Norfolk, Virginia, October 18, 2025
Norfolk is making significant strides in its port expansion project, utilizing innovative dredging operations to enhance its capabilities. This advancement underscores Virginia’s growing role as a crucial East Coast trade hub. The project is set to create hundreds of jobs in maritime construction, boosting local employment and the economy. With the increased capacity, Norfolk is positioned to attract more shipping activity, reaffirming its status in the competitive landscape of maritime trade along the Eastern Seaboard.
Norfolk, Virginia – Port Expansion Project Advances with Innovative Dredging Operations
Norfolk’s port expansion project is progressing with innovative dredging operations, enhancing Virginia’s role as a key East Coast trade hub and creating hundreds of jobs in maritime construction.
Project Overview
The Port of Virginia is undertaking a comprehensive $450 million dredging project to deepen and widen its shipping channels. This initiative aims to accommodate ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), positioning the port as the deepest and widest harbor on the U.S. East Coast upon completion in 2025. The project includes:
- Channel Deepening: Dredging the Norfolk Harbor and commercial shipping channels to a depth of 55 feet, with the ocean approach reaching 59 feet. This depth allows safe passage for fully laden ULCVs.
- Channel Widening: Expanding the channels to widths of up to 1,400 feet in specific areas, facilitating two-way traffic for large vessels.
Economic Impact
The dredging operations are expected to create hundreds of jobs in maritime construction, contributing to the local economy. Additionally, the project is anticipated to enhance the port’s capacity, supporting increased cargo volumes and improving the efficiency of cargo movement through the gateway.
Background Context
The dredging project began in December 2019, with the widening portion completed in February 2024. The deepening segment is on track to be finished by the end of 2025. This development is part of the Port of Virginia’s broader $1.4 billion strategic infrastructure investment package, which also includes:
- Norfolk International Terminal Upgrades: Enhancements such as new ship-to-shore cranes and a reconfigured container stack yard supported by semi-automated, rail-mounted gantry cranes.
- Central Rail Yard Expansion: Increasing capacity to accommodate 455,000 additional rail TEUs annually, bringing the total annual rail capacity to more than 1.8 million TEUs.
- Offshore Wind Implementation: Transforming the Portsmouth Marine Terminal into an offshore wind energy hub to support Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.
These investments aim to modernize port operations, increase capacity, and support the growing demand for efficient and sustainable trade routes along the East Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the Port of Virginia’s dredging project?
The dredging project aims to deepen and widen the Norfolk Harbor and commercial shipping channels to accommodate ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), enhancing the port’s capacity and efficiency.
How deep and wide will the channels be after the dredging?
Upon completion in 2025, the channels will be dredged to a depth of 55 feet, with the ocean approach reaching 59 feet, and widths up to 1,400 feet in specific areas.
When did the dredging project begin, and when is it expected to be completed?
The dredging project began in December 2019, with the widening portion completed in February 2024. The deepening segment is on track to be finished by the end of 2025.
What other improvements are part of the Port of Virginia’s infrastructure investment package?
Other improvements include upgrades to the Norfolk International Terminal, expansion of the Central Rail Yard, and the transformation of the Portsmouth Marine Terminal into an offshore wind energy hub.
How will the dredging project impact the local economy?
The dredging operations are expected to create hundreds of jobs in maritime construction and enhance the port’s capacity, supporting increased cargo volumes and improving the efficiency of cargo movement through the gateway.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | $450 million |
| Completion Year | 2025 |
| Channel Depth | 55 feet (commercial channels), 59 feet (ocean approach) |
| Channel Width | Up to 1,400 feet in specific areas |
| Economic Impact | Creation of hundreds of jobs in maritime construction |
| Additional Improvements | Upgrades to Norfolk International Terminal, Central Rail Yard expansion, Portsmouth Marine Terminal transformation into offshore wind energy hub |
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Author: VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER
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