Virginia Maritime Association

What Virginia Maritime Association does

The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) is a private, member-driven non-profit trade association founded in 1920 and headquartered at 236 East Plume Street, Norfolk, Virginia. It represents a statewide network of 400+ member companies — including ocean carriers (CMA CGM, ONE, ZIM), terminal operators, shipyards (Colonna's, BAE Systems), tug and barge operators, railroads (CSX), ports, banks, law firms, energy companies (Dominion Energy), and e-commerce shippers (Amazon) — collectively employing over 70,000 Virginians. Its core products are tiered membership subscriptions (Standard $850 through Platinum Anchor $13,350), the Virginia Ports Annual publication (in continuous print since 1925 plus a digital microsite), the Maritime Leadership Certification Program (MLCP), the annual International Trade Symposium, the Regional Maritime Training System workforce pipeline, and advocacy representation before the Virginia General Assembly, U.S. Congress, and local officials.

VMA's revenue is generated entirely through membership dues, event sponsorships, advertising in the Virginia Ports Annual, MLCP tuition, and event registration fees; it does not develop proprietary software products and operates on the iMIS association management platform with Teams/Zoom-equipped conference rooms. Its business model is community-led: nearly 20 standing committees and five regional chapters (Central, Northern, Southern, Southwest, Valley Logistics) drive member engagement, while signature events, advocacy wins (including full funding of the Norfolk Harbor deepening project and repeated successful legislative campaigns), and workforce development programming compound switching costs and reinforce retention. Distribution is direct and owned — no third-party resellers, marketplaces, or franchise operators are used — and the organization explicitly does not outsource advertising sales.

VMA's strategic posture is anchored on three missions stated on its website: connecting members, informing them through publications and briefings, and representing their interests at every level of government. Its nearly 106-year operating history, registered "Voice of Port Industries" brand, and documented advocacy outcomes (more than $1.3 billion in cumulative transportation and infrastructure funding secured) constitute its primary competitive moat, while its role as a workforce convener — backed by an $11M federal Good Jobs Challenge Grant and $12.1M in Navy funding — repositions it from a traditional association into an operational intermediary for Virginia's blue-economy labor market.

Name

Virginia Maritime Association

Legal name

Virginia Maritime Association

Website

https://vamaritime.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1920

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Virginia Maritime Association is a 1920-founded, Norfolk-headquartered non-profit trade association representing 400+ member companies across Virginia's port, shipping, and supply chain industries, collectively employing over 70,000 Virginians. It generates revenue from tiered membership dues, event sponsorships, and publication advertising while providing legislative advocacy, workforce development, and industry networking.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Trade Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE)

Keywords

• Maritime trade association
• Port industry advocacy
• Supply chain networking
• Maritime workforce development
• Port commerce promotion

Headquarters

HQ city

Norfolk

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations

Revenue model

1. Membership dues: Tiered annual membership subscriptions: Standard ($850), Unlimited ($1,800), Bronze Anchor ($2,250), Silver Anchor ($3,350), Golden Anchor ($6,910), and Platinum Anchor ($13,350). Additional employee representatives on Standard memberships are $400 per person. Future Leaders Program provides a 2-year discount for maritime professionals 40 and under.
2. Event sponsorships: Sponsorship packages for the annual International Trade Symposium (VMA26) and related events. Sponsorship tiers include: Global ($30,000+), Regional ($14,500+), Industry ($7,500+), Exhibitor Table ($5,000+), Golf Sponsor ($5,000+), Hospitality Suite ($5,000+), Banquet Sponsor ($8,500+), Banquet Table ($4,500+), Maritime Mixer Sponsor ($4,500+), Branded Column Wrap ($1,500), Golf Hole ($1,250), and Branded Elevator Wraps ($750). Includes year-round chapter and committee sponsorships.
3. Publication advertising: Advertising sales in the Virginia Ports Annual (digital and print supplement reaching 15,000–16,000 VMA member representatives plus global online audiences). Digital rates: Premium Rotating Sidebar $3,200, Standard Rotating Sidebar $2,650, Standard Banner $1,100, Premium Membership Directory Listing $325. Print rates: Maritime Career Guide Inside Front/Outer Back Cover $2,000 each, Full-Page Color $1,000.
4. Event registration fees: Paid admission to events such as the Maritime Breakfast Briefing — Member Early Bird $45, Standard $55 — and ticketed components of the International Trade Symposium (Golf Open, VIP Cruise, Maritime Mixer, Maritime Banquet Table of Ten).
5. Conference room and facility rentals: Complimentary to members but available as part of the membership value proposition; supports retention of paid memberships. VMA maintains three conference rooms at its Norfolk office (First Floor Boardroom seating up to 8, Second Floor Board Room seating up to 43, Third Floor Training Room seating up to 15), equipped with audio/visual, Wi-Fi, and virtual conference capabilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Virginia Maritime Association is a non-profit trade association organized in 1920 that sells tiered company memberships to maritime, port, supply chain, and professional services firms doing business through Virginia's ports. In exchange for annual dues, it delivers legislative advocacy at the Virginia General Assembly and U.S. Congress, networking through committees and regional chapters, industry publications (Virginia Ports Annual, Maritime Career Guide), leadership development (Maritime Leadership Certification Program, Future Leaders Program), and event programming (International Trade Symposium, Maritime Mixers, Breakfast Briefings).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Virginia Ports Annual: Virginia's most comprehensive resource about the port and supply chain industry and operations within the state; published by the Virginia Maritime Association since 1925 and distributed in both print and digital formats.
• Maritime Leadership Certificate Program (MLCP)
• Future Leaders Program

