VMA Maritime Day 2026: Industry Voices at the General Assembly

 

Virginia’s maritime industry had a strong presence in Richmond as the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) hosted Maritime Day 2026, bringing together VMA members from across the Commonwealth to engage directly with state lawmakers.

On Wednesday, January 28, VMA hosted its Legislative Reception, welcoming 130+ attendees for an evening that brought industry and policymakers together ahead of Maritime Day. Those conversations carried into Thursday, January 29, as members gathered at the General Assembly for a full day of meetings with Virginia’s House and Senate.

This year’s Maritime Day brought together 20 teams of VMA members for more than 90 scheduled meetings with members of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate, creating valuable opportunities to build relationships and strengthen connections with policymakers. These conversations highlighted the statewide impact of Virginia’s maritime and supply chain industries and focused on the need for continued investment in port-related infrastructure, workforce development, and policies that support our maritime economy.

During meetings with legislators, VMA members focused on several key priorities:

 

• Sustained investment in port and freight infrastructure to maintain Virginia’s competitiveness and support economic growth across the Commonwealth
• Workforce development initiatives that strengthen the maritime talent pipeline and address long-term labor needs
• Policies that support efficient, safe, and reliable supply chain operations across all regions of Virginia
• Continued collaboration between industry and government to ensure Virginia’s ports remain a strategic asset for the state and the nation

Maritime Day remains a cornerstone of VMA’s advocacy efforts, giving members a direct role in shaping conversations that affect the future of Virginia’s ports and supply chains. By showing up in Richmond and speaking with one voice, VMA members are better represented on the issues that matter most to their businesses and the broader maritime industry. Thank you to all our members who participated, shared their expertise, and represented the maritime and supply chain industry at the General Assembly.