2023 State of the Port of Virginia

The Port of Virginia® is ready for the future and well-positioned to be the leading global trade gateway on the US East Coast, said its chief executive to nearly 500 attendees of the annual 2023 State of the Port luncheon held April 27.

The annual event is a collaboration between the port and the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council. It brings together decision-makers from across the industry, elected officials, economic development leaders, port customers, cargo owners, and a host of others who are interested in The Port of Virginia.

“Our port is strong and through a new round of investments we are positioning this world-class gateway for the future so we can continue to drive cargo growth, economic investment, and job creation throughout Virginia for the next generation,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority.

“The cargo moving across our terminals is helping fuel the Virginia economy. The goal is to keep investing, modernizing, and refining our operations to attract more cargo. We are confident that the steps we are taking are setting the stage for long-term success.”

One of the keys to that success, Edwards said, is the emphasis being placed on sustainability and becoming a net-zero carbon operation by 2040. The port is quickly becoming the US East Coast’s leader in creating a 21st-century supply chain.“

Our sustainability effort aligns us with some of the world’s leading ocean carriers, retailers,
manufacturers, suppliers, and multinational corporations that are developing, or using green supply
chains. It is also a strategic business decision,” Edwards said. “Consumers worldwide are demanding
clean, green supply chains and our work puts The Port of Virginia at the forefront of this change.”
• A copy of Edwards’ presentation is attached.
• To see a copy of the port’s sustainability report click here.