Products and services

• VMA Membership Tiered company membership (Standard $850, Unlimited $1,800, Bronze/Silver/Golden/Platinum Anchor from $2,250 to $13,350) providing advocacy representation, networking through committees and chapters, affinity benefits, conference room access, and workforce development programming to 400+ member companies employing 70,000+ Virginians.
• Virginia Ports Annual Comprehensive annual industry reference covering Virginia's port-related industries (port overview, commerce, vessel operations, shipbuilding and repair, international transportation, offshore wind, government services, workforce, and VMA membership directory) distributed as both a printed supplement and an interactive online microsite reaching 15,000-16,000 VMA member representatives and broader port stakeholders.
• Maritime Leadership Certification Program (MLCP) Year-long professional development cohort (March to March) covering 14 maritime industry segments through 11 program days including behind-the-scenes facility tours, leadership workshops, and a Legislative Overnight in Richmond; tuition $3,450 for VMA members / $4,200 for non-members; 120 alumni across seven graduated classes.
• Future Leaders Program Two-year membership-rate discount track for maritime professionals 40 and under, providing full member benefits while broadening industry exposure and building professional network. Companies whose primary representative is under 40 may qualify at no additional cost.
• VMA Maritime Career Guide Educational publication introducing students, parents, and school counselors to career pathways in the maritime and supply chain logistics industry; includes company profiles from VMA member businesses with direct links to entry-level positions; distributed in print and digital formats.
• VMA International Trade Symposium (VMA26) Annual flagship conference (East Coast's premier trade symposium) featuring keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and signature networking experiences (Welcome Reception, Maritime Mixer, Annual Maritime Banquet, Golf Open); sponsorship tiers range from Global Sponsor ($30,000) to Branded Elevator Wrap ($750).
• VMA Events Calendar & Programming Year-round event program including Maritime Mixers, Maritime Breakfast Briefings, Lunch and Learns, MIC Golf Classic, the 106th Annual Maritime Banquet, five regional Chapter Meetings (Central, Northern, Southern, Southwest, Valley Logistics), Membership Briefings, and Webinars.
• VMA Legislative Advocacy

Quantifiable outcome

• Norfolk Harbor widening/deepening project fully funded by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (completed late 2024) — giving Virginia the deepest water on the East Coast at 55 feet (Atlantic Ocean Channel dredged to 59 feet, Thimble Shoals Channel to 56 feet and widened to 1,400 feet).
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers25 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered major, moderate and minor.

