Port of Virginia volumes continue to rise in September

The mid-Atlantic port posted an 8 percent increase in containerized cargo for September 2017 compared to the same month a year prior, with all other major port sectors experiencing year-to-date increases as well.    The Port of Virginia is on track for a positive finish for 2017, handling 237,816 TEUs of containerized cargo in September 2017, an 8 percent increase over the same month last year.
   Loaded exports were down 6.2 percent to 76,794 TEUs for the month, while loaded imports were up 9.5 percent to 109,716 TEUs compared with September 2016, according to recent data from the mid-Atlantic port. Total truck containers were up 15 percent to 84,520 units and rail containers down 1.4 percent to 46,523 units during the same period. Total barge containers were up 30 percent to 3,999 units, the port noted.
   “Our gate volume was up nearly 15 percent, barge volume to Richmond Marine Terminal was up more than 12 percent and automobiles moving across Newport News Marine Terminal increased more than 28 percent, on a year-over-year basis,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA). “We are processing this volume safely, with continued efficiency, consistent service and mitigating adverse impacts on the operation during construction.
   “We are making headway on the expansion at Virginia International Gateway and tracking according to schedule,” he added. “The first RMGs (rail-mounted gantry cranes) are set for delivery in January 2018 and we will be ready.”
   On a calendar-year basis, total TEU volumes have grown 7.5 percent compared with the first nine months of 2016, said the port. Container volumes are up 8 percent, with rail, up 4 percent; trucks, up 9.4 percent; and barge, up 26.5 percent.
   “We are seeing continued growth in all of our trade lanes, good peak-season volume and anticipate a solid performance for the remainder of the year,” Reinhart said. “We are now participating in the USDA’s Southeast In-Transit Cold Treatment Pilot program, which clears a direct route to Virginia for fresh fruit and perishables from South America. This program will create an opportunity for further diversification of our cargo mix.
   “Further, our work to develop a reservation system for motor carriers was recognized by the Federal Highway Administration and as a result, we received a $1.55 million federal grant to continue our effort,” Reinhart said. “We have forward momentum in several areas, and as it all comes together, the result is economic development, investment and job creation for Virginia.”