Published by the Virginia Maritime Association, Norfolk, Virginiaemail: vma@VAMaritime.com • web site: www.VAMaritime.com

N e w s a n d I n f o r m a t i o n f r o m t h e P o r t s o f V i r g i n i a

Volume 79, No. 1January 2015

www.facebook.com/VAMaritime • twitter.com/VAMaritime linkedin.com/company/virginia-maritime-association • www.flickr.com/photos/virginiamaritime/

Meet VMA’s New President

Continued on page 5

On December 2, 2014, the membership of the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) elected Raymond A. Newlon to serve as

President of the VMA. As incoming President, Raymond looks forward to working with the VMA Team in meeting the needs of the association and its members. “We have a responsibility to be a steward for the port today as well as being watchful for its future. Our strength as an Association is in working together as a community in addressing the needs of our membership. We will continue to foster community cooperation and remain steadfast as a steward for our maritime interests. It is an honor to serve as President of VMA and I thank you for allowing me to serve in this capacity,” stated Newlon.

Raymond A. Newlon is the Senior Manager Port and Terminal Operations for Hapag-Lloyd (America) Inc. Raymond started with Hapag-Lloyd in 1980 holding various positions (Intermodal Manager, Marine Operations Manager, Terminal Manager, Director of Region Norfolk, Director, Mid-Atlantic District).

His career in containerization began in 1971 while working part-time at N&WRR Intermodal Ramp.

Raymond represents the maritime industry in his position as Immediate Past Chairman for the Hampton Roads Shipping Association (HRSA), serving on various committees within the Association and as a Trustee on the HRSA-ILA Pension and Welfare Fund. He is the Chairman of the VMA Steamship Trade Committee, a member of VMA’s Strategic Planning committee as well as

representing the VMA on the U.S. Coast Guard Area Maritime Security Executive Committee.

After 30 years of service, Raymond retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as a Reserve Command Chief. His last active duty was in 2003 in support of Liberty Shield/Enduring Freedom, from which he received the Achievement Medal. Upon his retirement in 2005, Raymond received the Coast Guard Commendation Medal.

Port’s Statewide Economic Impact Grows

An economic impact study released by the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) reports the state-operated facilities have a $60.3 billion economic impact on the economy of

Virginia. The economic benefits are derived in three ways: the transportation of export and import cargo within Virginia and across it from other states and countries; the export of goods made in Virginia; and the added processing and distribution of imports retained in the Commonwealth.

According to the report, the VPA’s operations moved nearly 18 million tons of cargo valued at $53.2 billion in fiscal year 2013 with Virginia-made cargo totaling 4.5 million tons worth $10.9 billion. The contribution to the state’s gross state product (GSP) - the overall sum of value and economic output from industries in Virginia - was $30.5 billion, or nearly 6.8 percent of the estimated $448.8 billion in GSP in fiscal 2013. More than 374,000 state residents have jobs directly or indirectly connected to the port. Those jobs accounted for 9.4 percent of the resident Virginia workforce.

The last economic impact study, also conducted by The Raymond A. Mason School of Business at the College of William & Mary, assessed the economic impact for fiscal 2006 (July 1, 2005 – June 20, 2006). The comparison of fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2013 showed:

2006  2013 Change

Spending: $41.1B $60.3B 47%

Employee Compensation: $13.5B $17.5B 30%

Selected Virginia Taxes: $1.2B $1.4B 17%

Employment: 343,001 374,646 9%

This study is validation of the significant economic driver the port industry is throughout the Commonwealth. However, it is strictly based on the cargo, predominantly containers, that flowed through the state-operated facilities. The study

2

VIRGINIA MARITIMEASSOCIATION

OFFICERS

Chairman of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley G . Roebuck

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Raymond A . Newlon

Vice Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joseph A . Dorto

Michael W . Coleman

Jeffrey S . Heller

Executive Vice President & Secretary . . . . . .Arthur W . Moye, Jr .

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Judy M . Barrett

Assistant Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr . Keith Helton

STAFF

Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David C . White

Accounting Manager/Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Davis

Communications/Membership Director . . . .Ashley McLeod

Executive Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Janice S . Klasek

Events Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer N . Parham

Shipdesk Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lynne H . Stonum

Membership/Publication Coordinator & Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Susan N . Wisniewski

MARITIME BULLETIN is published12 times a year by

Virginia Maritime Association .Subscriptions are available through

membership in the Association .

