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6/22/2026
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger formally inaugurated the Port of Virgina’s newly deepened shipping channel in a ceremony at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) on June 18.
The $450 million dredging project deepened the channel to 55 feet and was substantially completed in February. The project also included widening areas of the channel, which was completed in 2024, port officials said in a press release.
The Army Corps of Engineers is conducting ongoing maintenance and clean-up efforts. Once all support work has concluded and the channel is surveyed and depths verified, maritime charts will be updated to reflect the increased capacity.
“The [Port of Virginia] is now home to the deepest commercial shipping channel on the entire East Coast of the United States,” said Spanberger. “Because of this investment, the largest cargo ships in the Atlantic trade, and the next generation coming behind them, can now safely transit Norfolk Harbor with a full load."
The dredging project is part of the port's larger $1.4 billion Gateway Investment Program, which began in 2023 and is due to continue into 2027.
NIT is served by CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway.