Dredging To Make Virginia East Coast’s Deepest Port Begins

When dredging is complete in 2024, commercial channels serving the Norfolk Harbor will be able to simultaneously accommodate two, ultra-large container vessels.

The Port of Virginia’s journey to becoming the deepest port on the U.S. East Coast is underway as dredges took to the water December 1 to begin digging, nearly two-and-a-half years ahead of schedule. The work will deepen the western side of Thimble Shoal Channel, which leads into the Norfolk Harbor, to 56 feet. When dredging is complete in 2024, the commercial channels serving the Norfolk Harbor will be able to simultaneously accommodate two, ultra-large container vessels.

Norfolk Harbor“This project, combined with all of the investments we are making at our terminals, tells the ocean carriers ‘we are ready for your big ships,’ ” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “The container ships are getting bigger and require more water depth to safely operate and we are committed to working with our customers to meet their needs today, tomorrow and decades from now.”

The port’s preparation for the project, its collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the support of the elected officials on the state and federal levels were factors in securing final, early approval. Safe, two-way flow of ultra-large container vessels, unrestricted by tide or channel width, is a significant competitive advantage for Virginia, according to Reinhart.

“The cargo flowing across our terminals is valuable to its owners and the Virginia economy, so we are investing in those systems that ensure the efficient, reliable and safe movement of cargo and ships to and from our port,” said Reinhart. “We are positioning ourselves to be East Coast’s premier trade gateway. Deep, wide channels will support many Virginia businesses and fuel cargo growth, job creation and economic investment across the Commonwealth.”

In October, the port and New Jersey-based Weeks Marine finalized the contract for the first phase of work. The contract for the first phase is $78 million and the total cost of the project, including the preliminary engineering and design work, is $350 million.

In 2015, the deepening effort got underway when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the port agreed to share the cost of evaluating the benefits of dredging the Norfolk Harbor to a depth beyond 50 feet.

“We are the stewards of this port and we are investing to ensure that we meet the needs of our customers, the cargo owners and to set the path for The Port of Virginia to be a long-term contributor to the Virginia economy,” said Reinhart.

Want to learn more about Virginia corporate expansion?

Considering Virginia for your company’s relocation or expansion project? Check out all the latest news related to Virginia economic development, corporate relocation, corporate expansion and site selection.

Daily News, Economic Development, Featured, Industries, Infrastructure & Logistics, Ports & Free Trade Zones, Site Selection Factors, USA - Southeast, Virginia

Cargo, channel deepening, container ships, dredging, Economic Development, Norfolk Harbor, Port of Virginia, Ports, Thimble Shoal Channel, Virginia, Virginia Port Authority

Sponsored Content
Featured Location
Featured Video

Webinars, Podcasts & Videos

Hear from leaders at the Destination Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Business Development in Rochester about why they feel Minnesota is filled with opportunities for founders and why investors should consider the power of startups in Minnesota.

Business Benefits In Minnesota, a Mayo Clinic Business Development and Destination Medical Center Perspective

Hear from leaders at the Destination Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Business Development in Rochester about why they feel Minnesota is filled with opportunities for founders and why investors should consider the power of startups in Minnesota.

Agricultural Heritage Meets Strong Manufacturing Base With a rich history in agriculture, the region is now made up of a strong manufacturing base, including everything from snack foods and Gatorade, to leading human resources software and revolutionary plug-less power systems for electric vehicles. Mount Rogers Regional Partnership's strategic East Coast location is the driving force.

Virginia’s i81-i77 Crossroads | Talent Retention & Manufacturing

Learn about manufacturing jobs and facilities in the Mount Rogers region of southwest Virginia. There is ample opportunity for education and jobs in a region rich with culture and heritage.

See what leaders at Polar Semiconductor believe are the key benefits of doing business in Minnesota.

Business Benefits In Minnesota, a Polar Semiconductor Perspective

Minnesota is a place where the stars align — geography, culture and institutions – to create an unmatched economic landscape. See what leaders at Polar Semiconductor believe are the key benefits of doing business in Minnesota.

Share to...