The Port of Virginia has handled more than 314,000 TEU in March 2022, registering an increase of more than 35,000 TEU (or 12.6 per cent) since March last year.

Nearly 47 per cent of the total volume was in loaded imports.

The volume figures for the month were also ahead of both January and February 2022, which were respectively 262,000 and 297,000 TEU.

“In terms of overall volume, this March ranks as the fourth most productive month in our history,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority.

“We are processing heavy volumes and doing so with fluidity, which continues to draw interest from ocean carriers and cargo owners. This means we are keeping our focus on those operational issues that drive efficiency and meeting the needs of all port users.”

Edwards added that the port’s berth efficiency will further increase with the addition of two new ship-to-shore cranes that were delivered in late March to Norfolk International Terminals (NIT).

The new cranes will go into service in late May giving the port 30 ship-to-shore cranes capable of handling Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).

“Combine this new equipment and the expansion of NIT’s Central Rail Yard and its North Berth with our effort to create the only port on the US East Coast with channels deep enough and wide enough to handle two-way movement ULCVs and we have the necessary foundational components to drive cargo growth here for decades to come,” commented Edwards.

“It also means that, in parallel, we’ll be able to provide an even higher level of efficiency, service, and care to all of our users.”

In 2021, the Port of Virginia posted its most productive year on record having processed more than 3.5 million TEU.