VMA Committees

Built on a strong foundation of nearly 20 dedicated committees, VMA works to advance and support the maritime supply chain. Members have the opportunity to engage, collaborate, and make their voices heard. Explore Virginia Maritime Association’s committees and discover opportunities to get involved and shape the future of our industry.

Participation

  • Committee participation is for members only.
  • All committee meetings are a hybrid format, you can attend in-person or virtually at your convenience!
  • If you are interested in joining a committee, please reach out to Kristen Greene, Director of Membership Development, at [email protected].

Attend with Comfort:
In-person or Virtually

Our Committees Bring Together:
Industry Leaders and Experts


List of Committees

All Hazards Response

Responsible for coordinating efforts within the region to adequately respond to any maritime incident and for keeping the Port abreast of the current guidelines for safe transportation of hazardous cargo. View Committee Members

Cargo Owners

Provide a forum for cargo owners to discuss issues of concern and interest related to importing and exporting their goods through the ports of Virginia.

Coal

Responsible for all coal-related activities and issues in the ports of Virginia.

Communications and Outreach

Responsible for increasing awareness of the Association in the Virginia General Assembly, the United States Congress, and the general public.

Education and Training

Responsible for building and strengthening partnerships with organizations that will collaborate with the commercial maritime industry to deliver training, retention, and development programs necessary to meet the workforce needs to improve competitiveness and increase trade through Virginia's ports.

Environmental Affairs

Responsible for coordinating environmental compliance within the ports of Virginia.

Freight Forwarders & Customhouse Brokers

Responsible for monitoring issues directly impacting the FF & CCB, implementing a container booking system to improve gate transaction time, and work on PortMaster, an internet-based application essential to efficient maritime operations.

Harbor-Anchorage Dredging and Navigation Rules

Responsible for making recommendations to the Navigation Management Plan, promoting Virginia's dredging programs, and coordinating safety of navigation issues.

Inland Transportation

Responsible for monitoring trucking conditions and operations to include recommendations to improve road worthiness, maintenance of intermodal equipment, and throughput and turnaround time of cargo.

Marketing Advisory

Serves as an advisory body for VMA’s marketing initiatives, content, and products, as well as strategically enhancing the promotion of the maritime and supply chain sectors across the Commonwealth.

Membership

Responsible for increasing and expanding membership opportunities, sending out promotional materials, supplying information and education about the port and our activities, and other innovative marketing initiatives.

Offshore Wind

Responsible for providing a forum for active participants in the offshore wind energy industry to monitor issues and coordinate efforts that promote efficiency and safety in Virginia’s offshore wind energy industry. Furthermore, the committee shall strive to create an operating environment that supports businesses in the construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind energy facilities, and to foster a business environment that encourages the expansion and attraction of the region’s offshore wind energy supply chain.

Port Security

Responsible for coordinating efforts between government and industry stakeholders to improve port security readiness, prepare and respond to security incidents and emergencies, and foster improved communications and relationships.

Ship Operators & Agents

Responsible for addressing issues that facilitate Hampton Roads as the most cost-effective port and improving productivity at all terminals.

Ship Repair

On matters specific to the ship repair industry, VMA coordinates efforts with partner organizations also representing this vital sector of Virginia’s maritime industry, including the Virginia Ship Repair Association.

Supply Chain Technology & Innovation

Responsible for staying current with supply chain data & technology trends. Providing technical solutions to the maritime supply chain.

Terminal Operators

Responsible for improving terminal operations and maximizing efficiency, excluding coal.

Towing & Barge Operators

Plans Towing Vessel Safety Seminar with the USCG, coordinates movement of cargo via barges, provides recommendations for safe passage for waterborne traffic with regard to bridges, and addresses navigation safety concerns regarding new waterfront development.

Warehousing and Distribution Centers

Responsible for coordinating the use of warehouse space for temporarily storing imports and exports