The Future is Moving Here.

We are the most advanced logistics gateway in North America and we are continuing our strategic growth with a $1.4 billion investment in semi-automation and technology. This will further enhance our capabilities of building sustainable supply chain solutions that drive value for our customers well into the future. Our local, state and federal partners are also investing in major infrastructure optimization projects to improve the flow of traffic and cargo to and from our gateway.

The initiatives outlined below are part of a wide and integral plan that will increase capacity, deepen and widen channels, and enhance productivity on and around the port. More than that, they represent our steadfast commitment to smart growth for our gateway and all who depend on us.

Port Investments

Marine Terminal Optimization

Norfolk International Terminals - North

This strategic initiative will deliver the same innovative semi-automation to NIT-North as our other container terminals, increasing throughput and reliability, while at the same time densifying stacks to increase overall capacity to 1.4 TEUs annually. The project will transform the all-diesel straddle carrier operation to all-electric by adding 18 semi-automated stacks with 36 rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes, supporting our Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2040 commitment. At the completion of this project, all of our marine container terminals will be semi-automated providing superior efficiency and capacity.

Customer Benefits:

  • Efficient cargo throughput, driving supply chain reliability Quick and predictable truck turn-times, ensuring dray partner productivity and satisfaction. 
  • Vessel productivity, enhancing carrier asset utilization and cost management.

Start Date Q2 2023

Estimated Completion Q3 2027

Investment $650 Million

Container Terminal Optimization

Norfolk International Terminals - North

This strategic initiative will deliver the same innovative semi-automation to NIT-North  as our other container terminals, increasing throughput and reliability, while at the same time densifying stacks to increase overall capacity to 1.4 TEUs annually.  The project will transform the all-diesel straddle carrier operation to all-electric by adding 18 semi-automated stacks with 36 rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes, supporting our Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2040 commitment. At the completion of this project, all of our marine container terminals will be semi-automated providing superior efficiency and capacity.

Customer Benefits:

  • Efficient cargo throughput, driving supply chain reliability
  • Quick and predictable truck turn-times, ensuring dray partner productivity and satisfaction
  • Vessel productivity, enhancing carrier asset utilization and cost management

Start Date Q2 2023

Estimated Completion Q3 2027

Investment $650 Million

Central Rail Yard Expansion

Norfolk International Terminals - South Rail Yard - Phase I

The Central Rail Yard will complement the investment of semi-automation of Norfolk International Terminals with an expansion and modernization of its on-dock rail operation. This will provide our gateway with an additional 455,000 TEU rail capacity for our customers who rely on efficient rail service to move their cargo.

The project will implement the same technology, successfully deployed at Virginia International Gateway, which has demonstrated substantial operational efficiencies resulting in the faster movement of your cargo.

Customer Benefits:

  • Efficient intermodal rail transfer, providing rapid supply chain delivery to key consumption markets
  • Reduction of road traffic and congestion, enhancing dray partner productivity and satisfaction

Start Date Q1 2022

Estimated Completion Q1 2024

Investment $90 Million

Channel Deepening & Widening

Norfolk Harbor and Thimble Shoal Channel

In a historic effort between the port, federal and state elected leaders, the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Norfolk District office and the Virginia Maritime Association – the funding has been secured for the port and the US Army Corps to bring the Norfolk Harbor widening and deepening project to fruition. This 50-50 cost share project between the federal government and the port is a strategic initiative that will increase the depth of the Norfolk Harbor to 55 feet, Thimble Shoal Channel to a depth of 56 feet with widening to accommodate two-way vessel traffic, and the Atlantic Ocean Channel to a depth of 59 feet. An additional benefit of the project includes utilizing the dredged sands to offer additional coastal protection to local beaches.

Customer Benefits:

– 1400 feet channel width allows for simultaneous passing of two ULCVs providing industry leading berth efficiency and reducing overall transit time.

– The deepest channels on the East Coast accepts the largest ships in the industry giving you unprecedented access to move your cargo faster and with reliability.

Start Date Q2 2019

Estimated Completion Q3 2025

Investment $450 Million

Gate Modernization and Drop Lot Storage

Richmond Marine Terminal

This growth initiative will construct a new drop lot for long-haul drivers to store containers while the terminal is closed. The modernized gate will consist of two inbound and two outbound lanes that will mirror the successful gate functionality at Virginia International Gateway (VIG) and Norfolk International Terminals (NIT). The new functionality will bring a higher level of safety to the facility by allowing the interchange of containers to be completed in the main terminal building instead of outside in the gate lanes.

Customer Benefits:

  • The added drop lot will provide a convenient location for drivers to stage import and export containers.
  • Modernization of the inbound and outbound lanes add a higher level of safety while improving the speed and accuracy of your cargo movement.

Start Date Q1 2023

Estimated Completion Q4 2023

Rail Expansion

Virginia Inland Port

This initiative will convert a mainly wheeled operation to a densified rubber tire gantry (RTG) crane operation, making better use of the facility footprint, increase efficiency and create more storage space. A new three-track bundle will create 4,400 linear feet of working track.

Customer Benefits:

  • Modernization of the rail will provide a more efficient ground operation resulting the fluid movement of your cargo to its inland destination.

Start Date Q1 2023

Estimated Completion Q4 2024

Marine Terminal Capacity Expansion

Virginia International Gateway
Completed

Our Virginia International Gateway (VIG) Terminal now features the largest cranes on the East Coast and increased container capacity by expanding the berth at VIG another 800 feet to accommodate as many as three ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) at the same time. The Port of Virginia constructed 13 new semi-automated container stacks serviced by 26 rail-mounted gantry cranes, creating more room to stack and sort shipping containers.

Customer Benefits:

  • Increased TEUs by 963,000 thousand to a total annual TEU capacity of 2.1 million.
  • 4 new inbound gate lanes driving fast turn times

Start Date Q1 2017

Completion Q2 2019

Investment $312 Million

Marine Terminal Capacity Expansion and Semi-Automation

Norfolk International Terminals - South
Completed

The Port of Virginia completed the renovation of Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) Southern Berth in 2022. This project transformed the oldest and largest terminal of the port into one of the most state-of-the-art terminals on Earth. Utilizing the same footprint, 60 new semi-automated stacking cranes have added 46% capacity, while also making the terminal safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.

Customer Benefits:

  • State-of-the-art semi-automated technology produced a terminal with industry leading turn times.
  • Increased TEUs by 700,000 to a total annual TEU capacity of 1.6 million proving fluidity for your cargo.

Start Date Q1 2018

Completion Q2 2020

Investment $450 million

Port Initiatives

Environmental Sustainability

Decarbonizing Our Operations

Our commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040 includes transitioning to renewable energy sources across all port operations, reducing fuel emissions, and investing in zero-emission technologies. The Port of Virginia will continue to invest in initiatives in support of our commitment.

Related Links:

Start Date 2017

Estimated Completion 2040

Questions about our Gateway Investment Program?