Recipient of Presidential “E” and“E Star” Awards for Excellence in Export Service

Recipient of ASAE CommunicationExcellence & Honorable

Mention Award

VMA’s 2015 Prognostications

The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) is frequently asked about the state and direction of

Virginia’s maritime industry and its port operations. The VMA does not take a crystal ball approach, but instead utilizes access to a wide array of industry executives and experts. Based on input from our members, we believe 2015 will generally be a year of stable growth across most of the industry with some sectors experiencing stronger gains.

The improving economy and port congestion nationwide appear to have influenced major retailers to shift freight to less congested ports. An indicator of demand in port markets is increased activity by 3rd party service providers (3PLs) who handle, store, repackage, and ship freight on behalf of customers. This freight runs the gamut– industrial commodities used in manufacturing, retail goods, food materials– all are seeing increased demand by 3PLs servicing their clients via the Port of Virginia.

Growth of container traffic at the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) run terminals is conservatively estimated to be approximately 5%. The accumulated effect of several measures implemented in the latter half of 2014 and those still to be implemented in early 2015 will relieve some of the congestion that plagued the operations throughout 2014. However, increasing volumes combined with the challenges associated with a steady evolution to larger ships will continue to test the terminal operation’s efficiency and throughput, possibly constraining the upside potential.

The certification in 2014 of our port as a “Coffee Exchange Port” has already generated increased activity and will be a major factor influencing additional coffee import business through the Port in 2015. There is also evidence we will see solid increases in the transloading and exporting of grain in containers.

With regard to bulk commodities, grain exports by bulk are also poised for growth and could be further impacted by new relations with Cuba. Wood pellet exports should increase with the first full year of three pellet processing plants being operational in the region. Increased imports of slag and gypsum may occur as a result of coal power plant closures. Salt movements will depend on the severity of the winter.  Movements of fertilizers, scrap, cement, and clinker will likely remain stable and closely resemble 2014. Borates, pumice, alumina and other dry bulk aggregates will parallel the economy and should have a good year in 2015.

2014 coal exports will exceed 40 million tons, several million tons below 2013.

With an excess of supply in the global market and a consistent demand level from outside the U.S., overall coal exports in 2015 are expected to be comparable or a bit lower than 2014.

Growth is expected in the movement of petroleum products through the port. Contributing factors include lower gasoline prices that are pushing up demand as people drive more, and increases in demand for diesel as the overall economy continues to improve.

Liquid fertilizer shipments in 2015 are expected to be flat or slightly lagging 2014 numbers. Lower corn and soybean prices mean lower revenues for farmers, which affects their decisions about applying nutrients to build the fertility levels of their soil. However, ship and barge movements of other chemicals and ethanol are expected to be strong.

The region will enjoy the benefits of the additional employment and spending associated with more cruise ship sailings from Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center. Norfolk will be the homeport to the Carnival Splendor with 6 roundtrip cruises scheduled. The 2015 cruise schedule already includes 11 additional port calls by several other ships, with the potential for more to be added.

The Virginia Shipyard Industry has a positive outlook for 2015 based on the most recent budget and appropriations actions by Congress. The trend for Navy ship repair and construction in Hampton Roads will be steady in 2015, without major changes. However, the outlook in Virginia is not very bright beyond 2015 because of sequestration impacts on the Department of Defense and Navy realignment of fleet assets.

A comprehensive view offers good reasons to be optimistic about 2015 and to expect Virginia’s maritime industry to outperform the overall state-wide economy. However, future such contributions to the economy will require substantial capital investments to add capacity to the port and transportation infrastructure, as well as the pursuit of offshore energy to mitigate the effects of sequestration on our ship building and repair industry.

MARITIME NEWS

3

Meet the Newest Members of the VMA Board of Directors

On December 2, 2014, the membership of the Virginia Maritime Association elected the association’s Officers and Directors. Six individuals were elected to serve their

first term on the VMA Board. Meet VMA’s newest Directors…

Murray Bishop, Manager of Export & Logistics at STIHL Inc., the headquarters for U.S. operations for the worldwide STIHL Group, and has been a STIHL employee for the past 16 years. He is responsible for export shipments to more than 90 countries out of the STIHL manufacturing plant in Virginia Beach, as well as logistics of the company’s distribution network in the United States. During his tenure, Murray has been instrumental in the development and implementation of strategies to align and improve distribution strategy and infrastructure. He has twice served as Director of Information Services in Virginia Beach responsible for systems and project management throughout the STIHL network in the U.S.

