Virginia port consolidates container operations

The Virginia Port Authority said that it has consolidated container operations at its Portsmouth and Norfolk terminals and is moving breakbulk and project operations to Newport News Marine Terminal.

The port said container carrier Turkon Line, formerly a tenant at Newport News, will now call in Portsmouth where there is more terminal space and larger cranes. Turkon is increasing the size ships it uses in its service.

Meanwhile Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics is moving to Newport News where the port completed construction of a new 200,000-square-foot warehouse for breakbulk cargo in late July. The line will also have access to a modern 124,000-square-foot warehouse for rubber storage. The terminal has two berths for vessels with deeper drafts and the carrier will face less wait time and improved turnaround for truckers, along with easier access to interstate highways.

We are in very good shape to begin to market Newport News differently, as a destination for breakbulk and project cargo; there is plenty of this business out there and with this change we are positioned to attract it, said Jerry A. Bridges, the VPA's executive director.

The port said the South American carrier CSAV may also move to Newport News sometime this fall.