobs directly and indirectly statewide.

• Plays a significant role in Virginia's economy, contributing billions in revenue annually.

• Facilitates the import and export of goods, ranging from agricultural products to automobiles.

Capabilities and Services:

• Equipped to handle a wide variety of cargo, including containers, bulk, break bulk, roll-on/roll-off, and vehicle cargo.

• Features state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced container terminals, vast storage capabilities, and extensive rail and road access.

• Offers services like cargo handling, logistics solutions, and intermodal transportation to seamlessly connect sea, road, and rail.

Innovations and Technology:

• Utilizes some of the most advanced maritime technologies for efficient cargo handling and operations.

• Includes Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs) and one of the most extensive rail networks connecting to the interior of the United States.

Environmental Commitment:

• Implements sustainable practices and initiatives to minimize environmental impact, including air and water quality protection, wildlife habitat conservation, and waste management programs.

Future Developments:

• Ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology to increase capacity, efficiency, and sustainability.

• Expansion projects aimed at accommodating larger vessels and increasing the port's competitiveness on the global stage.

Notable Facts:

• The Port of Virginia is one of the few U.S. ports capable of handling the largest ships in the Atlantic trade.

• It serves as a primary point for the distribution of goods to the Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern United States.

Conclusion:

Virginia's ports are pivotal to the state's economic health and play a crucial role in the global supply chain. Through ongoing development and a commitment to sustainability, Virginia aims to maintain its status as a leading port authority in the United States.