Don Kelso is the Director for Submarine Program Operations and Integration at Newport News Shipbuilding. In this role he focuses on safety, quality and process improvement across the Virginia Class Submarine new construction and Submarine Fleet Support programs. He is a retired naval officer with 29 years of service. His assignments in the Navy included commands of USS HARTFORD SSN-768, USS JIMMY CARTER SSN-23 and Submarine Squadron Eight CSS-8. He is an alumni of Virginia Tech, Catholic University and the National War College.

Bryan Rhode is the Regional Vice President for State Government Affairs for the mid-Atlantic for CSX Transportation. He is responsible for CSX Transportation’s executive branch, legislative and community initiatives in Virginia, and oversees similar efforts in Maryland and Delaware. Prior to

joining CSX, Bryan served as Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety. As a cabinet official he provided oversight for 11 state agencies and advised the Governor on public safety policy issues. Bryan is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, the University of Virginia, School of Law and the London School of Economics.

J. Scott Wheeler, President of Bay Diesel & Generator is a native of St. Louis, Missouri who came to Virginia in the early 1970’s following his tour of duty with the U.S. Army. He founded Bay Diesel Corporation in 1982 and has been President of the firm since that time. He currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce Mid-Atlantic Chapter in Washington, D.C., a member of the Regional Advisory Board for SunTrust Bank, a member of the Board of Directors for the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads, a past member of the Board of Governors for the Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk, and is an active supporter of the Hampton Roads Maritime Community and WHRO Public Television.

Lang Williams is in his 20th year with CBRE, serving as real estate advisor to companies and investors large and small. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Denver Daniels College of Business. Lang is grateful for numerous opportunities for leadership roles in his church and community, including board roles for the Tidewater Association of Service Contractors and Tidewater Government Industry Council, and one of his favorites, serving as an assistant coach for several years in Fleet Park Little League. The Port of Virginia and maritime community have fascinated Lang since he moved to Norfolk. He is a strong advocate for helping valued employers in Virginia expand their footprint and attracting new employers to our great region.

Mark Vanty is Vice President & General Manager of Moran Norfolk Division of Moran Towing Corporation. Mr. Vanty is a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy and holds a MBA from the University of Connecticut. Prior to his assignment in Norfolk, Mark ran other Divisions in various Ports including New York. His Moran background includes tug and barge operations, chartering, projects, and finance. 

We welcome our newest Directors, and thank all the Officers and Directors for their service to the Association.  A full listing of the Officers and Directors was published in the December 2014 edition of the Maritime Bulletin and can be found under the About VMA tab on our website www.VAMaritime.com.

Left: New Board Members (l-r) Murray Bishop, Mark Vanty, Lang Williams, and Scott Wheeler

4

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Virginia Port’s Economic ImpactContinued from page 1

acknowledges the omission of the economic impacts of other waterborne commerce, such as the array of dry and liquid bulk commodities handled by numerous private marine terminals.  The VPA’s facilities moved a combined export and import tonnage of nearly 18 million tons, about 25 percent of the total export-import tonnage recorded by the Norfolk Customs District. 75 percent of the tonnage, mostly coal, is not accounted for. However, the cargo handled through the state-operated terminals had an estimated value of $53.2 billion, equal to 81 percent of the district’s overall trade value of $66.0 billion.  Another consideration is economic activity associated with each commercial vessel that moves through the port. In 2014, there were 2,789 deep draft commercial ships that called on the port, with 1,789 being container ships. The waterborne commerce and related economic spinoffs of 1,000 ships, the daily barge traffic through the port, and the ship building and repair aspect of our maritime industry are not captured in the study.   The economic impacts of the state-operated facilities are impressive, growing, and to be lauded by the entire Commonwealth. The Commonwealth needs to continue to invest in its facilities, improving efficiencies and adding capacity, so they can contribute even more significantly to the economy – particularly in light of the headwinds of sequestration. It should also be recognized, by taking a comprehensive look at Virginia’s ports and maritime industry, there is an even bigger story yet to be told.

2014 Closes with Record Annual TEU Volume

The Port of Virginia in 2014 set its new annual benchmark for container volume  having handled more than 2.3 million TEUs, a 7.6 percent increase over the previous

year’s total. “In 2014, we moved 169,000 more TEUs than we did in 2013, which until now was our most productive year on record,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority.

The year was completed by strong volumes in December, when the port handled 203,276 TEUs, a jump of 12.3 percent when compared with the same month last year. In 2014, the port exceeded the 200,000-TEU mark in April, May, July, August, September, October, November and December.

