Arthur W. Moye, Jr. presented 2018 “Distinguished Service Award”

Virginia Maritime Association and Hampton Roads Shipping Association are privileged to have had the service of Arthur W. Moye, Jr. as their Executive Vice President since November 1, 2004, and proud to award the 2018 “Distinguished Service Award” for his extended and readiness to assist the Maritime Industry in promoting, protecting and encouraging Virginia’s ports.

Mr. Moye’s career spanning over forty years in the maritime industry has included numerous leadership roles in service to Virginia’s ports and the economic wellbeing of its citizenry. He has worked extensively domestically and abroad to increase Virginia’s waterborne commerce and build community and political support for the interests of the maritime industry.

Mr. Moye led efforts protecting the marine terminals of the Commonwealth, improving their governance, and maintaining an open and competitive business environment in Virginia’s port operations, and    has been a champion for historic levels of investment to greatly increase cargo handling capacity and the widening and deepening of the Port of Virginia’ s navigation channels. 

The VMA presented its “Port Champion” award to two recipients for 2018

The Virginia Maritime Association presented its “Port Champion” to Colonel Jason E. Kelly.  As Commander of the Norfolk District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since July 16, 2015, Kelly has embraced the maritime community and recognized the current and future economic and strategic significance of Virginia’s ports to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation.

Under Colonel Kelly’s leadership the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has successfully maintained and advanced key port infrastructure while delivering projects also beneficial to the natural environment, and has played a pivotal role advancing the widening and deepening of the Port of Virginia’s navigation channels in order to provide unrestricted safe and efficient navigation for the U.S. Navy and ever-larger commercial ships, improving commerce and national security. 

Captain Richard J. Wester was also recognized as a Virginia Maritime Association “Port Champion”. Wester has served as the Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads since June 2016, and for the previous two years as Deputy Commander.

Captain Wester has embraced the maritime community and displayed a spirit of cooperation and partnership in all matters affecting Virginia’s ports, and has led several efforts improving the navigational safety off the coast and on the waterways of Virginia, including preparing the Port of Virginia ahead of other U.S. East Coast ports for the evolution to Ultra Large Container Vessels.

Captain Wester has balanced the needs of the many users of the waterways while providing for the efficient port operations that have contributed to the growth of foreign and domestic commerce in Virginia’s ports.

The VMA is a trade association of over 450 companies, employing over 70,000 Virginians.  Promoting, Protecting and Encouraging commerce through Virginia’s ports, since 1920.  “The Voice of Port Industries”