LEADERS from the city of Richmond and the Port of Virginia have signed a lease that enables the port to continue to operate the Richmond Marine Terminal (RMT) through 2056.
Port authorities at the ceremony also unveiled a new mobile harbour crane purchased with a grant from the US federal government.
The US$4.2 million 350-ton crane is one of the first steps in the port's effort to modernise the 121-acre barge terminal. The crane will speed the loading and unloading of the container barge that calls RMT three times a week. The barge links RMT with the port of Virginia's container terminals in the Norfolk harbour.
CEO of the Virginia Port Authority, John Reinhart, said in a statement that the goal is to redevelop RMT and "create efficiency" in the cargo operation.
"That lease term allows us to begin implementing a long-term strategic plan for RMT that includes reinvesting in the terminal, collaborating with the city on marketing the facility and positioning RMT so that it becomes a catalyst for job creation, investment and economic development in the greater Richmond area," said Mr Reinhart.
Though the lease and crane were the focal points of the ceremony, the port also announced another significant investment on hand: a new barge with 50 per cent more capacity to carry containers in a single trip.
PORTS
09 February 2016 - 22:32
Port of Virginia signs 40-year lease on Richmond terminal
LEADERS from the city of Richmond and the Port of Virginia have signed a lease that enables the port to continue to operate the Richmond Marine Terminal (RMT) through 2056.
PORTS
09 February 2016 - 22:32
Port of Virginia signs 40-year lease on Richmond terminal
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