ICYMI: David White: The Best State for Business? Thank Virginia’s Maritime Industry

In case you missed it, an op-ed by David White, executive director of the Virginia Maritime Association, ran this morning in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The piece discusses the maritime industry’s significant contributions to the Commonwealth and the “immense potential” of the offshore wind industry.

In the piece, White writes:

“The future of Virginia’s maritime industry is bright. Every day we are seeing more opportunities for diversification and economic development stemming from international trade and logistics, building our national defense capabilities, offshore wind and other energy projects.”

White highlights how this success is going to lead to significant economic and workforce growth in Virginia in the coming years, which will benefit all residents. As we continue to support the offshore wind industry in Virginia, we also look forward to uplifting other sectors that drive the Commonwealth’s success.

Read the full op-ed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch HERE and below, and please feel free to share the piece on your social media channels.

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[Commentary] The Best State for Business? Thank Virginia’s Maritime Industry

Richmond Times-Dispatch

David White

August 6, 2024

In July, for a record sixth time, CNBC announced Virginia as 2024’s Top State for Business, and for good reason. It’s clear that businesses of all shapes and sizes are thriving across the commonwealth.

At the Virginia Maritime Association, we have long seen our industry serve as a cornerstone of our local and state economies, driving commerce, creating jobs and fostering innovation. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment where we can further diversify our maritime capabilities and seize new economic development opportunities, positioning Virginia as the global center of excellence in the maritime industry.

The Port of Virginia is the third largest container port on the U.S. East Coast and has become America’s most modern gateway. With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and efficient operations, the port has consistently delivered exceptional performance, even amid global supply chain disruptions.

Our port is the only place with the capabilities and expertise to build and maintain the nuclear aircraft carriers defending our nation. As home to the largest ship building and repair industrial base in the U.S., we are uniquely positioned to reap the economic benefits of meeting the current and the evolving needs of a modernizing Navy.

The latest assessment by the Mason School of Business at William & Mary reveals that 1 in 5 jobs in Virginia, nearly 730,000 in all, are linked to maritime. They generate nearly $57 billion in labor income and $8.1 billion in state and local taxes. While I am proud of these contributions, we must continue to build upon these strengths by embracing new opportunities for our workforce and technological advancements.

We’ve seen firsthand the technological revolution that the maritime industry is undergoing. By investing in research and development and fostering partnerships, we can create a thriving ecosystem for maritime technology and innovation. Establishing Virginia as the dedicated maritime technology hub will attract both startups and established companies, like the historic commitment by submarine cable manufacturer LS Greenlink. This is critical for driving economic growth and cementing our status as a global leader.

The Port of Virginia in Norfolk is considered a vital asset for the state’s economy. It’s also an especially important component for the emerging offshore wind industry and the supply chain that supports it.

As our maritime capabilities and career opportunities grow, it is crucial to invest in educational and workforce development programs that equip our citizens with the awareness and skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. Collaborating with educational institutions from K-12 through college, trade schools and vocational programs will help us develop career awareness and comprehensive training initiatives and programs tailored to the evolving needs of the maritime sector, which will ensure that Virginia’s workforce remains competitive on the global stage.

Beyond the research and development and workforce expansion opportunities, we’re also seeing alternative energy projects provide significant opportunities for Virginia’s maritime industry.

Offshore wind energy holds immense potential for Virginia. In fact, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is set to be one of the largest offshore wind farms in the U.S., with plans to generate 2.6 gigawatts of clean energy by 2026. With a new lease area directly east of the current CVOW project becoming available in August, and Dominion Energy’s recent acquisition of the Kitty Hawk North Wind Project to develop CVOW-South, this emerging industry is further driving investments in port infrastructure, supply chain capabilities and workforce training — expanding and diversifying Virginia’s already robust maritime industry.

To achieve our vision of becoming globally recognized as a center of maritime excellence, collaboration and advocacy are paramount. Working closely with our regional, state and federal partners and furthering relationships with industry stakeholders and community leaders, the Virginia Maritime Association will continue to champion the interests of our industry that will help drive statewide growth.

The future of Virginia’s maritime industry is bright. Every day we are seeing more opportunities for diversification and economic development stemming from international trade and logistics, building our national defense capabilities, offshore wind and other energy projects.

By embracing innovation, investing in career awareness and workforce development, and fostering collaboration, we can position Virginia as the global center of excellence in the maritime industry. Let us seize this moment together and continue forward on our path toward an even more prosperous, secure and sustainable future.