June 25th, 2026 – The Port of Virginia is capitalizing on Norfolk’s status as the deepest and widest harbor on the U.S. East Coast to attract ocean carriers deploying larger, fully loaded container vessels. Port officials believe recent infrastructure investments will strengthen Virginia’s role in global shipping networks and position the port as both a major import gateway and export hub.
State and local leaders recently marked the completion of a channel deepening project that increased the harbor depth to 55 feet. Launched in 2019 and largely completed earlier this year, the project enables Norfolk to accommodate container ships with capacities of up to 18,000 TEUs. Combined with channel widening work completed in 2024, the port can now support two-way traffic for ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).
The enhanced channel allows carriers to maximize vessel capacity without the cargo restrictions faced at shallower ports. As shipping lines evaluate how to deploy larger vessels entering service, Virginia is positioning itself as a strategic first port of call for imports or a final export loading point where ships can depart fully utilized.
Nearly one-quarter of the 1,497 container ship calls to the Port of Virginia over the past year involved vessels exceeding 11,000 TEUs in capacity, according to Sea-web data. Industry estimates suggest that draft restrictions at some ports can reduce a large vessel’s cargo capacity by roughly 10%, making deeper ports increasingly attractive for carriers seeking efficiency.
While Virginia’s container volumes grew at an average annual rate of 3% between 2017 and 2024, the port experienced an 8% decline in total container traffic during 2025. Officials attribute much of the decrease to shippers unloading cargo at earlier ports to avoid tariff-related deadlines.
To attract additional first- and second-port calls, Virginia is focused on expanding its regional cargo base. Unlike larger consumer markets such as New York or the Southeast, the Mid-Atlantic relies heavily on rail and inland distribution networks. The Port of Virginia already serves as a major intermodal gateway to the Midwest and is encouraging companies to establish distribution operations in the region to take advantage of its transportation infrastructure.
Through May, Virginia ranked as the sixth-busiest U.S. port for imports, handling more than 635,000 TEUs, according to PIERS data.
The deepening and widening project, valued at approximately $450 million, is part of the Virginia Port Authority’s broader $1.4 billion investment plan designed to accommodate larger vessels and increase capacity. Previous upgrades included the addition of ultra-large vessel berths at the port’s container terminals.
The final phase of the expansion program is the $650 million redevelopment of the North Berth at Norfolk International Terminals. Scheduled for completion in mid-2027, the project will add a fifth ULCV berth, new ship-to-shore cranes, and semi-automated stacking cranes, increasing the port’s annual capacity to 5.8 million TEUs.
The automation component has drawn opposition from the local chapter of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which argues that the technology could reduce waterfront jobs. The dispute remains the subject of ongoing litigation, although port officials maintain that operations have not been affected and expect labor issues to be resolved before the facility opens.
Virginia’s investments come as other East Coast ports also expand capacity. Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), one of Virginia’s largest customers, is developing a new terminal at the Port of Baltimore capable of handling two ultra-large container vessels simultaneously.
Despite increasing competition, Virginia remains focused on growing its regional cargo base and strengthening intermodal connections. Port leaders believe continued investments in infrastructure, distribution networks, and transportation connectivity will help maintain the port’s competitive position as larger vessels become increasingly common in global trade.
