The Port of Virginia continues to move near-peak season cargo volumes. The port’s container volume for January was 240,111 TEUs, or 134,638 containers, an increase of 8.9% compared to last year. Fiscal 2019 to date, total TEU volume is up 2.8% or 47,745 TEUs, i.e 18,365 containers.
In January, the average traditional turn times at both terminals at VIG and Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) were at 41.8 and 52.6 minutes. Average expanded turn times for VIG and NIT were 50.7 and 59.5, respectively.
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As the three-year, $320 million expansion project at VIG is almost completed, the first phase of construction at NIT also nears completion and the second phase is ongoing. The efficiencies gained from the new capacity, along with the metered flow of cargo via the port’s Truck Reservation System is providing the port with breathing room after managing through the most difficult aspects of the expansion projects.
Rail volume came in at 45,604 containers, up by 3% or 1,314 containers compared to 2018. Virginia Inland Port volume also increased by 8.8%, or 272 containers. Barge volume rose 21.5% or 879 containers overall and up 54.1% or 1,196 containers for Richmond Marine Terminal.
John F. Reinhart, the CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, commented about the results:
While volumes remain at near-peak levels, we’re seeing the benefits of our expansion projects bearing fruit. Our traditional turn time at Virginia International Gateway (VIG) averaged 65.5 minutes in October and November. That figure dropped more than 33 percent for December and January. That improvement is the result of daily progress we’re making on our expansion projects – even as we continue to handle high volumes