• Propeller Club Port of NorfolkmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsored the MLCP Class of 2026 graduation ceremony alongside Host Agency. The Propeller Club also co-hosts the Maritime Careers Festival at The Mariners' Museum and Park in Newport News, VA (scheduled September 19, 2026). Active collaboration on maritime workforce and advocacy initiatives.
• Host AgencymoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsored the MLCP Class of 2026 graduation ceremony alongside the Propeller Club Port of Norfolk. Jammie Torres (Host Agency) is listed as an MLCP Class of 2026 graduate.
• Virginia Ship Repair AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn matters specific to the ship repair industry, VMA coordinates efforts with the Virginia Ship Repair Association as a partner organization also representing this vital sector of Virginia's maritime industry.
• Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) — International TrademajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVMA members are able to participate in VEDP export development programs, services, and grants through this partnership. VEDP assists new and experienced exporters by identifying new international markets, developing market entry strategies, optimizing supply chains, and locating distributors and representatives. The Virginia International Trade Plan (funded $1.35M in 2021, $4.6M/year in 2022) is a joint advocacy outcome.
• YMCA (South Hampton Roads and Peninsula)moderateOthersAffinity Program partner offering VMA member companies waived joining fees, discounted monthly rates ($41 single / $65 family vs. standard $63/$93), and 6-month or 1-year membership terms at participating South Hampton Roads and Peninsula YMCA locations. Open enrollment periods in March-April and October.
• Old Dominion UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVMA maintains a Scholarship Fund at Old Dominion University through its Awards & Memorial Committee. ODU Research is an Anchor member. MLCP Class of 2026 graduate Kaitlyn McCoy represents ODU. The university participates in maritime workforce development.
• Hampton Roads Workforce CouncilmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceived an $11M USEDA Grant in 2022 for maritime-related job training, with the grant used to build and train a pool of workers with a focus on the blue economy, energy, and related cybersecurity. Co-administers Regional Maritime Training System (RMTS).
• BlueForge AlliancemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with the U.S. Department of the Navy providing $12.1 million (46%) in support of the Regional Maritime Training System (RMTS) — the workforce development program established using an $11M Good Jobs Challenge Grant.
• Hampton Roads Global Commerce Center (HRGCC)moderateGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-hosts events with VMA including the HRGCC Holiday Mixer (December 2, 2026) and the HRGCC Supply Chain Summit Series (September 22, 2026 at ODU Strome Entrepreneurial Center, Norfolk). VMA calendars include HRGCC events alongside VMA's own programming.
• Pulaski ChamberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-hosted the Southwest Chapter summer event at Claytor Lake, VA on July 16, 2026 — a free networking event.
• Virginia Business MagazinemoderateOthersVMA members receive a complimentary 12-month subscription to Virginia Business magazine plus four additional annual publications: The Virginia Maritime Guide, StartVirginia, Hampton Roads Business, and Virginia 500. Anchor member relationship.
• Virginia Port AuthoritymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHolds the Grant of Authority of Foreign Trade Zone #20 and co-commissioned the William & Mary Mason School of Business FY22 Economic Impacts study of the Virginia maritime industry with VMA. Operates the Port of Virginia. VMA advocacy work centers on Port of Virginia infrastructure investment.
• Partner Hotels (VMA Hotel Program)minorOthersVarious hotels offer special rates for VMA members staying at select locations. Members-only benefit accessed via sign-in.
• Hilton Norfolk | The MainmoderateOthersHost venue for the VMA26 International Trade Symposium scheduled October 13-15, 2026 at 100 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510. Sponsorship packages include Branded Column Wrap ($1,500) and Branded Elevator Wraps ($750) at the venue.
• William & Mary Mason School of BusinessmoderateOthersConducted the FY22 Economic Impacts of the Virginia Maritime Industry study commissioned by VMA and the Virginia Port Authority. Found that the maritime industry supports 730,000 jobs and over $8 billion in state and local tax revenue. A prior study also by William & Mary found that one in five Virginia jobs are linked to maritime and supply chain logistics, and since 2013 the number of skilled workers handling cargo was up 54%.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA): The national trade association for public port authorities across the Western Hemisphere. Comparable to VMA as a port-industry advocacy and information body, but operates at a national/international scope rather than focusing on a single state's port ecosystem.
• Georgia Ports Authority / Georgia Maritime Trade Association: Port-related trade and infrastructure body serving the Port of Savannah, the largest single container port on the U.S. East Coast. Functions as a parallel industry convener in a directly competitive port region to the Port of Virginia.
• World Shipping Council: International trade association representing the global container shipping industry and serving as policy advocate for ocean carriers. Comparable in advocacy and policy work, but oriented toward carriers rather than the broad port/maritime community VMA serves.
• Chamber of Shipping of America: National trade association for U.S.-based shipowners and operators, covering maritime policy, labor, and environmental issues. Comparable as a maritime trade body with advocacy focus, but broader in scope and shipowner-centric versus VMA's full supply chain.

Direct peers

• Propeller Club of the United States: A national maritime business network with local port chapters (including the Propeller Club Port of Norfolk, a VMA partner). Highly comparable as a member-based maritime trade association, with parallel networking, advocacy, and workforce programming.

Regional players

• Virginia Ship Repair Association: A Virginia-focused ship repair industry trade association that coordinates with VMA on overlapping issues. Comparable as a regional maritime trade association, but narrower in scope (ship repair only) versus VMA's full maritime supply chain coverage.
• South Carolina Maritime Association: Trade body tied to the Port of Charleston ecosystem, serving a comparable role to VMA in another major East Coast port state. Operates in a competitive port region (Charleston) and serves a similar mix of carriers, terminals, and logistics members.
• Hampton Roads Global Commerce Center: Hampton Roads-based trade and commerce organization that co-hosts events with VMA (Holiday Mixer, Supply Chain Summit Series). Comparable as a regional industry convener, but with a broader trade/commerce focus rather than exclusively maritime and port.
• North Carolina Ports / NC Ports Association: State port authority and adjacent maritime trade activity serving the Port of Wilmington and Port of Morehead City. Comparable in serving a Southeastern U.S. port ecosystem with a similar mix of cargo, logistics, and workforce priorities.

Emerging players

• Intercoastal Trade Association: A trade-focused association serving maritime commerce and logistics stakeholders. Comparable in member-based advocacy and information services for the maritime industry, though with a narrower coastal commerce focus than VMA's full port ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@virginiamaritimeassociation
• Facebookfacebook.com/VAMaritime
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/virginia-maritime-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/vamaritime
• Xx.com/VAMaritime

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Virginia Maritime Association