And it doesn’t seem to be slowing down… Last month was the halfway mark for the port’s 2015 fiscal year, which runs July through June. “Our volume is tracking for a record fiscal year, as well,” Reinhart said. “At the halfway point, we’re up 8 percent.”

All segments of the port’s container business rose last year: 868,108 containers moved by truck, a 9.1 percent increase from the year before; 448,096 by rail, up 4 percent; and 56,934 by barge, up 18.4 percent. The breakdown of how the cargo was moved is: 33% by rail, 63% by truck and 4% by barge.

Additional highlights: Virginia Inland Port set a new annual throughput record having handled 36,841 containers: up 14.5%. The Richmond barge (64 Express) moved 12,190 containers: up 53.1%. Total rail containers were 448,096, the highest in the port’s history: up 4%.

As noted by Mr. Reinhart, “The growth is significant, but it has created significant challenges as well, especially in service levels for our motor carriers.”

“The focus is to continue to grow, within reason and within our capabilities, strive for consistency at our gates and operations, maintain profitability and do these things with a sense of urgency and responsibility. The growth is a tribute to our team and our port partners, but our enthusiasm is tempered, as we are cognizant of the fact that we have much work to do on building infrastructure and developing processes to maintain the business and grow the port.”

VMA HIGHLIGHTS

6

The Association In Action

Committee Update

In December, the Association met again with state transportation officials regarding the Associations’ concerns and needed improvements to the planned fendering system at the new

Gilmerton Bridge across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. Finally, assurances were given to VMA the fendering system would be redesigned to incorporate materials capable of absorbing contact that might take place under normal working conditions without causing damage to the bridge or vessels.

VMA participated in a December 15 meeting that took place as part of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel’s preliminary planning for the construction of a second tunnel under the Thimble Shoal Channel, the main navigation channel from the open ocean to the ports of Virginia. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the schedule and plan for coordination of test and sample drilling activities within and adjacent to Thimble Shoal Channel. The overall maritime coordination goal is to minimize impacts to navigation, allow for safe passage of vessels, and provide safe conditions for work vessels, equipment, and personnel.

On December 16, VA Secretary of Commerce & Trade, Maurice Jones, announced the release of the 2014 Occupational Demand Study for Hampton Roads. The Study was prepared for Opportunity Inc., the region’s Workforce Development Board. The study will guide the decision making related to workforce development programs. As a result of input from VMA and

participation in the study by many VMA members companies, there is an emphasis on the supply and demand for jobs in maritime and the supply chain.

Art Moye, VMA’s Executive Vice President, and Delegate Chris Stolle, co-chair the Freight Transportation Advisory Committee (FTAC); an advisory committee, providing input on the transportation requirements for freight movement, to the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization which defines the transportation priorities for the region. Key agenda topics of the December 18 meeting included an update of an ongoing economic analysis of toll pricing, a status report for the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission, and beginning a review process of prioritization scores for projects to be included in the region’s 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan.

During a Port Productivity Summit held on Oct. 28 by VMA and the Virginia Port Authority (VPA), several recommendations were made for improving the fluidity of the container terminals. Throughout December, the VMA continued working with the VPA and port users to address the ongoing congestion. Based on input from the industry about the operations of the state-owned terminals, the VMA hosted a December 22 conference call of summit participants to review the progress with action items from the summit and identify any additional corrective actions that could provide immediate relief for port stakeholders.

COMMERCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (Dec 4): The emphasis of the meeting was discussion and prioritizing content to be included in a Commerce Development “Tool Kit.” A priority of the committee is the development of a resource guide that VMA members and other interested parties can use to help them promote the ports and Virginia. The committee also received briefings on recent activities of the Association related to economic development.

COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH COMMITTEE (Dec 9): The committee received updates regarding the 55-Foot and Southern Branch deepening projects and efforts of the Virginia Port Authority and VMA to advance the projects. The committee discussed goals and began developing a communications strategy for the 2015 General Assembly session and Port Day at the General Assembly.

EDUCATION & TRAINING COMMITTEE (Dec 10 & 22): A priority of the committee is to assist member companies to fill their job openings. A subcommittee of the Education & Training Committee met to begin considering how VMA member companies could utilize a job bulletin board hosted on the VMA

website. The committee discussed various options and began making decisions about processes to be followed and rules for a job bulletin board.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE SYMPOSIUM COMMITTEE (Dec 12): The committee continued planning for VMA’s 2015 International Trade Symposium to be held May 14. The committee agreed on the theme “Curbing Congestion – How Do We Get There From Here?” and an initial promotion. The committee also identified several speakers to be invited.

