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The Port of Virginia leads in modern logistics and sustainability
January 16, 2025
Recent investments at The Port of Virginia have elevated its efficiency and sustainability. Thanks to continued groundbreaking achievements through its Gateway Investment Program and other initiatives, The Port of Virginia is setting new maritime industry standards and establishing itself as a leader for sustainable logistics on the U.S. East Coast.
The Port of Virginia is unique in that it owns or leases its terminals; has its own privately held terminal operating company, Virginia International Terminals, LLC; and owns and operates its own chassis fleet, which has nearly 17,000 assets. This operating model, called the Virginia Model, allows for quick decision-making, adaptability and overall efficiency.
Setting higher standards
The Port of Virginia leads in environmental stewardship as proven by its ability to power all its terminals with 100 percent clean electricity, a goal surpassed eight years ahead of schedule. The port’s clean energy transition ultimately supports its 2040 carbon neutrality goal.
By using clean electricity, the port will reduce its carbon emissions by 45 percent per container. This initiative will address both Scope 1 emissions, direct exhaust from equipment, and Scope 2 emissions which come from the electricity used to power and charge electric equipment and run port facilities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program awarded The Port of Virginia $380 million in federal funding to enable the transition from internal combustion to battery-electric equipment across its terminals. The funding will help replace more than 150 legacy machines including cranes, forklifts, electric locomotives and on-terminal trucks.
The port’s fleet now includes 116 electric stacking cranes, 27 electric ship-to-shore cranes and four electric rail cranes. Future expansion plans will increase the fleet to 152 stacking cranes, 31 ship-to-shore cranes and seven rail cranes.
Regional partnerships
Collaborative efforts with Dominion Energy and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative ensure the port has a reliable supply of clean energy to meet current and future needs.
“Helping The Port of Virginia become the first net-zero port on the U.S. East Coast is part of our core mission to provide our customers with reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy,” said Robert Blue, President and CEO of Dominion Energy. “Virginia’s port is second to none and plays a vital role in the development of offshore wind along the East Coast.”
In addition to investing in its own sustainable initiatives, the port is also supporting Dominion Energy’s green goals. The Port of Virginia is investing $220 million to help develop Dominion’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project which will feature 176 wind turbines off Virginia Beach. Dominion Energy’s offshore wind project is the largest of its kind in the U.S.
The Gateway Investment Program
The Port of Virginia’s $1.4 billion Gateway Investment Program aims to enhance its capacity, efficiency and sustainability. Program investments include:
- $650 million to renovate and modernize the North Berth at Norfolk International Terminals by 2027,
- $450 million to dredge the deepest, widest channels on the U.S. East Coast,
- $83 million to add two new rail track bundles and three all-electric cantilever rail-mounted gantry cranes, and
- $3 million to expand capacity and modernize technology at the Richmond Marine Terminal.
The port’s investment program has already shown success. Thanks to recent investments, cargo can now be offloaded and ready for departure in just 36 hours and vessel berth times have decreased 15 percent.
Fueling Greater Richmond business
A key component of the port’s operations is the Richmond Marine Terminal (RMT), a 121-acre facility located 95 miles up the James River from The Port of Virginia. The terminal, equipped with over 300,000 sq.ft. of warehouse space and a 1,570-foot-long wharf, plays a crucial role in pushing cargo inland — closer to its destination – and is capable of handling up to 60,000 TEUs annually. With its strategic location offering quick access to I-95, I-64 and I-85, RMT stands out for its logistical efficiency and connectivity.
The Port of Virginia’s advanced capabilities and infrastructure provide companies in Greater Richmond with a strategic advantage. By enabling the efficient and sustainable transport of goods, The Port of Virginia helps businesses streamline operations and achieve their sustainability goals while reducing costs and carbon emissions. Major companies in industries like manufacturing and logistics rely on the port’s resources to move products swiftly to markets across the U.S. and internationally from Greater Richmond.
Company announcements that tout Greater Richmond’s proximity to The Port of Virginia include:
- SanMar Corporation’s $50 million investment to establish its largest East Coast distribution center in Hanover County,
- The LEGO Group’s $1 billion investment in Chesterfield County,
- Amazon’s robotics fulfillment center adding 1,000 new jobs, and
- An investment of more than $50 million from Lowe’s in the City of Richmond for a 1.2 million sq.ft. distribution center.
We are proud to lead the industry in innovative solutions that reduce carbon emissions, increase efficiency and anticipate the advancement of the supply chain. Stephen A. Edwards, The Port of Virginia CEO and Executive DirectorCEO and Executive Director, The Port of Virginia
Through continuous innovation and investment, The Port of Virginia not only meets the demands of today but also prepares for the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring its position as a global leader in port operations and sustainability.
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