VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Port of Virginia is anticipating big changes in the Hampton Roads area in terms of improving its shipping channels and railway, CEO Stephen Edwards said in his 2024 "State of the Port" speech Thursday.
Already, the port is on track to have the deepest and widest channels on the East Coast following a $450 million dredging project. In early March, construction wrapped up on a widening project allowing larger vessels to travel to Hampton Roads.
Edwards said this will not only allow larger ships to visit the area, but it will bring more commerce and business to the community.
"We have a lot to be extremely proud about," Edwards said. "I truly believe the Port of Virginia is the most modern gateway in this country and we are only looking to make further improvements."
For the past two months, Edwards said the Port of Virginia has essentially acted as "two ports," following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Thousands of containers meant for Baltimore went to the Port of Virginia, with truck drivers from Baltimore driving several hours to Hampton Roads to pick up the shipments. Edwards noted that the tragedy underscored the importance of what the port does.
"When something works, and works well, it’s human nature not to pay it much notice," Edwards said. "But the Key Bridge collapse put a spotlight on the vitality of our work and industry. I know we’ve all felt a greater focus on the implications of what we do each and every day."
Edwards said the process could soon end as the Port of Baltimore is expected to re-open some shipping channels by the end of May. However, the offer to help is always on the table.
"Anything that we can do, we will do," Edwards said. "We want to be good neighbors and I think that we accomplished that."
Among other highlights include Virginia's House Speaker Don Scott presenting a "commending resolution" to Edwards for his port's diligence during the Baltimore disaster and continued economic growth.
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Edwards also applauded the port's efforts to become the first major East Coast port to fully run on clean energy – whether it’s solar, wind, hydropower or nuclear.
"We’ve made incredible progress on our goal to reach net zero emissions by 2040," Edwards said. "As of Jan. 1, our terminal operations are now fully powered by clean electric. We are proud to be the first major East Coast port to achieve this milestone."
Port authorities estimate the plan to expand the port's railways and shipping channels could last until 2027.