Original news was published on 31 January, 2017

The Port of Virginia set a new container throughput record in 2016, after handling 2.65 million TEU, an increase of 4.2 per cent year on year, with imports up six per cent and exports rising 2.6 per cent.

The Richmond Marine Terminal experienced its most productive year since the Virginia Port Authority began leasing the facility in 2010, and volumes were also up at the Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal, reported American Shipper.

"In 2016, we moved 106,000 more TEU than we did in 2015, which until now, was our highest volume year on record," Virginia Port Authority CEO John Reinhart said.

"The growth is significant - 8,800 TEU a month, on average - and we have responded with improved throughput in all facets of the operation, especially rail, where volume was 551,496 containers, an increase of 14 per cent when compared with 2015."

The port authority added that the fourth quarter was the best in the port's history, with double-digit volume increases, raising its market share of US east coast cargo volume to 14.5 per cent.

*NEWS SOURCE