Port of Norfolk sees volume growth in cars, containers

Newport News Marine Terminal in May processed the highest amount of vehicles since January 1988.    The Port of Norfolk has seen growth in container shipping and a surge in automobile volumes, according to a statement from the Virginia Port Authority.
   In May, the Port of Norfolk handled 230,511 TEUs, a 13 percent increase from May 2014, and processed 87,455 truck moves, a 21 percent increase from the previous year.
   The port handled 8,675 import vehicles from Nissan and Chrysler at the Newport News Marine Terminal, which is more than any other month since January 1988. The port attributed the surge to Chrysler vehicles being diverted to Norfolk in place of another East Coast port.
   The year-to-date TEU volumes at the port are up 9.5 percent, rail containers up 8 percent and truck moves up 2 percent, while vehicle calls are up 2 percent, vehicle units up 48 percent. Barge containers were down 5 percent and the Virginia inland port volumes fell 3.8 percent.
   Port of Norfolk CEO John F. Reinhart said in a statement the port is currently reinvesting in facilities, equipment and people.
   Reinvestments include over $40 million on container handling equipment; upgrades to the Portsmouth Marine Terminal’s berth, including dredging to ensure an alongside depth of 43 feet; the addition of 1,000 new chassis to the Hampton Roads chassis pool; temporary yard/stack for rail containers at the Virginia International Gateway Terminal; an automated gate at Norfolk International Terminal; and the hiring of more operations team members.