NAVIGATION RULES and TOWING & BARGE OPERATORS COMMITTEES (Dec 19): Both committees met in a joint session to review and discuss an analysis being conducted by the Coast Guard to determine the degree to which mariners utilize certain Aids to Navigation in light of the increasing use of GPS and other electronic navigation tools. For the purposes of responding to the Coast Guard, the committees noted some general concerns and then considered the unique characteristics and commercial navigation requirements for each buoy listed for possible changes or elimination.

7

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

VEDP No. 2 in State Economic Development Organizations

The Virginia Maritime Association congratulates the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) for receiving the No. 2 spot in The American Economic

Development Institute (AEDI) and Pollina Corporate Real Estate’s Top 10 State Economic Development Organizations ranking for 2014.

The ranking is based largely on data from Stage II of the AEDI/Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States 2014. The report examines each state’s incentive programs and the marketing efforts of their economic development agencies. The purpose of the ranking is to put a spotlight on state economic organizations that are excelling at their job in a competitive global economy.

The VEDP, a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Germany, Shanghai, Mexico, Japan, India and the United Kingdom.

Missouri took the No. 1 spot with a score of 112, edging slightly higher than Virginia’s second place score of 110. Other contenders in the Top Ten list include South Carolina, Nebraska, Kansas, Louisiana, Ohio, Alabama, Mississippi, and Utah.

Increased RepresentativesBAY DIESEL CORPORATION

(Future Leader Member)Ms. Stephanie Allen Stephens, Marketing Director

CBREMr. Ken Benassi, SIOR, Senior Vice President

CRENSHAW, WARE & MARTIN, P. L.Mr. David D. Hartnett, Associate

TÉCNICO CORPORATIONMr. Mark L. Oakley, Senior Vice President

TOWNEBANK/TOWNE INSURANCECameron Agricola (Future Leader)

Mr. Dudley Fulton, President, Towne InsuranceMs. Sheri Moore, President, Towne Insurance

WILLIAMS MULLEN (Future Leader Member)

Mr. Cameron M. Rountree, Attorney

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236 E. Plume StreetNorfolk, Virginia 23510

P.O. Box 3487Norfolk Virginia

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Club ContactsCustoms Brokers & Int’l Freight Forwarders Assn .

CONTACT: Val Sutton • 853-1940

Hampton Roads Coal AssociationCONTACT: Joe DeMatteo • 928-1520

Hampton Roads Global Commerce CouncilCONTACT: Peter Trocchiano • 201-9796

www.hrgcc.org

Hampton Roads Traffic ClubCONTACT: Michael Hirsch • 485-4799www.HamptonRoadsTrafficClub.org

ODU Maritime Institute Speaker SeriesCONTACT: Sara Russell • 683-3964

Organization for Women in Int’l Trade (OWIT)CONTACT: Sara Russell • 683-3964

Propeller Club - Port of NorfolkCONTACT: Taylor Miller • 440-7214www.PropellerClubNorfolk.org

Tidewater Motor Truck AssociationCONTACT: Frank Borum • 494-0276

Ed O’Callaghan • 450-8484 Troy Tibbetts • 544-0693

Virginia Ship Repair AssociationCONTACT: Sylvia Bell • 233-7034

www.VirginiaShipRepair.org

ANCHOR MEMBERS

PLATINUM ANCHORS:

GOLDEN ANCHORS:

Bay Diesel Corporation

CV International, Inc.

T. Parker Host, Inc.

Vandeventer Black LLP

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Virginia Pilot Association

SILVER ANCHORS:

CBRE | Hampton Roads

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.

SunTrust Bank

Tecnico Corporation

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.

MEMBERSHIPMEMBERSHIP

VIRGINIA MARITIME ASSOCIATION

THURSDAYFEBRUARY 19, 2015

Norfolk Yacht & Country ClubBreakfast Served 7:30 AM

“Aligning Economic Opportunities – Hampton Roads to Richmond”

Presenters:

Thomas Frantz Chairman & CEO, Williams MullenRepresenting the Hampton Roads

Business Roundtable

Tayloe Negus Partner, Southern Virginia / Carolinas

Market Leader, Aon Hewitt, and Executive Director of the

Richmond Management Roundtable

All upcoming events can be found by visiting our website VAMaritime.com