POV demonstrates capabilities as May holds record volume, record-setting vessel

| Jun 14 2021 at 09:51 AM | Ports & Terminals

Port processes 62,000 rail containers, more than 107,000 gate moves

The Port of Virginia in May set a new record for monthly TEU volume (twenty-foot equivalent unit) having handled nearly 315,000 units and in doing so surpassing the previous record by nearly 30,000 units.

Contributing to the month’s volume was the CMA CGM Marco Polo, which at 16,000-plus TEUs is the largest container ship to ever call The Port of Virginia and the US East Coast. The Marco Polo called Virginia International Gateway (VIG) in late May and was joined on berth by the CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt, which once held the record for largest container ship (14,400 TEUs) to call The Port of Virginia.

“The biggest vessel to ever call The Port of Virginia, multiple ultra-large container vessels on berth and working simultaneously and record volume in May: these are important milestones because they clearly demonstrate the capabilities of this port and the teaming running it,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority.

“What is most important is to look at how we processed this volume at the berth, truck gates and rail ramps. Our overall performance metrics reflect an operation that is performing well for customers and the cargo owners. We’re processing month-on-month record volumes with a very high-level of efficiency.”

In March, April and May combined, the port processed more than 301,000 gate moves and nearly 172,000 rail containers. To help maintain cargo flow, the port this week announced an extension of its Saturday gate program at Virginia International Gateway through the end of June. Further, the port is set to take delivery of the 735 new chassis for Hampton Roads Chassis Pool II (HRCPII) by the end of July. The HRCPII fleet renewal effort is 80 percent complete with the average age of chassis in the pool being five-years-old.

“The strong volumes are continuing into June and from there we will see peak-season begin, so we are not expecting a significant slow-down in the near-term,” Edwards said. “We’re going to keep adding assets and, if necessary, hours to the operation, to ensure cargo flow and accommodate the cargo owners.”

May Cargo Snapshot (2021 vs. 2020)