A USD 320 million expansion project at the Virginia International Gateway (VIG) container terminal has been completed, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced.
As explained, the completion of this project represents a significant milestone as the Port of Virginia works to increase cargo and container capacity at its two major terminals, with an overall goal of increasing capacity by 40 percent.
“The completion of the VIG expansion enables the port to move cargo more safely, efficiently, and sustainably than ever before, and cements Virginia’s status as home to a world-class port,” Governor Northam commented.
The 800-foot extension of the berth at VIG will allow the terminal to service as many as three ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) simultaneously.
VIG now boasts 26 new rail-mounted gantry cranes as well, which support 13 new container stacks, creating more room to stack and sort containers.
In January, four new 170-foot-tall ship-to-shore cranes arrived at the port. These cranes are the largest on the US. East Coast and will be able to service container vessels, regardless of their size, for decades to come.
Throughout the expansion at VIG, the port maintained service levels, handling a record-setting three million TEUs of cargo in FY2019. As the container terminal expansion was completed ahead of time, the terminal is well-positioned to handle peak season volumes.
“Today (July 23) we celebrate a major milestone in the most ambitious construction project ever undertaken at The Port of Virginia,” John Reinhart, Virginia Port Authority CEO and Executive Director, said.
“Construction at Virginia International Gateway is complete. Thanks in large part to the Administration and the General Assembly, we’ve made the investments … and we are ready for peak season – and beyond. We are excited about taking this next step on a path to sustainability and success that will help drive job creation and investments across the Commonwealth.”
Read more: Port of Virginia Poised to Become Deepest Port of US East Coast