Partnerships: New York/New Jersey, Virginia
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New York/New Jersey Renews Sister Port Agreement with Tokyo
On Wednesday, September 2, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey hosted the Port of Tokyo’s Metropolitan Trade Mission for the purpose of renewing their sister port agreement on the 35th anniversary of its original execution.
The mission included 14 members and was led by Takashi Takeichi, director general of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Bureau of Port and Harbor. After welcoming remarks by Molly Campbell, PPM®, director of the port authority’s port commerce department, Mr. Takeichi and Stephanie Dawson, the port authority’s acting chief operating officer, executed the renewal agreement on behalf of their respective agencies.
This latest renewal essentially replicates the intent of the prior agreements, which is to work cooperatively to solve common problems. Additionally, the two agencies will now explore opportunities for establishing a staff exchange program to facilitate research regarding sustainable ports, enhanced international logistics, and best practices for the cruise industry and leisure/recreational marine activities in both ports.
A renewal agreement was also executed on the 25th anniversary in 2005.
Virginia Port Authority Signs 40-year Richmond Terminal Lease Renewal
The Richmond City Council on September 14 unanimously a proposal that allows The Port of Virginia to continue to lease and operate the Port of Richmond barge terminal for the next 40 years.
Richmond is located on the James River approximately 90 miles upstream from the state port’s Hampton Roads marine terminals. The 121-acre, rail-served terminal offers more than 1,500 feet of marginal wharf with 22 feet of draft, 300,000-plus square feet of on-terminal warehouse space, and quick access to the Interstate highway system.
"In Richmond, we have studied what needs to happen at our port to bring jobs to areas that need them," Jones said. "A long-term partnership with The Port of Virginia will help to integrate Richmond and Central Virginia into global trade networks," said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. "We are confident that with this partnership we can enhance marketing around our port, encourage potential port users to relocate here, and have existing users expand their operations – all of which translate into jobs.
In July, Port of Virginia officials said they were seeking a long-term lease for the city-owned marine terminal, but would agree to another five-year term if that was what the city leaders found most suitable. The state port authority has leased and managed the facility since 2011 under an agreement was set to expire in summer 2016.
Under The Port of Virginia’s management, cargo volumes at the Port of Richmond have grown year over year. In fiscal year 2013, the barge service transported more than 6,400 containers. That grew by 49 percent in FY 2014 to more than 9,500 containers and another 49 percent in FY 2015 to more than 14,000.
To cope with growing volumes, the barge service frequency increased from two trips a week to three trips a week in January and now averages 200 moves per week. CMA CGM earlier this month became the sixth international ocean carriers to offer bills of lading directly to the Port of Richmond. The Port of Virginia has also made significant on-terminal investments including improvements to rail infrastructure and the purchase of a new mobile harbor crane scheduled for delivery in early 2016.
"The Port of Virginia is growing and facilities like the Port of Richmond are crucial to provide the necessary access to deliver the goods coming through the port to manufacturers and consumers throughout our market," said John F. Reinhart, the CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "Our bid on the Richmond port facility guarantees significant investment in the Port of Richmond facility over the next 40 years: We now have a clear path forward. Cargo moving up and down the James River provides a direct connection with shippers in Central Virginia and means less truck traffic on our roadways."
On Wednesday, September 2, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey hosted the Port of Tokyo’s Metropolitan Trade Mission for the purpose of renewing their sister port agreement on the 35th anniversary of its original execution.
The mission included 14 members and was led by Takashi Takeichi, director general of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Bureau of Port and Harbor. After welcoming remarks by Molly Campbell, PPM®, director of the port authority’s port commerce department, Mr. Takeichi and Stephanie Dawson, the port authority’s acting chief operating officer, executed the renewal agreement on behalf of their respective agencies.
This latest renewal essentially replicates the intent of the prior agreements, which is to work cooperatively to solve common problems. Additionally, the two agencies will now explore opportunities for establishing a staff exchange program to facilitate research regarding sustainable ports, enhanced international logistics, and best practices for the cruise industry and leisure/recreational marine activities in both ports.
A renewal agreement was also executed on the 25th anniversary in 2005.
Virginia Port Authority Signs 40-year Richmond Terminal Lease Renewal
The Richmond City Council on September 14 unanimously a proposal that allows The Port of Virginia to continue to lease and operate the Port of Richmond barge terminal for the next 40 years.
Richmond is located on the James River approximately 90 miles upstream from the state port’s Hampton Roads marine terminals. The 121-acre, rail-served terminal offers more than 1,500 feet of marginal wharf with 22 feet of draft, 300,000-plus square feet of on-terminal warehouse space, and quick access to the Interstate highway system.
"In Richmond, we have studied what needs to happen at our port to bring jobs to areas that need them," Jones said. "A long-term partnership with The Port of Virginia will help to integrate Richmond and Central Virginia into global trade networks," said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. "We are confident that with this partnership we can enhance marketing around our port, encourage potential port users to relocate here, and have existing users expand their operations – all of which translate into jobs.
In July, Port of Virginia officials said they were seeking a long-term lease for the city-owned marine terminal, but would agree to another five-year term if that was what the city leaders found most suitable. The state port authority has leased and managed the facility since 2011 under an agreement was set to expire in summer 2016.
Under The Port of Virginia’s management, cargo volumes at the Port of Richmond have grown year over year. In fiscal year 2013, the barge service transported more than 6,400 containers. That grew by 49 percent in FY 2014 to more than 9,500 containers and another 49 percent in FY 2015 to more than 14,000.
To cope with growing volumes, the barge service frequency increased from two trips a week to three trips a week in January and now averages 200 moves per week. CMA CGM earlier this month became the sixth international ocean carriers to offer bills of lading directly to the Port of Richmond. The Port of Virginia has also made significant on-terminal investments including improvements to rail infrastructure and the purchase of a new mobile harbor crane scheduled for delivery in early 2016.
"The Port of Virginia is growing and facilities like the Port of Richmond are crucial to provide the necessary access to deliver the goods coming through the port to manufacturers and consumers throughout our market," said John F. Reinhart, the CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "Our bid on the Richmond port facility guarantees significant investment in the Port of Richmond facility over the next 40 years: We now have a clear path forward. Cargo moving up and down the James River provides a direct connection with shippers in Central Virginia and means less truck traffic on our roadways."
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