The Port of Virginia has significantly expanded its ability to handle the biggest container ships in global trade by inaugurating a fourth ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) berth at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) and placing four new all-electric, Suez-class ship-to-shore cranes into service.
The expansion coincides with the final phase of a $450 million dredging project to deepen and widen Virginia’s shipping channels and Norfolk Harbor to 55 feet, making the Port of Virginia the deepest commercial port on the U.S. East Coast.
Expanded ULCV capacity makes the Port of Virginia a stronger gateway for international container trade, attracting larger vessels and more frequent calls from major ocean carriers.
By becoming capable of handling more ultra-large ships at once and with deep, wide channels, Virginia strengthens its position relative to other U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports — helping reduce congestion and transit delays.