We are a major gateway for exported frozen protein, imported seafood, perishables and pharmaceuticals and we continue to invest in our capabilities and capacity for refrigerated cargo. We know what goes into maintaining climate-controlled cargo through our gateways and on our docks. Our expert teams ensure from scheduling to storage to transit — you get a coordinated experience and consistent environment for your cargo.

Specialized Care for Sensitive Cargo

Whether by truck, train or barge, we have more ways than ever to deliver fluid, reliable and efficient service to the markets you serve.
Our central East Coast location is just two days drive from 3/4 of the US population, and we have two Class I railroads with double-stack two-day service to Midwest markets operating on nearly seven miles of on-dock track, ensuring we have ample capacity to quickly transfer your products to rail service. In addition, our Richmond Marine Terminal extends the reach of the port by barge to markets north of the port, providing access to deep-water container terminals while reducing road congestion and mitigating traffic delays.

Keeping Your Cargo Moving

Reefer-capable barges link our deep water terminals to ports in Richmond, Baltimore and Philadelphia

39 direct ocean carrier weekly services to all major source/destination markets

Truck gate turn-times consistently under 50 minutes

Rail-ready times below industry standards

In anticipation of more business, companies are establishing cold-storage warehouses near the port, which reduces transportation costs, lengthens shelf-life of perishables and allows goods to get to market faster.
The Port of Virginia has expanded its overall capacity to handle more refrigerated cargo by 66 percent with a combined investment of $800 million for expansion at its two primary container terminals, Virginia International Gateway and Norfolk International Terminals. Once construction is complete, the terminals will offer more than 2,300 reefer spots ensuring we have capacity even during peaks and surges.
The Port of Virginia also owns and operates its own chassis pool, and it is the only one of its kind offering Thermo King genset units. These eco friendly, economical, undermount units offer you more options for climate-controlled transit.

Room to Grow

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Our unique operating model combined with the latest in technology and deep expertise allows us to craft one-of-a -kind solutions not possible at other ports.

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The Port of Virginia Experience

We welcome your questions and interest in how our team can deliver for you. Let’s start a conversation today!

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Director, Ocean Carrier & Reefer Sales

Tony Salino

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The right climate for moving your cargo.

Refrigerated Cargoes

Collaborative Infrastructure Upgrades

Port Initiatives

Our commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040 includes transitioning to renewable energy sources across all port operations, reducing fuel emissions, and investing in zero-emission technologies. The Port of Virginia will continue to invest in initiatives in support of our commitment. 
 
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Environmental Sustainability

Port Investments

The initiative will construct a new drop lot allowing long-haul drivers a place to store containers while the terminal is closed. In addition, the modernized gate will consist of two inbound and two outbound lanes that will mirror the successful gate functionality at Virginia International Gateway (VIG) and Norfolk International Terminals (NIT). The new functionality will bring a higher level of safety to the facility by allowing the interchange of containers to be completed in the main terminal building instead of outside in the gate lanes.

Gate Modernization and Drop Lot Storage

The Central Rail Yard will complement the investment of semi-automation of Norfolk International Terminals with an expansion and modernization of its on-dock rail operation. This will provide new rail capacity for our customers who rely on efficient rail service to move their cargo.
The project will implement the same technology, successfully deployed at Virginia International Gateway, that has demonstrated substantial operational efficiencies resulting in the faster movement of your cargo.
Customer Benefits:
<ul>
<li>Efficient intermodal rail transfer, providing rapid supply chain delivery to key consumption markets</li>
<li>Reduction of road traffic and congestion, enhancing dray partner productivity and satisfaction</li>
</ul>

Central Rail Yard Expansion

This strategic initiative will deliver the same innovative semi-automation to NIT-North  as our other container terminals, increasing throughput and reliability, while at the same time densifying stacks to increase overall capacity.  In addition, the project will transform the all-diesel straddle carrier operation to all-electric by adding 18 semi-automated stacks, supporting our Net Carbon Zero goal by 2040 commitment.
Customer Benefits:
<ul>
<li>Efficient cargo throughput, driving supply chain reliability</li>
<li>Quick and predictable truck turn-times, ensuring dray partner productivity and satisfaction</li>
<li>Vessel productivity, enhancing carrier asset utilization and cost management</li>
</ul>

Container Terminal Optimization

This initiative will convert a mainly wheeled operation to a densified rubber tire gantry (RTG) crane operation, making better use of the facility footprint, increase efficiency and create more storage space. A new three-track bundle will create 4,400 linear feet of working track.

Rail Expansion

In a historic effort between the port, federal and state elected leaders, the US Army Corps of Engineers&#8217; Norfolk District office and the Virginia Maritime Association &#8211; the funding has been secured for the port and the US Army Corps to bring the Norfolk Harbor widening and deepening project to fruition. This 50-50 cost share project between the federal government and the port is a strategic initiative that will increase the depth of the Norfolk Harbor to 55 feet, Thimble Shoal Channel to a depth of 56 feet with widening to accommodate two-way vessel traffic, and the Atlantic Ocean Channel to a depth of 59 feet. An additional benefit of the project includes utilizing the dredged sands to offer additional coastal protection to local beaches.
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Channel Deepening & Widening

The Port of Virginia has completed the renovation of Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) Southern Berth, with $350 million provided by the General Assembly. This project transformed the oldest and largest terminal of the port into one of the most state-of-the-art terminals on Earth. Utilizing the same footprint, 60 new semi-automated stacking cranes have added 46% capacity, while also making the terminal safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.

Marine Terminal Capacity Expansion and Semi-Automation

Our Virginia International Gateway (VIG) Terminal now features the largest cranes on the East Coast. This project increases cargo and container capacity by expanding the berth at VIG another 800 feet to accommodate as many as three ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) at the same time. The Port of Virginia constructed 13 new semi-automated container stacks serviced by 26 rail-mounted gantry cranes, creating more room to stack and sort shipping containers.