“We posted growth in all core areas including container volume, in our rail, breakbulk and auto operations and at VIP (Virginia Inland Port),” said Jerry A. Bridges, the VPA executive director. “What should be taken into account is that we grew in spite of a weak economy and some larger trade issues that we had absolutely no control over that an adverse impact on our volumes.
“Posting positive numbers under those conditions tells me that 2012 is going to be different: The economy continues to inch forward, there is considerable interest in the Richmond barge service, CSX has started its on-dock rail operation, both NS and CSX have expanded their rail reach from our port and we have multiple port users that are coming on-line in the later part of this year. An important development is the fact that we have had very productive discussions with some ocean carriers that are considering a change in their East Coast port rotations in order to take advantage of our deep water.”
In January 2012, The Port of Virginia handled 154,300 TEU, the same amount handled in December 2011. In January 2011, the port handled 159,265 TEU.
The January breakbulk tonnage was 36,934 tons vs. 22,520 tons handled in January 2011; an increase of 64 percent. Total rail containers handled in January were 27,171 vs. 27,500 handled in January 2011. The number of containers moved between the Port of Richmond and the Hampton Roads Harbor on the 64 Express barge increased 90 percent in January to 536 containers.
Calendar year TEU totals, 2012 vs. 2011:
January 2012 = 154,300
January 2011 = 159,265