Port of Virginia exports drop 11% in August

The mid-Atlantic port handled a record 240,605 TEUs during the month, a 2.2 percent increase compared to the year prior, but saw volumes of loaded exports, as well as containers at Virigina Inland Port, fall compared with the same month a year ago.

   The Port of Virginia handled a record 240,605 TEUs in August 2017, a 2.2 percent increase compared to the same period a year prior, but also saw an 11 percent drop in loaded exports, according to recent data from the port.
   The mid-Atlantic port handled a total of 136,826 containers for the month, a 3 percent year-over-year increase. Loaded exports totaled 75,430 TEUs, down 11 percent, while loaded imports totaled 113,188 TEUs, up 5.5 percent, said the port.
   Virginia Inland Port reported a total throughput of 3,241 containers, a 10 percent drop compared to the same period last year, while Newport News Marine Terminal saw automobile imports jump 101 percent to 4,178 units, according to port data.
   “As construction progresses at VIG (Virginia InternationalGateway) 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,” said Reinhart.
   According to port data, year-to-date throughput at the port is up 7.4 percent, with containers up 7.7 percent, rail up 4.7 percent, trucks up 9 percent and barge traffic up 26 percent.
   “We are tracking for a solid performance for the calendar year on top of several recent successes,” Reinhart said. “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 I rail partners are expanding double-stack service into Harrisburg and Pittsburg,” continued Reinhart.
   The port recently signed for four new ship-to-shore cranes as well as opening its newly-developed, 26-lane gate complex North Gate, as part of the port’s $320 million expansion project at VIG.