NORFOLK, Va. — The Port of Virginia is on track to become one of the busiest ports on the East Coast, and even more improvements are planned for 2025.
In early March, Port authorities announced the completion of a widening project for the shipping channel. Now, two ships can move through the channel at the same time.
Experts estimate it will reduce the time ships will need to spend at the port and in the channel, which means even more ships will be visiting Hampton Roads.
"This really is America's most modern gateway and the technology we have driving our terminals is without parallel on the East Coast," said Joe Harris, a spokesman with the Port of Virginia.
According to Harris, the Port of Virginia currently employs one in every nine people here in Hampton Roads. Even those who do not work in the shipping industry will feel some impact from the increase in shipping.
"All of the things on those ships, all of the imports and exports, all of it helps to drive and support the American economy," said Harris. "The fact is most of the things we use in our daily lives comes in because of those ships."
The work is not done yet. In 2025, leaders hope to complete a dredging project that will deepen the Norfolk Harbor to 55 feet, and the ocean approach to 59 feet deep.
Once this happens, the Port of Virginia will have the deepest channel on the East Coast. This means even more, and even bigger ships, will come to Hampton Roads.
"These ships will be able to come and go regardless of the tide, and even faster now that there is the two-way traffic," said Harris.
The widening and dredging project is estimated to cost $450 million.
The dredging work began in December 2019 and has been completed with collaboration and support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District Office and state, local, and community elected officials.