The Port of Virginia is approaching the completion of its $1.4 billion Gateway Investment Program, with a major milestone scheduled for early 2026.
In February, the port will take delivery of the deepest shipping channels on the U.S. East Coast.
The $450 million deepening project, which widens channels to allow two-way traffic of the largest Atlantic vessels without tidal restrictions or overhead obstacles, follows the completion of the widening effort in February 2024. Channels will reach 55 feet in depth.
Sarah J. McCoy, Interim CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, said: “This is an important chapter in the story of the Port of Virginia and the ongoing development of America’s Most Modern Gateway®.
“In order to be a 21st century port, you must have 21st century infrastructure. Channel depth has the same level of importance to Virginia as any of our landside assets and investments. To remain competitive, the big ships require deep water and modern terminals. The Port of Virginia is the logical choice.”
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Alongside the dredging, the port is inaugurating a fourth ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) berth at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) South.
The berth has been deepened, and four new Suez-class cranes will enter service this month, giving the port two ULCV-ready berths at both NIT South and Virginia International Gateway.
A fifth ULCV berth is under development at NIT North, with a $650 million reconfiguration scheduled for completion in 2027.
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Chief Sales Officer Thomas D. Capozzi said the investments ensure that companies using the port can expand volumes without capacity concerns.
He highlighted the port’s fourth consecutive International Port of the Year award from Lowe’s in October 2025 for service excellence.
Capozzi said: “Companies are taking note of what we are doing here, of how we treat their cargo today and how we are preparing for the future. When the Gateway Investment Program is complete, collectively, we’ll have the annual throughput capacity for nearly 6 million TEUs and the capability to process 1.1 million rail TEUs.
“Those capabilities, combined with an overall modern approach to terminal operations and the deepest channels on the U.S. East Coast, are clear indicators that we are ready to grow in parallel with our biggest users, whatever their needs may be.”
For more information:
Port of Virginia – https://www.portofvirginia.com/
