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Port of Virginia reports offshore-wind cargo flow, commissioning of new cranes and Commerce Park land acquisition
Summary
Port of Virginia and city staff updated the PPIC on Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind-related cargo, new ship-to-shore cranes nearing commissioning at Virginia International Gateway, and the PPIC's recent 2.5-acre Commerce Park property acquisition.
City economic development staff and a Port of Virginia representative briefed the Portsmouth Public-Private Investment Commission on March 25 about waterfront activity tied to the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, new terminal equipment and a recent property acquisition for Commerce Park.
Chris (last name not specified), identified as a Port of Virginia representative, told the commission that PMT improvements to support Dominion's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project represent "about a $220,000,000 improvement by Dominion and in partnership with the state," and that the port continues to see steady freight activity into March after a slow February due to weather. He said transition pieces and monopiles were moving through PMT on barges to the project site and that the next 18–24 months will feature cargo types the region has not previously seen.
Chris also reported that four new ship-to-shore cranes at Virginia International Gateway (VIG) are in the final stages of commissioning and expected to go into operation in early April; the additional cranes mirror four large cranes already at the terminal and will increase the terminal's ability to work ultra-large container vessels.
Commission staff announced that the PPIC closed on the acquisition of just over 2.5 acres at Commerce Park (addresses cited during the meeting included 60 Sixth Street and 1603 Seventh Street). City staff said the parcel transferred from the Redevelopment and Housing Authority to PPIC and will be marketed for industrial development in partnership with Harvey and Lindsey Commercial Real Estate; staff reported early private interest in the site.
Staff also introduced Charlie Baumann as the economic development team's newest member and said the team's staffing is now complete. The commission was reminded that its annual retreat is scheduled for April 22 at 10:00 a.m., to follow the regular meeting that day; commissioners were asked to submit retreat agenda topics to staff (Faith) by April 4. City staff also reminded commissioners of a joint meeting with City Council and all boards and commissions set for July 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sixth Floor Conference Room at City Hall.
During the Port of Virginia update, a commissioner asked whether a recently ratified six-year terminal agreement limited automation. Chris replied that the agreement "further define[s] definitions around certain roles within terminal operations" and that the agreement was negotiated with labor partners and is in place; he said the agreement clarifies work requirements as technology evolves.
No formal votes were required on these informational items.
