Port of Virginia
Port of Virginia
Established in 1952, the Virginia Port Authority owns and operates the Port of Virginia, comprising three marine terminals: Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal and Newport News Marine Terminal, as well as the Virginia Inland Port, an inland intermodal facility located in Front Royal. A subsidiary, Virginia International Terminals was incorporated in 1981 to operate the terminals owned by VPA.
Its deepwater harbor, the deepest on the US East Coast, shelters the world’s largest naval base; a robust shipbuilding and repair industry; a thriving export coal trade and the sixth largest containerized cargo complex in the United States. The port offers 50-foot channels, inbound and outbound, and is the only US East Coast port with Congressional authorization to dredge to 55 feet.
Nearly 30 international shipping lines offer direct, dedicated service to and from Virginia, with connections to more than 200 countries around the world. In an average week, dozens of international container ships; breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off vessels are serviced at its marine terminals.
Two Class I railroads, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern, serve the Port via on-dock intermodal container transfer facilities at Virginia International Gateway and Norfolk International Terminals. The service is augmented by short line rail partners, including the Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line and the Commonwealth Railway.