Virginia barge service begins operation

Virginia barge service begins operation A new short sea barge service has begun operating between Richmond and Norfolk, Va.
   The Virginia Pilot said the new service, called 64 Express after the Interstate highway connecting the two cities, left Monday afternoon on its maiden voyage up the James River to Richmond with 24 cargo containers.
   The newspaper said the service is being operated by Norfolk Tug Co., which purchased the service last month. The former owner, ship agent T. Parker Host Co., had been developing the concept for several years and had originally planned to operate under the name James River Barge Line.
   The barge used in the service has a capacity of 128 TEUs and could reduce truck traffic by 58,000 trips by 2011, said the newspaper, quoting a press release from Norfolk Tug.