Construction of the 55-foot (16.76-metre) deep shipping channel and harbor in Norfolk, Virginia reached completion in late February, making the facility the deepest port on the US East Coast. This project represents a primary component of a $1.4 billion gateway investment program managed by the Port of Virginia.
According to the authority, dredging for the channel concluded on February 28 and technical surveys to verify depth and width are currently underway.
Interim Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority Sarah J. McCoy stated that a restriction-free channel is essential for handling the largest ships currently engaged in Atlantic trade.
The project also involved widening specific areas to facilitate two-way traffic for ultra-large container vessels, with that phase being completed in February 2024. These deep and wide channels are intended to support expanding cargo volumes and operations for at least the next 15 years, the authority reported.
A $450 million allocation was used for the dredging and widening work to ensure safe passage for larger vessels.
Other elements of the investment program include an $83 million expansion of annual rail capacity to two million TEU and a $220 million conversion of the Portsmouth Marine Terminal into a heavy-lift facility.
Work is also progressing on a $650 million renovation of the north berth at Norfolk International Terminals, which is expected by the port to conclude by mid-2027. The facility brought a fourth berth for large container vessels into operation in February following the installation of four new Suez-class cranes.
A fifth berth is currently under development at the north berth and is scheduled by the port to begin operations in 2027.
Upon completion of these upgrades, the port will possess the capacity to process 5.8 million TEU on an annual basis.